Conversations Beyond the Pew with the Rev: Recent Episodes
Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church
Where we discuss, delve deeper, seek out wisdom, and make new connections through conversations with everyday people.
Are you searching for more clarity in life?
Do you ever want answers but they are elusive?
Have you ever said to God, “just tell me, show me” but the answer doesn’t seem to come?
Sunday, October 12, 2025 - Finding Our Way with God when looking for Answers
Daniel 4:1-19
Bible Study: Where is Jesus in the Old Testament? part 1
Let the Search Begin!
Luke 24:27
Then he interpreted for them the things written about himself in all the scriptures, starting with Moses and going through all the Prophets.
John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word
and the Word was with God
and the Word was God.
2 The Word was with God in the beginning.
3 Everything came into being through the Word,
and without the Word
nothing came into being.
What came into being
4 through the Word was life,[a]
and the life was the light for all people.
5 The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.
John 5:45-47
“Don’t think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, the one in whom your hope rests. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, because Moses wrote about me. If you don’t believe the writings of Moses, how will you believe my words?”
Genesis 1:25-27
God made every kind of wildlife, every kind of livestock, and every kind of creature that crawls on the ground. God saw how good it was. 26 Then God said, “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take charge of the fish of the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the earth, and all the crawling things on earth.”
27 God created humanity in God’s own image,
in the divine image God created them,
male and female God created them.
Daniel 3:25
25 He replied, “Look! I see four men, unbound, walking around inside the fire, and they aren’t hurt! And the fourth one looks like one of the gods.”
Have you ever felt like your life was out of control?
How do you handle things when life feels out of control?
Where is God when life feels out of control?
Sunday, October 5, 2025 - Finding Your Way with God when you aren't in control
Daniel 3:1-2, 4-6, 8-21, 23-28
Do you ever feel confused by life?
Do you ever struggle to make sense of situations?
Do you ever wonder how God helps you make sense of situations?
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Finding Our Way with God when trying to make sense of situations
Daniel 2:24-49
Where is God when you are struggling in life?
Have you ever struggled in life and wondered if God even cares?
Do you ever question how God helps during difficult times?
Sunday, September 21, 2025 - Finding our way with God when life is a struggle
Daniel 2:1-23
Peace #Relationships #HelpOthers #Compassion #Communication #RespondingWell #Guidance #Wisdom #Insight #WayForward #Possibilities #PeacefulLife #GodsLove #GodsPresence
How can God help you when life changes?
Have you ever wondered when life changes if God is present or even cares?
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Daniel 1:1-20
Have you ever tried to do the right thing and it didn’t go well?
Sunday, August 31, 2025
2 Samuel 9:1-13; 16:1-4; 19:24-30
Risks #CalculatedRisk #Gratitude #HelpOthers #HelpingOthers #Compassion #Kindness #KindnessMatters #Love #Peace #Relationships
Have you ever struggled with expectations? Whether they were your expectations or someone else’s?
Have you ever tried making plans, making sure everything was just right and then it went sideways?
Sunday, August 24, 2025
2 Samuel 7:1-29
Exploring God’s Protection: when making plans
Do you ever struggle with change?
Have you ever feared change or felt like you were being dragged through it?
Now on the other side have you ever been excited for change?
Sunday, August 17, 2025
2 Samuel 6:1-23
Have you ever felt taken advantage of?
Have you ever done something nice for someone else and that kindness wasn’t reciprocated?
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Exploring God's Protection: when helping others
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life?
Do you ever feel like you are dealing with too much?
When we are feeling overwhelmed with life, where is God and how is God protecting us then?
Sunday, July 20, 2025
1 Samuel 23:1-29
Do you ever feel like life throws you curveballs?
Maybe you’ve had moments when your life feels like a game of dodge ball without a referee?
How does God provide protection when life throws us curveballs?
Sunday, July 13, 2025
1 Samuel 21:1-15 & 22:1-5
Have you ever felt like there is too much noise in this world?
Have you ever struggled to make heads or tails of what in the world is going on?
Have you ever faced difficulties and wondered who could help? Who or what to listen to that could bring relief?
Exploring God’s Protection: Deciding who and what you listen to
Sunday, July 6, 2025
1 Samuel 19:1-24
Have you ever felt like life is a mess?
Do you ever wonder what it takes for life to feel less messy?
Exploring God’s Protection in the context of deciding what really matters.
Sunday, June 29, 2025
1 Samuel 18:1-30
Do you ever want God to fix something for you?
Do you ever wish God would make everything better for you and others?
Do you ever wonder how God can help you out of a difficult situation?
How does God protect you?
Sunday, June 22, 2025
Numbers 6:22-27
Deuteronomy 32:10-12
Psalm 5:11-12; 27:1-8; 63:1-8
Ephesians 6:10-18
How does God show up in your life?
Have you ever wondered where is God?
Does God really care anything about me?
Where is God when things are tough?
Sunday, June 15, 2025
1 Samuel 16:1-23
Have you ever wanted to experience God, to know God's presence, to know God has your back?
How does Jesus impact your prayer life?
Sunday, June 1, 2025
John 17:1-26
How does Jesus deal with loneliness?
Do you ever feel misunderstood, disconnected, or lonely?
Have you ever been surrounded by people but feel isolated?
Sunday, May 25, 2025
John 14:15-31
Do you ever struggle with certain relationships?
Are you ever frustrated by what other people do?
Do you ever wish your relationship were better, easy, or wanted to cultivate more?
How does Jesus help you in your relationships?
Sunday, May 18, 2025
John 13:31-35
Acts 11:1-18
How does Jesus help you find peace?
Do you ever feel like your life is too busy?
Do you ever feel like life is so chaotic it makes your head spin?
Do you ever wish you could catch a break or have a little more peace?
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Acts 9:22-43
Have you ever wanted to experience God, to know God's presence, to know God has your back?
How does Jesus impact your prayer life?
Sunday, June 1, 2025
John 17:1-26
Have you ever wondered if things will ever get better?
Have you ever struggled to notice the good, what is beautiful in the midst of chaos?
Easter, Sunday, April 20, 2025 - Impossible Joy
Matthew 28:1-20
Who is Jesus on the cross?
What are the heavy burdens you are carrying that you want to get rid of?
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Matthew 27:32-61
Who is Jesus in tense situations?
Have you ever been in a tense situation and wished that it would stop?
Have you ever struggled to deal with tense situations?
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Matthew 27:1-2, 11-31
Who is Jesus when no one seems to care?
Have you ever felt like no one cared?
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Matthew 26:57-75
Do you ever feel pressure from others, situations, or yourself?Who is Jesus under pressure?
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Matthew 26:36-56
Who is Jesus when celebrations are interrupted?
Have you ever been so exhausted, frustrated, or busy that celebration seems impossible?
Matthew 26:17-35
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Have you ever had to deal with difficult people?
Do you wonder if there is a better way of handling situations with others?
Who is Jesus when there are haters?
Sunday, March 9, 2025
Matthew 26:1-16
Do you ever feel like life is a struggle?
Do you feel like problems just build with no relief?
How does Jesus give you confidence in living life?
Sunday, March 2, 2025
John 9:18-41
How do you want healing in your life?
How does Jesus change your understanding of healing?
Sunday, February 23, 2025
John 9:1-17
How can you be a healing presence for others?
Do you ever find it difficult to say the right thing at the right time?
You want to be helpful to others but you aren’t sure how?
Sunday, January 26, 2025
Mark 3:1-11, 20-35
What are some practices that make your life better?
Sunday, January 5, 2025
Philippians 2:1-18
How do you turn your dreams into reality?
How do you create a good life?
How do you make good things happen for yourself and others?
How do you get off the hamster wheel of doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results?
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Isaiah 52:1-10Psalm 98:1-8
Do you ever feel overwhelmed?
Do you feel too busy and exhausted by the Christmas season?
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Genesis 1:27-31
Jeremiah 31:31-33
Micah 5:2-4
Luke 1:26-35, 38
How do you create a life worth living?
Do you ever feel unfulfilled?
Do you ever wonder if this is all there is to life?
Do you ever second guess the decisions you made about your life?
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Luke 2:21-40
How do you discover your purpose?
Do you ever feel like what you do doesn’t matter?
Have you ever felt useless?
Do you ever feel like you are on a hamster wheel and getting nowhere?
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Matthew 2:1-23
How do you know where you belong?
Have you ever felt out of place?
Have you ever wondered whether or not you really belong in a particular community, with your family, where you work, in school, at church, or just in general?
