Together 4 Good: Recent Episodes
Bethany Lutheran Church
A podcast from Bethany Lutheran Church Cherry Hills Village, CO, specially designed to inspire, challenge, and uplift you during your daily walk of faith. This podcast features sermons, Bible Studies, interviews, and guided devotionals from members of the Bethany staff and community.
For more information about Bethany, visit our website: www.bethany-denver.org
Pastor Nate interviews Dave Krell about his work as a Structural Engineer. In the conversation, the two reflect on the ways that faith doesn't always have clear answers and the ways that an engineer's commitment to the common good is its own form of ministry.
Pastor Nate interviews Marie Friedemann about her career in higher education. Marie shares about the importance of caring for the whole person and the ways that we can find God in every place.
Pastor Nate interviews Rob Hanson about his career as a firefighter and the ways that this important role in our community connects with Rob's understanding of the life of faith. In their conversation, they discuss the small, subtle invitations in our life that are often the workings of the Holy Spirit, guiding us to the places we need to be.
In this episode, Pastor Nate interviews Bethany member and Jeweler, Kyra Morgan. The two discuss Kyra's story of coming to faith and the ways that her work as a Jeweler provides her a chance to live out her faith in unique ways. This is part of our ongoing Faith in Daily Life series.
Pastor Nate sits down with the Executive Director of Veteran Servant Corps and Bethany member, Vicky Daub to talk about her important and exciting work with Veterans. The two discuss the upcoming Memorial Day holiday as well as the ways that small steps of faith can make a huge difference.
As we head into the summer months, Pastor Nate shares some reflections on the importance of rest. Listen in and learn about the biblical roots of this instruction and the ways that rest is a part of God's hope for our lives.
In this episode, Pastor Nate shares a conversation with Cam Regennitter, the Director of Onsite Programming at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. The two talk about the unique philosophy that guides Rainbow Trail programs, the upcoming "Created to Be" theme for the summer, and much more.
Colleen Maki interviews Kevin Dempsey about his work over the years with Habitat for Humanity. Kevin also shares details about the future plans for Bethany's Holy Hammers group and their 25th-anniversary celebration.
Colleen Maki and Kevin Dragseth sit down with Pastor Gary to discuss his upcoming plans for Sabbatical. Listen in to hear all of Pastor Gary's plans and how he hopes his time away can impact the future of Bethany.
Pastor Nate interviews his long-time friend, Dr. Tim Snyder, about his recently published book "Lived Vocation: Stories of Faith at Work". In their discussion, the two explore the term vocation, what it means, and how we can understand our life of faith and the work we do.
This week's episode is another Poets, Preachers, Prophets, and Practitioners episode. Listen in as Pastor Nate provides a collage of voices that help us to explore miracles and the miraculous in our lives.
Poem: "We're the Ones we've been waiting for" by June Jordan
Prophets - Clip from "Everything is Spiritual" by Rob Bell
Practitioners - Opportunity International (https://www.opportunity.org) Intro Music by Rick Seaton
Other Music: "Crystal Lullaby", HUKUMusic provided by https://Slip.stream Free Download/Stream: https://get.slip.stream/NdikXg
Pastor Nate looks back on Holy Week at Bethany and reflects on the larger message that shone through this year that connects all the services and stories from Palm Sunday to Easter. Listen in as Pastor Nate invites you to further ponder the mystery of this sacred week.
As we conclude our journey through Holy Week, Pastor Nate shares one final poem. This longer poem is a reflection on the story of Christ's resurrection and the theological significance of Jesus' bodily resurrection.
Throughout this Holy Week, Pastor Nate shares short poems that he's written that reflect on the