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Matthew 1:1-9, 16-25
Jeremiah 33:15-16
Psalm 25:1-2, 4-5
Who is Jesus?
Why does it matter who Jesus is?
How does knowing who Jesus is impact our regular, every day lives?
Sunday, November 24, 2024
John 18:7-37
How do you heal from suffering?
Sunday, November 17, 2024
Exodus 1:1-22; 2:1-10
Quotes
Famous Buddhist saying: “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”
Buddha: “It is a man’s own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways.”
Micah 6:8 - “what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?”
How do you find healing when grieving?
Sunday, November 10, 2024
Genesis 50:1-26
Questions
What are the rituals we practice when grieving and help others to practice?
Who do we allow to be present for our grief and who are we present for?
How do we observe and give space to our grief?
How do we allow grief to shape us?
How are we blessing others as we live with our grief?
How do we allow our grief to deepen connections with others?
How do we allow celebration to be part of our grief?
Quotes
Marcus Cicero: “Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.”
Rumi: “Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life’s search for love and wisdom.”
Do you ever want to be helpful?
Do you ever wish you could fix things for others or just make life better?
How can you be a healing presence for others?
Genesis 48:1-22
Sunday, November 3, 2024
Quote
Henri Nouwen: “To give someone a blessing is the most significant affirmation we can offer.”
How do you deal with pressure?
How do you find healing when you're under pressure?
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Genesis 47:13-31
Quotes
Kobe Bryant: “Everything negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise.”
Jurgen Klopp: “The challenge is to stay cool enough to handle the pressure in the moment so that you can succeed in the future.”
How do you find healing when you're uncomfortable?
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Genesis 46:1-7, 28-34; 47:1-12
How do you find healing when you have regrets?
How many of us struggle with regrets?
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Genesis 45
Where do you find hope?
Sunday, October 6, 2024
Isaiah 40:28-31
Isaiah 43:1-4
1 Timothy 4:7b-9
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
How do you find healing in complicated relationships?
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Genesis 44
How do you find healing from your past?
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Genesis 42:1-29, 35-38
Do you ever feel like you've been forgotten by others?
Do you ever feel like you don't matter?
Do you ever struggle with being heard?
Genesis 41:1-16, 25-41
Sunday, September 8, 2024
Do you ever feel like life is harder than it needs to be?
Why do things have to be so complicated?
Sunday, September 1, 2024
Genesis 35:1-29
Do you ever feel like life is too chaotic?
How do you experience God when everything is changing?
Sunday, August 25, 2024
Genesis 31:1-32
Finding Peace in the Chaos of life.
A conversation with Jennifer about the good, bad, and everything in between when we feel alone.
How do you deal with loneliness?
How do you experience God's presence when you feel alone?
Sunday, August 18, 2024
Genesis 28:10-22; 29:1-14
How do you deal with disappointment?
How do you experience God's presence when you are disappointed?
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Genesis 27:30-46, 28:1-5, 8-9
How do you experience God's presence when your family is complicated?
Sunday, August 4, 2024
Genesis 27:1-29
A conversation with Jennifer about worries, the future, and how do we deal with any of it.
How do you experience God's presence when the future seems uncertain?
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Genesis 15
How do you experience God's presence when relationships change?
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Genesis 13:1-18
How do you experience God’s presence when life changes?
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Genesis 8:20-22, 9:1-17
A conversation with Jen and Josh on how do you deal with fear?
We reflected on the previous Sunday's message on "How do you experience God when you are afraid?"
How do you experience God’s presence when you are afraid?
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Genesis 3:1-24
How do you know God’s will for your life?
Sunday, June 23, 2024
Ephesians 5:6-21
Quotes
Socrates says: “True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us.”
Buddha: “Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting.”
Thomas A. Edison: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
Kobe Bryant: “Everything negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise.”
Henri Nouwen: “The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.”
Eckhart Tolle: “It is through gratitude for the present moment that the spiritual dimension of life opens up.”
How does God help you make a good life?
Sunday, June 16, 2024
Luke 11:14-36
Quotes
Hippocrates: “Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.”
Jean-Paul Sartre (zhaan paal saar truh): “Freedom is what you do with what’s been done to you.”
Viktor E. Frankl: “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
How do you create a legacy that matters?
Sunday, June 2, 2024
John 12: 34-50
Quotes
Taylor Swift: “No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.”
William Shakesspeare: “No legacy is so rich as honesty.”
Lionel Richie: “‘Let the music play on’ would be my legacy.”
Who does God call you to be?
Sunday, May 26, 2024
John 8:1-19
Quotes
Wayne Dyer: “Judgments prevent us from seeing the good that lies beyond appearances.”
W.E.B DuBois: “A true and worthy ideal frees and uplifts a people; a false ideal imprisons and lowers.”
Brené Brown: “You’re imperfect, and you’re wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.”
John 13:34-35
“I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.” or in
John 15:9-10
“As the Father loved me, I too have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his life.
How do you improve communication?
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Acts 2:1-28
Quotes
Rowan Williams: “Bad human communication leaves us less room to grow.”
Rita Mae Brown: “Language exerts hidden power, like the moon on the tides.”
Buddha: “Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.”
Mark Twain: “A man’s character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation.”
How do you create a meaningful life?
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Luke 8:1-18
Quotes:
Aristotle: “The energy of the mind is the essence of life.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Buddha: “Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”
How do you have energy for what is important?
Do you ever feel like your energy is in short supply and one more thing and you feel leveled?
Sunday, May 5, 2024John 1:1-18
Quotes
Mother Teresa: “Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.”
Dylan Thomas: “Do not go gentle into that good night but rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
How do you love well… especially when others and situations don’t make it easy?
Do you ever feel like the world is lacking love, compassion, understanding, respect, etc?
Do you ever get frustrated with the way people treat one another, the way you’ve been treated or how you respond to others when they aren’t easy to be around?
Sunday, April 28, 2024
John 15:1-21
Quotes
James Baldwin: “Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is growing up.”
Lao Tzu: “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
Mother Teresa: “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
Dalai Lama: “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.”
How do you find yourself when you feel lost?
Sunday, April 21, 2024John 10:1-18
Quotes
“Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other.” - John 13:34
“Why do you see the splinter that’s in your brother’s or sister’s eye, but don’t notice the log in your own eye?” - Matthew 7:3
“Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.” - Luke 6:37
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” - Luke 6:27
“Therefore, stop worrying about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” - Matthew 6:34
1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 13. “Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t arrogant, it isn’t rude, it doesn’t seek its own advantage it isn’t irritable, it doesn’t keep a record of complaints, it isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth. Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things…. Now faith, hope, and love remain - these three things - and the greatest of these is love.”
Coretta Scott King says: “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
John Lewis says: “What I try to tell young people is that if you come together with a mission, and it's grounded with love and a sense of community, you can make the impossible possible.”
How do you move forward in life?
Sunday, April 14, 2024
John 21:1-8
Sayings of Jesus:
“Why do you see the splinter that’s in your brother’s or sister’s eye, but don’t notice the log in your own eye?” - Matthew 7:3
“Whoever hasn’t sinned should throw the first stone.” John 8:7
“If you forgive the sins of any, they will be forgiven.” John 20:23
“Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other.” - John 13:34
“Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives? What will people give in exchange for their lives.” - Matthew 16:25-27
“Much will be demanded from everyone who has been given much, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked.” - Luke 12:48
How do you heal a broken heart?
Sunday, April 7, 2024
John 20:19-23
Quotes:
India Arie: “For me, the healing process starts with graciousness and forgiveness.”
Leo Buscaglia: “Let go. Why do you cling to pain? There is nothing you can do about the wrongs of yesterday. It is not yours to judge. Why hold on to the very thing which keep you from hope and love.”
Elizabeth Gilbert: “When you are standing in [a] a forest of sorrow, you cannot imagine that you could ever find your way to a better place. But if someone can assure you that they themselves have stood in that same place, and now have moved on, sometimes this will bring hope.”
How do you find happiness?
Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024
Luke 24:1-12
Isaiah 25:6-9
Sayings of Jesus:
“You must love your neighbor as you love yourself.” - Matthew 22:39
“...be wise as snakes, and innocent as doves” - Matthew 10:16
“Therefore, stop worrying about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” - Matthew 6:34
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” - Luke 6:27
“Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.” - Luke 6:37
“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28
Quotes
Marcus Aurelius: “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
Seneca: “Every new beginning comes from other beginning’s end.”
C.S. Lewis: “Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.”
Mary Shelley: “The beginning is always today.”
Desmond Tutu: “Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.”w
How do you change your relationships?
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Luke 22:1-27
Quote
A.J. Levine says: “Sacrifice was a way of sharing a meal with God… And it had many functions, because there were many types of sacrifices: thanksgiving offerings, freewill offerings, dedicatory offerings, festal offerings, and yes, sin offerings… In eating the meat, the worshiper would be, symbolically, sharing a meal with God.”
How do you create a better life for yourself?
Sunday, March 17, 2024
1 Thessalonians 5:10-28
Quotes
Marcus Aurelius: “Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”
Harriet Beecher Stowe: “The past, the present and the future are really one: they are today.”
Robert Downey Jr.: "I'd like to thank my veterinarian — I meant wife — Susan Downey over there. She found me, a snarling rescue pet, and loved me back to life. That's why I am here. Thank you."
How do you change your day when things feel out of control?
Sunday, March 10, 2024
Colossians 3:8-17
Quotes
Ralph W. Sockman: “True humility is intelligent self respect which keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves. It makes us modest by reminding us how far we have come short of what we can be.”
Simon Sinek: “Humility is being open to the ideas of others.”
How do you stay away from negativity?
How do you not let other people’s negativity affect you?
How does gratitude impact your perspective?
Sunday, March 3, 2024
2 Corinthians 4:1-18
Quotes
Walter Brueggemann: “There is a generosity of the spirit in the gospel, a generosity not overpowered by our fears… It is this gospel based generosity that will still our fears, curb our anger, quench our brutality, and make us new.”
Anne Lamott: “I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.”
How does gratitude change what is important to you?
Sunday, February 25, 2024
1 Corinthians 10:14-33
Quotes
Psalm 24:1“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants too.”
Henri Nouwen: “When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.”
Harriet Ward Beecher: “Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.”
How do you practice gratitude when life is hard?
Sunday, February 18, 2024Matthew 15:21-39
Quotes
Henri Nouwen: “The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.”
“Perhaps nothing helps us make the movement from our little selves to a larger world than remembering God in gratitude. Such a perspective puts God in view in all of life, not just in the moments we set aside for worship or spiritual disciplines. Not just in the moments when life seems easy.”
Eckhart Tolle: “It is through gratitude for the present moment that the spiritual dimension of life opens up.”
Karl Barth: “Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.”
How do you not get stuck in drama?
Sunday, February 11, 2024Acts 8-26
Quotes
Viktor E. Frankl: “When we are no longer able to change a situation - we are challenged to change ourselves.”
Chuck Palahniuk: “People don’t want their lives fixed. Nobody wants their problems solved. Their dramas, their distractions. Their stories resolved. Their messes cleaned up. Because what would they have left? Just the big scary unknown.”
Don Miguel Ruiz: “Don’t make assumptions. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.”
How do you not let things hold you back from a good life?
Sunday, February 4, 2024
Matthew 19:13-30
Quote
Henri Nouwen says: “To give someone a blessing is the most significant affirmation we can offer.”
How can you find more stability in your life?
James 1:5-6
Quotes
Ansel Adams: “In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration.”
Albert Einstein: “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing… Never lose a holy curiosity.”
How do you let go of expectations?
Sunday, January 28, 2024
Genesis 17:1-22
Quote
Marcus Aurelius: “You always own the option of having no opinion. There is never any need to get worked up or to trouble your soul about things you can’t control. These things are not asking to be judged by you. Leave them alone.”
How do you get through the hard times?
James 1:2-4
Quotes:
Marcus Aurelius: “You always own the option of having no opinion. There is never any need to get worked up or to trouble your soul about things you can’t control. These things are not asking to be judged by you. Leave them alone.”
Virgil: “Every calamity is to be overcome by endurance.”
How do you recognize God's blessings when life is chaotic?
Sunday, January 21, 2024
Genesis 1:9-31
Ryan Holiday: “Like a virus, calm spreads by contact. It spread through the air. We exude it, shedding our excess strength onto others, infecting them as they in turn infect others - not with a degrading, harmful agent, but one that builds strength and purpose. When everything is charged with fear, a spark can ignite a panic. It can ensure demoralization and then defeat. But just as easily, one person can ground out this dangerous electrical current. One person can turn things around.”
How do you find motivation for a healthy life?
How do you know your motivations are healthy?
Sunday, January 7, 2024
Isaiah 60:1-6
Matthew 2:1-4
Quotes:
Ryan Holiday: “What I’ve found in my research is that realism and self-honesty are the antidote to ego, hubris, and delusion.”
Brené Brown: “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”
William James: “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”
How do you find healing in life?
What does healing even mean when it isn’t about what we want?
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Isaiah 61:1-4
Luke 2:22, 24-40
How do you stay focused on what matters?
How do you not get distracted by things that aren’t worth your time?
When you think of Christmas, what are the things you want to be focused upon?
Sunday, December 24, 2023
Isaiah 52:1-6
Luke 2:4-16
Quote:William James: “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
How do you deal with people who get on your nerves?
Luke 19:7-9
Quotes
Jackie Kennedy: “Whenever I was upset by something in the papers, Jack always told me to be more tolerant, like a horse flicking away flies in the summer.”
Tyler Perry: “You can never be upset with the people who forced you into your dream or up higher.”
How do you enjoy Christmas when so much seems to get in the way?
How do you have a meaningful Christmas when things aren’t exactly what you want?
Sunday, December 17, 2023
Luke 1:41-75
William Arthur Ward: “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”
Chief Tecumseh of the Shawnee said: “When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.”
Psalm 136:1-3
Give thanks to the Lord because he is good.
God’s faithful love lasts forever!
Give thanks to the God of all gods—
God’s faithful love lasts forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of all lords—
God’s faithful love lasts forever.
How do you not let stress impact holiday celebrations?
How do you remain calm in stressful situations no matter the season?
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Luke 1:5-40
Quote
Ryan Holiday: “So much of the distress we feel comes from reacting instinctually instead of acting with conscientious deliberation. So much of what we get wrong comes from the same place. We’re reacting to shadows. We’re taking as certainties impressions we have yet to test. We’re not stopping to put on our glasses and really look.”
How do you keep going when you’re exhausted?
How do you keep going when you’ve got nothing left to give?
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Mark 8:1-25
Quotes:
Vaclav Havel: “Hope is a state of mind, not of the world. Hope, in this deep and powerful sense, is not the same as joy that things are going well, or willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously heading for success, but rather an ability to work for something because it is good.”
Desmond Tutu states it well: “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”
How do you keep your fears in check when they feel overwhelming?
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Luke 6:1-13, 17-23, 27-31
Quote
In current language Howard Thurman: “A person’s conviction that one is God’s child automatically tends to shift the basis of one’s relationship with others. This person recognizes at once that to fear someone, whatever may be that one’s power over the person, is a basic denial of the integrity of one’s life. It lifts that mere person to a place of pre-eminence that belongs to God and to God alone.”
How do you cope with holiday pressures?
How do you deal with holiday expectations?
How do you handle the family dynamics, the disappointments, or the complex emotions that come with this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Deuteronomy 8:14, 16-18
Luke 7:31-50
Quotes
Jelly Roll: “Need a Favor”“I only talk to God when I need a favorAnd I only pray when I ain’t got a prayer.”
Anne Lamott: “I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.”
Have you ever felt like life is stacked against you?
Have you ever tried to make the right decisions and things don’t work out like you want?
How do you handle those situations that leave you disappointed and wanting something different?
Sunday, November 12, 2023
Genesis 40:1-23
Quotes:
Walter Brueggemann says: “The world of despair believes that there are no new gifts, no fresh generosity, no possibility of newness of forgiveness, and so life becomes a zero-sum game to see who can stay the longest on top of the heap, all the while knowing that there will be no good outcome to the futile rat race.”
Serene Jones says: “To forgive is to let go of what weighs us down so that we are freed to do the work of love in the world. Freed also to let ourselves be loved.”
Marcus Aurelius: “Does what happened keep you from acting with justice, generosity, self-control, sanity, prudence, honesty, humility, straightforwardness?”
Have you ever been mad at yourself?
Have you ever struggled with liking yourself?
How can you have more peace when you feel mad or are struggling with liking yourself?
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Genesis 32:3, 6-7, 9, 11, 13, 24-28
Genesis 33:1-17a
Have you ever been frustrated by your expectations of yourself or others?
How do you determine what are healthy expectations of self and others?
Sunday, October 15, 2023
Mark 9:14-30, 33-41
What can help you ease worries about the future for yourself and others?
How do you stay calm when the future is unknown?
What will help you when situations seem stacked against you?
Sunday, October 8, 2023
Select verses from: 1 Samuel 20:1-42
Do you find yourself too busy, anxious, or overwhelmed to enjoy life?
Is your day more chaotic than you think it should be?
What does it take to find peace, a calm in your current situation?
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Genesis 1-3, 6-17, 20-31
Do you have regrets that bother you?
Do you ever wish you could change your past?
Do you ever feel like you’ve lost something in the past and wish you could get it back?
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Exodus 4:1-20, 27-31
Do you ever lie awake at night worrying or feel stressed by situations during the day?
Have you ever felt like your patience, your limits, your time, your peace is being tested by situations, people, maybe even God?
Sunday, September 17, 2023
Jeremiah 30:3-7
Jeremiah 31:22-34
When do you ignore something or someone?
Quote: “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” - Albert Einstein
Luke 10:5-6
Matthew 10:14
How do you move forward when relationships are complicated?
How do you deal with difficult relationships in a healthy way?
Do you want to cultivate more peace in your relationships?
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Matthew 18:15-35
Have you ever been overwhelmed by the pain of the world and wondered how to respond?
Have you ever been hurt and wondered if there are better ways of handling it?
Sunday, September 3, 2023
Romans 13:8-14
Romans 14:1-4
Galatians 4:8-19
Have your fears ever impacted your confidence or what you are willing to do?
Have you ever struggled to stand up to your fears?
Is there a way to quiet the fears that threaten to consume you?
Sunday, August 27, 2023
1 Samuel 17:33-58
Have you ever doubted your self worth?
Do you ever feel like you aren’t measuring up to other people’s or your own expectations?
Have you ever felt insignificant?
Have you wondered what it takes to quiet that inner voice that whispers not good enough, never enough, screw up, should be further along in life, etc?
Sunday, August 30, 2023
1 Samuel 17:1-32
Have you ever struggled with how to make things better in life?
Have you ever found yourself struggling to enjoy life but aren’t sure of how to change it?
Sunday, August 13, 2023
Jeremiah 31:1-17
Cultivating Healthy Relationships
How do you define a healthy relationship?
Quotes
Aristotle
“A friend to all is a friend to none.”
Khalil Gibran
“Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”
Lucius Annaeus Seneca
“One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood.”
Elie Wiesel
“Friendship marks a life even more deeply than love. Love risks degenerating into obsession, friendship is never anything but sharing.”
Have you ever found yourself struggling with how to respond to a situation?
Have you ever found yourself at a loss of where to even begin when trying to respond?
Sunday, August 6, 2023
Acts 28:1-22
How do you stay positive in a negative world?
Do you ever feel the despair of nothing seems to be getting better?
Romans 5:2-5
Have you ever felt like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders?
Have you ever wondered what it takes to ease some of that burden?
Matthew 11:27-30
Romans 8:31-39
Ephesians 2:8-10
How do you know when it’s time to take a step back?
How do you know when it’s time to hit pause on something?
Mark 6:10-12
How do you handle change?
Have you felt the force of change and wanted no part of it?
Have you ever needed a change in your life but weren’t sure which way to go?
Sunday, July 23, 2023
Acts 8:1-25
Do you ever struggle with your purpose in life?
Do you ever struggle with finding clarity during life's transitions?
Deuteronomy 15:11
Have you ever felt incapable?
Have you ever underestimated your ability to deal with whatever is before you?
Sunday, July 16, 2023
2 Kings 19:1-11, 14-16, 19, 29-30, 32-33
Have you ever felt pressure when making decisions?
Have you ever been anxious or fearful about making the right decision?
Sunday, July 9, 2023
Esther 4:1, 4-16; 5:1-8
Is there anything you need to let go of?
Do you find it hard to let go of certain things?
Do you ever find yourself dwelling on thoughts, going over and over them and the only thing it changes is how you feel and it isn’t necessarily good?
Acts 17:16-34
Have you ever disagreed with someone?
Has a disagreement ever gone bad really quick?
Sunday, June 25, 2023
John 10:22-42
Do you ever feel like you sometimes get in the way of your own health and happiness?
Have you ever felt that tension of knowing what you need to do, what you should do, but that’s not really what you want to do?
2 Kings 5:1-19a
Do you ever feel alone?
Do you ever feel lonely even when surrounded by people?
Do you ever wonder if others are struggling in life the same way you are?
Philippians 1:3-5
Have you ever had trouble making sense of situations?
Do you ever feel confused by other people’s actions?
Sunday, June 11, 2023
John 3:1-28
Have you ever felt dissatisfied with life?
Is there a way to be at peace with life?
2 Corinthians 9:11
Have you ever dreaded having a conversation?
Do you ever find yourself putting off hard conversations?
Sunday, June 4, 2023
Daniel 5:1-31
Have you ever had a hard time forgiving yourself or others?
What makes you hesitate to forgive others or yourself?
Quotes
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
-Mahatma Gandhi -
“Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.”
-Corrie Ten Boom-
“Forgiveness is the final form of love.”
-Reinhold Niebuhr
“You can’t forgive without loving. And I don’t mean sentimentally. I don’t mean mush. I mean having enough courage to stand up and say, ‘I forgive. I’m finished with it.’
-Maya Angelou-
Do you feel like you have too much on your mind?
Have you ever been distracted and missed something important?
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Luke 24:13-49
Have you ever worried about the unknown?
Has anticipating the future ever put you on edge?
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Matthew 16:1-25
Have you ever had a hard time dealing with the past?
Do you feel like you are carrying too much baggage and wish you weren’t?
Psalm 67:1-2
Genesis 50:19-21
Have you ever been hurt by what someone said or have you said things that hurt others?
Topic for Sunday, May 14, 2023
1 Samuel 24:2-22
Do you ever feel like you are losing control or something has control of you that you don’t want?
I said Psalm but meant Proverbs....oops
Proverbs 22:24-25
Ecclesiastes 8:8-9
Colossians 3:14-15
Have you ever felt like situations in life were way too complicated?
Have differences of opinion complicated any of your relationships?
What obstacles have impacted your relationships?
Topic for Sunday, May 7, 2023
Romans 14:1-19
Have you ever struggled with responding to complex personalities?
Have you dreaded having conversations because of the potential drama?
Have you ever wanted to avoid others because of the chaos they cultivate and how they leave you feeling drained?
Psalm 3:1-3John 14:18-21
Have you ever struggled with allowing yourself to be happy?
Quote by Marcus Aurelius
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.”
Have you ever felt like your past defines you?
Have you ever felt like the past has too much power over your day?
Have you ever felt like the past keeps getting in the way of a better future?
Theme for Sunday, April 30, 2023
Numbers 14:1-31
Audio from Sunday, April 23, 2023
Have you ever experienced a loss that left you struggling in life?
1 Corinthians 15:26-57
Audio from sermon on Sunday, April 16, 2023
Have you ever felt like you don't matter?
Acts 24:10-27
Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023
Have you ever hit a wall in life and you don't know which way to go?
John 20:1-18
Have you ever struggled with love?
Maundy Thursday Meditation: Love to the End
Luke 23:39-49 and John 19:26-27
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Have you ever made assumptions that caused more issues than you expected?
Matthew 26:6-33
Quotes from the book The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
“Defiance and acceptance come together well in the following principle: There is always a countermove, always an escape or a way through, so there is no reason to get worked up.”
“In its own way, the most harmful dragon we chase is the one that makes us think we can change things that are simply not ours to change. “
“Focusing exclusively on what is in our power magnifies and enhances our power. But every ounce of energy directed at things we can’t actually influence is wasted-self-indulgent and self-destructive."
“Persist in your efforts. Resist giving in to distraction, discouragement, or disorder.”
Sunday, March 26, 2023
Have you ever wished for different circumstances in life?
Matthew 20:1-16, 20-28
Have you ever felt like hope was slipping through your fingers?
What is a realistic, everlasting hope we can come back to again and again?
Have you ever felt like you don’t belong in your family, school, work, or your friend group?
Sunday, March 19, 2023
How can your aspirations make or break your life?
Matthew 13:44-58
How can you find lasting comfort?
Understanding the difference between things that we need to get uncomfortable about and what should be providing us with lasting comfort.
Sunday, March 12, 2023
How does God's grace help you navigate the pressures of life?
Matthew 13:24-43
Audio from the sermon on Sunday, March 5, 2023
God's Grace in Life's Tensions: Rationalizing
Have you ever made an excuse for why you can’t do something when really you just didn’t want to try?
Have you ever tried to rationalize other people’s actions, your own choices?
A great conversation with Jen & Josh on the expectations we have on others or are placed upon us that can make or break relationships.
Sunday, February 26, 2023
God's Grace in Life's Tensions: Ambiguity
Matthew 3:1-12
Matthew 11:2-11
Sunday, February 19, 2023
Conversation Starter
How do you experience God when celebration is difficult?
John 2:1-25
Celebrate #Celebration #HowToCelebrate #Love #DifficultPeople #DifficultSituations #Celebrating #Peace #WayForward #Possibiilities #Focus #Health #HealthyLiving #Building #Encourage #Healing #Encouragement
Sunday, February 12, 2023
How do you experience God when life is demanding?
Luke 8:40-55
Sunday, February 5, 2023
How do you experience God when relationships are hard?
Matthew 7:1-20, 24-27
Audio from the sermon on Sunday, January 29, 2023
How do you experience God when you feel like there isn't enough time?
Luke 14:7-24
Sunday, January 22, 2023
Theme: How can you experience God when words are painful?
1 Corinthians 14:7-24
We discuss acceptance, worries, and how others peoples' judgment has impacted our lives.
What gives you anxiety or worries you about people judging you?
Why do we give other people so much power over what we think or feel about ourselves?
Sunday, January 15, 2023
How do you experience God when worry is abundant?
Matthew 6:16-28, 31-34
Sunday, January 1, 2023
Theme: Changing a Life: living anew
What about your life do you want to change?
Revelation 21:1-6a
2 Corinthians 5:17-18
John 13:34
Christmas Day '22
Recognizing and Sharing in the Blessings of God
Jeremiah 31:31-33
Luke 1:46-49
Luke 2:1-7
Do you ever feel like the closer we get to Christmas the more complicated life gets?
Audio from the sermon on Sunday, December 18, 2022
Matthew 2:1-15
Audio from the sermon on Sunday, December 11, 2022
Practicing Celebration: the Unexpected
How you can respond to unexpected situations that lead to celebration.
Luke 2:8-20
Sunday, December 4, 2022
Practicing Celebration: Relationships
How do you find peace when relationships are complex?
Luke 1:39-56
Today we discuss how you can respond and resist the holiday expectations and judgments from others and yourself.
Audio from the sermon on Sunday, November 27, 2022
Theme: Practicing Celebration: Possibilities
Have you ever had expectations or pressures disrupt your celebrations?
Luke 1:57-80
Audio from the sermon on November 20, 2022
Theme: Changed Heart - Changed Life: Celebrations
John 4:27-42
Audio from the sermon on Sunday, November 13, 2022
Theme: Changed Heart - Changed Life: Choices
Have you ever had difficulty making choices?
How can you figure out a way forward?
1 John 2:1-17
How do you resist people being judgmental?
Today we discuss the hurt, the pain, how judgment changes us, and the way forward.
Audio from sermon on Sunday, November 6, 2022
Changed Heart - Changed Life: Attitude
How does trying to live Jesus' teachings impact your attitude? Can it impact your attitude?
Hebrews 12:1-17
Audio from the sermon on Sunday, October 30, 2022
Theme: Changed Heart - Changed Life: Conversations
How can you more effectively navigate difficult conversations?
Matthew 22:15-40
Have you ever experienced someone judging you on social media or witnessed it happening to someone else?
How can you handle people being judgmental?
We discuss the things we've experienced on the judgmental and on the encouragement side including a discussion of the great and wonderful Leslie Jordan.
Audio from the sermon on Oct 23, 2022
Theme: Changed Heart - Changed Life: Abilities
Hebrews 11:1-4, 23-40
Audio from the sermon on Sunday, October 16, 2022
Theme: Changed Heart - Changed Life: Time
Luke 12:35-48
Audio from the sermon on October 9, 2022
Theme: Facing Barriers -> Flourishing: Situations
1 Kings 17:8-24
Audio from the sermon on October 2, 2022
Theme: Facing Barriers -> Flourishing: Expectations
Matthew 12:1-15, 22-30
Audio from the sermon on Sunday, 25, 2022
Theme: Facing Barriers-> Flourishing: Others
Exodus 18:1-10, 13-27
Audio from the sermon on Sunday, September 18, 2022
Theme: Facing Barriers-> Flourishing: Self
2 Corinthians 12:1-15, 20
Audio from the meditation on Sunday, September 4, 2022
Theme: What is enough for you?
Exodus 16:1-15
Audio from the sermon on August 28, 2022
Theme: Practices that Bring you Freedom
Colossians 2:6-23
Audio from the sermon on August 21, 2022
Theme: Recognizing a Changed Heart
Matthew 15:1-20
Audio from the sermon on August 14, 2022
Theme: Decision Making that Can Give You New Energy
Matthew 9:1-17
Audio from the sermon on August 7, 2022
Theme: Cultivating a Healthy Mindset
Matthew 8:1-10, 13-27
Audio from the sermon on July 31, 2022
Theme: Being an Influencer that Changes Lives
Hebrews 6
Audio from the online sermon on July 24, 2022
Changing the Relationship Conversation: Problem to Possibility
Acts 6:1-7
Audio from the sermon on July 10, 2022
Theme: How do you focus when the distractions keep coming?
Acts 5:17-42
Audio from the meditation on July 3, 2022
Figuring Out What is Important in the Chaos
2 Corinthians 4:6-18
Audio from the sermon on June 26, 2022
Theme: The Power of Being Honest with Yourself
Acts 4:32-37
Acts 5:1-16
Audio from the sermon on June 19, 2022
Theme: Moving forward when you feel like you've been left behind
John 14:15-31
Audio from the sermon on June 12, 2022
Finding your voice when you feel like no one is listening
Acts 16:16-30
Today the conversation was a recognition of how all of us are searching for so many things in life but how do we find a way forward? Where are we looking for guidance?
Audio from sermon on June 5, 2022
Who is God calling you to be?
Acts 2:1-4, 14-18, 22, 36-47
Audio from the sermon on May 15, 2022
Theme: How does God love you when your life is messy?
Acts 9:1-22
Audio from the sermon on May 8, 2022
Theme: How do you have healthy boundaries?
Acts 4:1-22
Audio from the sermon on May 1, 2022
Theme: The question that gnaw at us - How can you be a Christian through anxious times?
Philippians 1:12-30 & Philippians 2:1-5
Audio from Sunday, April 24, 2022 with Haley Guest
Romans 1:11-12
Hebrews 12:1-3
James 5:11
Audio from the sermon on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022
Theme: The Power of the Resurrection: How you can make the most of your life
Matthew 28:1-20
Acts 1:12-14
Audio from the online meditation on Maundy Thursday, April 14, 2022
The Depth of Jesus' Love
John 3:33-35
Luke 23:32-42
Luke 23:44-49
Audio from the sermon on April 10, 2022
How can Jesus help you find liberation when life's circumstances feel all consuming?
Theme: How did Jesus live through.... Domination vs. Liberation
Luke 23:1-25
Audio from the sermon on Sunday, April 3, 2022
Theme: How did Jesus live through.... Fear vs. Courage
How do you have courage when your fears are very real?
Luke 18:9-17, 31-43
Audio from the sermon on March 27, 2022
Theme: How did Jesus live through.... Frustration vs. Peace
What are you willing to do find peace amid life's frustrations?
Luke 11:37-46
Luke 10:1-12
Audio from the sermon on March 20, 2022
Theme: How did Jesus live through... Despair vs. Hope
Scripture
Luke 22:39-53
Audio from the sermon on Sunday, March 13, 2022
Theme: How did Jesus live through.... Rejection vs. Acceptance
(Have you ever felt the sting of rejection and hungered for acceptance?)
Scripture:
Luke 13:31-35
Luke 14:1-15
Reflection Questions:
What teaching of Jesus makes you uncomfortable and hard to follow?
What criteria do you have for whether or not you reject or accept someone else?
Have you ever felt rejection in your life?
Have you ever struggled with wanting God to reject the people you don't like and be merciful to the people you do like?
How do you feel accepted by God in life?
Audio from the sermon on Sunday March 6, 2022
Theme: How did Jesus live through... Scarcity vs. Abundance
Matthew 3:13-17
Luke 4:1-15
Reflection Questions
When have you felt an abundance of love?
When have you felt empty in life?
When do you feel like you don't have enough?
When have you felt most alone?
How have you used your experiences to help others?
Audio from the sermon on February 27, 2022
Theme: Exploring the Seismic Questions - What is our purpose?
1 Corinthians 12:4-27
Reflection Questions
What are the gifts you believe God has given to you?
What is a strength you have that helps others?
How have you experienced someone else's gifts complimenting your own gifts?
How are you an encouragement to others in their gifts?
What would you say your purpose is in life?
Audio from the sermon on February 20, 2022
Theme: Exploring the Seismic Questions - What does it mean to follow Jesus?
Luke 6:27-47
Reflection Questions
What is unsettling about Jesus teaching of loving our enemies?
What are the risks we take carrying out this type of love?
What are the hardest parts about being nonjudgmental?
What gets in the way of us helping others?
What are the things your life produces that is directly connected to the life of Jesus?
Audio from the sermon on February 13, 2022
Theme: Exploring the Seismic Questions - Who is Jesus?
Scripture
Luke 9:18-24
Matthew 25:37-40
John 6:26-27
John 13:34-35
John 7:14-23
Matthew 11:28-30
Reflection Questions
What resonates with you about these stories of Jesus?
What is difficult to understand about who Jesus is?
How do you notice this tension of suffering and love impacting your life?
What surprises you about Jesus' life?
How do you feel connected to Jesus?
Audio from the sermon on February 6, 2022
Theme: Exploring the Seismic Questions - Where is God?
Exodus 33:12-23
Psalm 139:4-7
John 14:7-8, 19-21
Ephesians 3:18-19
Reflection Questions
What do you ask God to show you in life?
When do you find yourself questioning God's presence the most?
How would you describe God's presence in your life?
How have you observed God's goodness passing in front of you?
When have you noticed the influence of God's presence the most in your life?
Audio from the sermon on January 30, 2022
Theme: Exploring the Seismic Questions - Who is God?
Scripture
Exodus 3:13-21
1 John 4:12-13, 16
Psalm 25:16-17, 20-21; 104: 24, 27
Reflection Questions
How do you describe God?
How have you noticed other peoples' lives being connected to God?
When did you know God's presence in your life?
What can make it difficult for you to follow God's guidance?
How would you describe the way lives are changed today by God?
Audio from the sermon on January 23, 2022
Theme - Exploring the Seismic Questions: Why doesn't God stop the pain?
Scriptures
Isaiah 55:6-13
Genesis 8:21b-22
Romans 8:35, 38-39
Psalm 119:49-52, 86-88
Reflection Questions
What does being generous in forgiveness look like to you?
What are the things we think separate us from knowing God's presence?
How do we comfort ourselves when things are difficult?
What does it mean to you to navigate the pains throughout your life well?
How do the great challenges of life change your perspective in what it means to live well?
Audio from the sermon on January 16, 2022
Theme: Exploring the Seismic Questions - Why is life so hard?
Matthew 24:4-14
Genesis 3:14-19
Philippians 2:3-4
Matthew 5:443-46, 48
Reflection Questions
What are the things that put you on edge?
How have you dealt with the pain that has arisen in your life?
What pain have you observed in life that seems unnecessary?
How do you react when you feel like things are falling apart in your life?
What are the things you most struggle with handling? Who do you turn to for help?
Audio from the sermon on January 9, 2022
Theme: Exploring the Seismic Questions - Why do we exist?
Scripture
Genesis 1:26-31
Ephesians 2:10
1 John 4:7
John 17:13
Psalm 33:27
Isaiah 48:17-19
Reflection Questions
What are the good things you've identified in your life that you feel compelled to share with others?
What keeps you from experiencing God's love?
How has a recognition of blessings in your life impacted your joy?
What are the things you search for in life?
What aspects of your life will live on beyond your lifespan?
Audio from the sermon on January 2, 2022
Theme: The Birth that Gives Us Purpose
John 1:9-24
Ephesians 1:3-13
Audio from the sermon on December 26, 2021
Theme: How does Jesus change our reactions?
Luke 2:41-52
Audio from the sermon on December 19, 2021
Theme: Finding Ourselves in Jesus' Story: Celebrating Our Relationships (in Love)
Matthew 1:18-24
Luke 2:8-20
Reflection Questions
What hinders having empathy for others?
How has taking time to make a decision changed how you handled a situation?
What is it about Jesus that makes you want to know more?
How do you decide what is worth your time to understand more fully?
What are the memories you hold onto and go over in your mind the most? why?
Audio from the sermon on December 12, 2021
Theme: Finding Ourselves in Jesus' Story - Finding Our Confidence (in Joy)
Luke 1:26-55
Reflection Questions
When is it hardest in your life to rejoice?
What are the surprises in life that have been challenging? How did you respond?
How have you experienced God in challenging moments of your life?
How have you shared joy with others?
How do you hold onto joy?
Audio from the sermon on December 5, 2021
Theme: Finding Ourselves in Jesus' Story - Discovering Our Purpose (in Peace)
Matthew 2:1-23
Reflection Questions
What are the things that trouble you that maybe shouldn't be troubling?
Have you ever been asked to do something that made you uncomfortable? Why did it make you uncomfortable?
How have you held onto peace for yourself even when situations make it difficult?
Have you ever been nervous about how things are going to work out yet still had peace in a decision being made?
Have you ever felt like you were in the right place at the right time?
Audio is from the sermon on November 28, 2021
Theme: Finding Ourselves in Jesus' Story - Understanding Our Limits (in Hope)
Luke 1:5-25, 57-66
Reflection Questions
Have you ever had a fearful moment turn into something amazing?
What is your initial reaction when something doesn't make sense?
What happens when you are pushed to your limits in life?
Where do you easily and not so easily draw boundaries in your life with others?
What are the boundaries you have drawn that have resulted in living into joy?
Audio from the sermon on November 21, 2021
Theme: Abundant Living: Embracing Life
2 Corinthians 9:1-14
Reflection Questions
How has empty promises or words impacted your relationships or how you understand others?
How have you been encouraged in life to be grateful?
When is it most difficult to be filled with gratitude?
What are events, situations, things, relationships that helps you to feel like you are living an abundant life?
How do you live gratitude?
This is audio from the sermon on November 14, 2021
Theme: Abundant Living: Determining Our Worth
Matthew 10:5-31
Ecclesiastes 2:3
Philippians 4:8
Reflection Questions
How do you decide what you deserve to have or not?
How do you determine someone else's worth?
What centers you when things are difficult?
Who and what impacts how you understand your worth?
How does God impact your worth?
Audio from the sermon on October 24, 2021
Theme: What does Jesus change? Our Relationships
Luke 13:1-21
Reflection Questions:
How do you handle feeling guilty?
What do you hope that your actions in life will produce?
What are the things that are hard to let go of in life?
How do you determine the criteria for letting go of things or not?
What is the significance for understanding how God's love and our relationships are connected?
This is audio from the sermon on October 17, 2021
Theme: What does Jesus change? Our Priorities
Luke 5:33-39
Luke 6:1-11
Reflection Questions
What are the things you practice in order to be connected to God?
How often do you try something new in your daily life?
What rules do you prioritize in your life?
What are some priorities that you have but know you need to get rid of?
How do you determine your priorities?
Audio from the sermon on Sunday, October 10, 2021
Theme: What does Jesus change? Our Values
Luke 4:31-44
Reflection Questions
What do you think Jesus gives you today?
How do you talk about Jesus with others?
What are the things that rejuvenate?
What are the things you value in life?
How do your actions show your values?
This is the audio from the sermon on October 3, 2021
Theme: What does Jesus change? Our Perspective
John 9:18-38
Reflection Questions
How does fear impact your reactions?
How do you handle experiences that seem to be unexplainable?
When do you find it easiest to listen to others and when do you find it to be the hardest?
How do you determine who is part of your community or not?
Who has helped change your perspective about the world around you?
Audio from the sermon on Sunday, September 26, 2021
Theme: What does Jesus change? Our Identity
John 7:37-8:12
Questions for Reflection
Who do you think Jesus is? Why?
Have you ever missed something important because you were so certain about being right?
Are there things about who you are, your identity that you struggle with regularly?
What does it take for you to decide to change something about yourself?
Who do you want to be in life?
This is audio from the sermon on September 12, 2021
Theme: Habits for Life - the Habits of Jesus: Serving
Luke 5:12-32
Reflection Questions
How does being healed change your perception of others?
How are you willing and able to help others?
How often are you asking questions to be judgmental as opposed to engaging in understanding?
What helps you to choose to help someone else?
How do you determine whether someone is worth your time?
Audio from the sermon on September 5, 2021
Theme: Habits for Life - the Habits of Jesus: Gathering
John 13:1-22
Questions for Reflection
What are the things you are willing to share with others around a table?
Have you ever been challenged by someone doing something nice for you?
How do you draw boundaries with others?
What is most meaningful for you when gathering with other people?
How does gathering with others change you?
Audio from the sermon on August 29, 2021
Theme: Habits for Life the Habits of Jesus: Creating Joy
Luke 8:49-56
Luke 10:17-24
John 15:9-15
John 16:19-22
Luke 24:46-53
Questions for Reflection
What are the actions you do that cultivates joy?
When have you overflowed with joy?
How do you cultivate joy in your life?
How is joy a part of your life even when there are challenges?
How do you share joy with others?
Today we discuss Jin Shin Jyutsu, which is an ancient Japanese practice.
Patty gives us an overview of this ancient practice that has been an important part of her life and day to day living.
Patty is a former Wall Street Trader and a long time practitioner of Jin Shin Jyutsu
Website: http://www.gentlehealing.nyc
Email: patty@gentlehealing.nyc
Audio from the sermon on Sunday, August 22, 2021
Theme: Habits for Life - the Habits of Jesus: Prayer
Luke 3:21-22
Mark 1:32-38
Matthew 19:13-15
Luke 9:18-23, 28-29
Mark 14:32-41
Questions for Reflection
Have you ever been surprised by something during prayer?
How does prayer give you strength?
How often do you take time to pray for others?
How has prayer impacted your identity?
How does prayer change you?
This is audio from a sermon on August 8, 2021
Theme: Our Potential with God
Luke 19:11-28
This is the audio from the sermon on August 1, 2021
Theme: Trial - Error & Better Living: in our realities
2 Samuel 7:1-7
1 Chronicles 22:6-10
1 Kings 8:22, 24, 28-30a, 54-55
Isaiah 56:7-8
Reflection Questions
What are the things that you get excited about planning? Why?
What are the things that take priority in your life and what should take priority?
What are some consequences that you have had to deal with in life?
What helps you meet God in your life?
How do you experience God's presence?
The audio is taken from the sermon on July 25, 2021
Theme: Trial - Error & Better Living: in our responsibilities
2 Samuel 11:1-27
Reflection Questions
Have your wants ever clouded your judgment?
How are your actions and values related?
How do you make things right when mistakes have been made?
What are the messages you are surrounded by in your life?
How do you. move forward when things have fallen apart?
This is the audio from the sermon on July 11, 2021
Theme: Trial-Error & Better Living: in our relationships
1 Samuel 25:23-42
Reflection Questions
Have you ever had trouble listening to someone else? Why?
What are the actions you regret taking in your life? Why?
How have others made a positive impact on your life?
How have you handled different types of losses in your life?
How do you bless other people's lives?
This is the audio from the Sunday, July 4, 2021 sermon
Theme: Trial - Error & Better Living: in our responses
1 Samuel 25:1-22
Reflection Questions
What are the things you value?
How do you request, give, and receive help?
How do you know when you are overreacting?
How do you try to make things right in difficult situations?
How do you react when you believe you've been wronged?
Technology has become a powerful tool that has changed the way we navigate our daily activities and has been vital to getting through the pandemic. Today we discuss how technology impacts our everyday lives in the positive, negative, and everything in between.
Jennifer and Josh are part of the new technology team at the church.
This is the audio from the sermon on June 27, 2021
Theme - Prayers for Life: Living into the Future through the Lord's Prayer
Matthew 6:5-15
Questions for Reflection
What keeps us from praying/conversing with God?
When do you find yourself being the most careful or careless with using words?
What do you imagine the world would look like if everyone were following God?
How does God provide for your needs?
How has forgiveness impacted you?
This is the audio from the sermon on June 20, 2021
Theme - Prayers for Life: Living Well with Others
Ephesians 1:15-23
Psalm 107:8-9
2 Corinthians 6:1-12
Questions for Reflection
Who have you struggled to love? Why?
How do you listen for God?
How have you noticed God's presence in your life and in other people's lives?
Are there relationships in your life that you think God can't help you to navigate? Why?
When do you feel most connected to other people?
This is audio from the sermon on June 13, 2021
Theme - Prayers for Life: Revitalizing Courage
Questions for Reflection:
Have you ever been wrongfully judged? How did you handle that?
How do you feel connected to God?
What helps you to rejoice?
How has God been with you through the challenging times and in the joyous times?
How do you want God to raise you and others up?
This is the audio from the sermon on June 6, 2021
Theme - Prayers for Life: Letting Go + Living Well
Questions for Reflection
What are the things you ask God to do for you?
What are the things you need to let go of and give to God?
Where do you go for advice? Why?
Why is it sometimes difficult to listen to sound advice?
How do you need God to guide and change your life?
This episode is the audio from the sermon on May 30, 2021.
Theme - Prayers for Life: Receiving God's Blessings
1 Chronicles 29:9-20
Psalm 29:1-11
Questions for Reflection:
How do you celebrate God's presence in your life?
What does it mean for you to be blessed by God?
What are the things God has made possible in your life?
How do you respond to God's blessings?
How do you share in God's blessings with others?
This episode is the sermon from May 23, 2021 with the theme of Igniting Our Relationships: grasping our potential.
Scriptures read:
1 Thessalonians 5:11-24
Acts 2:1-7
John 15:9
Ephesians 4:1-9
Questions for Reflection:
What do you enjoy about being in relationship with others?
What are the difficulties that arise in relationships with others?
How does gratitude change your relationships?
When do you feel the most inspired?
What is your top priority? Why?
This is the audio from the sermon on May 16, 2021 with the theme of Sustainable Hope: Being a Hopeful Presence.
How can we facilitate being a hopeful presence in our lives, in our communities, in our society, throughout the world.
Quote - "Resurrection of the dead is God's capacity to take a circumstance of complete shutdown and hopelessness and make something new from it." - Walter Brueggemann
Questions to consider:
How would you describe who you are and who you are to others?
What do you hold onto when you feel like everything is falling apart?
What are some of the regrets you have in life?
How have you moved forward with your regrets?
How does God's presence in your life change your words and actions?
This is the audio from the sermon on May 9, 2021 where we discuss the relationship between thriving and sustainable hope.
Quote by Jürgen Moltmann: "“We experience the power of hope when we have to fight against the apathy of our soul. Even if the future of humanity and the earth looks dark, to hope means to live and survive, and to work and fight for the life of creation.”
Questions to consider:
How does God comfort you?
How does your experience with suffering impact others?
What confidence do you have in how God is working in your life?
What are the ways you want and need to be rescued in life?
What do you rely upon during difficult times? Why?
Today we discuss the complicated nature of cultivating a sustainable hope. During this discussion we refer to elements from Episode #62, which delved into the practices we engage in that help us have hope.
Maureen is a mother, wife, teacher, and fun conversationalist.
This is the audio of the Sermon on May 2, 2021 where we discuss the relationship between the practices we engage in and how they are connected to hope.
During this season of Easter I will publish just the audio of the sermon on Tuesday of the week and follow it up a couple of days later with further conversation on the topic that I've had.
Questions to consider:
What are the relationships that are most important to us? Why are they the most important?
What are the things you practice that enhance your life?
How do you decide what words, actions, and practices guide your life?
How do you practice peace?
In what ways ways do you recognize how God is with you in your life?
You can listen and subscribe to Conversations Beyond the Pew with the Rev anywhere that you get your podcasts.
This is a follow up conversation from Episode #60 on Elevating our Expectations in order to have Sustainable Hope.
This is the audio of the sermon on April 25, 2021 where we discuss the relationship between having a sustainable hope and the expectations we have on ourselves, others, and God.
During this season of Easter I will publish just the audio of the sermon on Tuesday of the week and follow it up a couple of days later with further conversation on the topic that I've had.
Questions to consider:
How do you want God to be at work in your life and with those around you?
What is your greatest hope? How is it connected to God?
What is the most difficult about having hope?
Have you ever pleaded with God for something?
What do you expect of God and what should you expect of God in your life?
You can listen and subscribe to Conversations Beyond the Pew with the Rev anywhere that you get your podcasts.
This is a follow up conversation from Episode #58 on Accessing what we need to have for sustainable hope.
This is the audio from the sermon on April 18, 2021 and is meant to start the conversation around having sustainable hope.
Questions to consider:
When do you struggle the most with having hope?
How do others help or hinder you having hope?
When have you been the most hopeful?
What do you base your hope upon?
How does having hope impact your identity?
If you would like to view the video it can be found HERE
In today's episode I sit down with Ellen from Episode #5 on peace to have a conversation around questions.
We discuss questions surrounding God, life, the importance of questions, and those that seem to go unanswered. We delve into how questioning can bring hope to all kinds of situations in our lives.
In today's conversation we discuss the persistence and evolution of Caleb's journey into social work.
Caleb is a Master of Social Work student at Wayne State University.
Today we talk about the importance of service, cultivating a community, and how we are constantly looking for new ways to connect at the intersection of needs and resources.
Rev. Paula is the pastor at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Lincoln Park, MI
For more information about St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church click here.
Today we delve into the power of massage therapy and how it can impact one's life.
Christin specializes in therapeutic massage.
Today we discuss the importance of being an encouragement to one another at the gym and especially at CrossFit Downriver. In a world where many are struggling on all kinds of levels it is important that we create communities that are centered on being encouraging and challenging.
Kirk is owner and coach at CrossFit Downriver
You can subscribe to the podcast "Conversations Beyond the Pew with the Rev" wherever you listen to your podcasts: Apple, Spotify, Google, etc...
In today's conversation we explore how horses have a great deal to teach humans in the way we experience life, understand ourselves, and engage with others around us.
Wanda is a long time horse trainer who resides in Lexington, Kentucky, with her husband.
Wisdom is all around us but do we take the time to notice and absorb it?
Today we discuss how much wisdom from the game of golf can impact every facet of our lives. Whether you are a lover of all things golf or only know it as something to watch while taking a nap this conversation is for everyone.
David is a father, husband, golfer, blogger, podcaster, and dog lover.
For more wisdom and golf discussion with David
Blog: onebeardedgolfer.com
Podcast: Blind Shots Podcast
Twitter: @1beardedgolfer
Facebook: One Bearded Golfer
Today we recognize the art of conversation, which has the power to change us in a moment and continually strengthen us throughout our lives.
Quote from this episode: "Fear is a thing you overcome on the way to what you want." - Sharon Moore who was inspired by her sister, Sally
Sharon Moore is a poet, lawyer, and Queen of Words.
In today's conversation with Chris we discuss how to fuel creativity especially in relation to leading a church. We explore the importance of rethinking worship as we have become more focused online during the pandemic.
Chris helps us consider what we are paying attention to, how we are innovating, and what we are ultimately producing as leaders.
Rev. Chris Hallam is the pastor at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Troy, MI
Today we discuss how our realities have changed with the pandemic and what it takes to live in this new world from a teenage perspective.
Haley is very wise for her age and has some important things for all of us to consider (no matter our age) in how we are engaging our world.
This episode is looking forward to the new season of Conversations Beyond the Pew with the Rev.
What are the conversations we will have as we live into this new reality we find ourselves living and where will we find our hope?
In this episode we discuss the importance of community along with how encouragement is present when we work hard together.
In the conversation an upcoming event is mentioned on Sunday, June 28th at the gym called #infiltratewithlove
For more information on "Infiltrate with love" check out the CrossFit Downriver Facebook page.
Kirk is owner and coach at CrossFit Downriver
You can subscribe to the podcast "Conversations Beyond the Pew with the Rev" wherever you listen to your podcasts: Apple, Spotify, Google, etc...
In this episode we explore life through a lens of discovering beauty in the endless possibilities of numbers and experiences.
Bruce is a mathematician, comic book author, musician, math consultant, once host of a math tv show, created a software startup, grill master, professor, father, and husband.
In this episode we discuss the importance of Mental Health and practices that Marianne has found helpful throughout her life..
The Rev. Marianne Grano, Esq. is the new Stated Clerk of the Detroit Presbytery, pastor, lawyer, mother, and wife.
*Disclaimer: this episode does not offer medical or psychological advice.
We talk about trying to find some hope in this really challenging time around finances.
We discuss practical, everyday habits to consider.
Martha spent years in the banking world, taught many college students micro and macro economics and now brings her skills to the non-profit world.
Finding inspiration during this pandemic and experiencing rebirth is weaved throughout this conversation.
We discuss how creativity can be a solution to our current contexts and much more.
Eric is an artist, foodie, and massage therapist in Boston.
In this conversation we discuss what it takes to stay positive in the middle of struggling through this pandemic with the acknowledgment of feelings, the power of the pause, gratitude, and so much more.
Tara is the founder of UMatter, which is a kindness initiative that builds people up and inspires a culture of kindness.
Tara is a mom, wife, highly creative, and an explorer of beauty.
How do we stay focused on our health during a pandemic?
How do we find motivation and support each other during this time?
Kirk is owner and coach at CrossFit Downriver
You can subscribe to the podcast "Conversations Beyond the Pew with the Rev" wherever you listen to your podcasts: Apple, Spotify, Google, etc...
How do we use our creative voices to build others up while in quarantine?
What role does inspiration play in surviving quarantine?
Sharon Moore is a poet, lawyer, and Queen of Words.
During this conversation the commencement speech by Denzel Washington is mentioned and can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxY_eJLBflk&feature=youtu.be
Staying sane, finding wisdom, and keeping hope alive.
Heather is a yoga instructor, teacher, mom, and wife. During this time she is keeping up her yoga virtually.
You can find Heather on Facebook at The Mobile Mat BG and https://www.themobilematbg.com
Get new episodes by subscribing to "Conversations Beyond the Pew with the Rev" through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, etc...
Motivation, pondering, and hope in our workouts and nutrition during this Stay-at-home period.
Kirk is owner and coach of CrossFit Downriver.
Based upon a sermon series during the season of Lent called "Discovering Our Identity in God". Each week we explore a different aspect of that identity.
This week's episode explores discovering our identity in God when we feel unloved.
Tom Holzfeind grew up around his father's jazz club in Chicago called the Blue Note.
The Blue Note Jazz Club was a fully integrated club in the 1950s, which had some of the greatest jazz artists.
The motivation of being strong, how the barbell doesn't lie and other important pieces of wisdom.
Kirk is owner and coach of CrossFit Downriver.
Walter May is an actor, director, and playwright in Lexington, KY.
In this conversation we explore how the experiences of the theater relate to all of our lives.
How do we negotiate the expectations we have for ourselves, those we place on others, and what others place upon us?
New Year, New You? How do we make those changes that last?
Kirk is the owner of CrossFit Downriver
This is the second interview with Kirk
Do we ever sense we've lost some of the meaning or the wonderful feelings around Christmas?
We talk about health, persistence, community, and challenging ourselves.
disclaimer this podcast does not give medical advice
How do we even begin to have the conversation about our priorities when we have so many demands upon us?
A great discussion around trauma, resiliency, how children are changing, and how the entire community is vital to this work..
Anna and Angela are part of the Behavioral Specialist Team for Lincoln Park Schools.
George shares his experience and wisdom of life that developed during his journey through sobriety.
*Disclaimer: this episode does not offer medical or psychological advice and it doesn't promote Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
A discussion on examining our mindsets and the way we interact in our closest relationships so that they may grow deeper.
I had the amazing opportunity to sit down with one of the youth in church and talk about what it is like to be a teenager in today's world. She has some good wisdom. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.
Do we really know what it takes to be inclusive? Rev. Joanne Blair is at the forefront of an inclusive ministry with individuals and families who have all types of needs and abilities.
For further information about this inclusion ministry: http://www.fpcbirmingham.org/all-abilities-inclusion-ministry.html
We discuss Kathryn's journey of forgiveness and how her perspective changed personally, professionally, and spiritually.
What happens when we start making connections that transcend particular ways of thinking?
Books mentioned in this episode
Choosing Our Religion: The Spirituality of America's Nones by Elizabeth Drescher
Church Refugees by Joshua Packard and Ashley Hope
What in your life has made you want deliverance from it? What would deliverance look like for you?
How many of us would like to live more peacefully? How many of us could use more strength?
In today's episode I had the joy of interviewing Ellen, a gardener, who is able to draw strength and peace from the world around her.
Change is inevitable so how do you usually face it? How is change and being uncomfortable connected?
This begins a journey of asking questions, digging deeper into the Bible, God, life and how it all intersects.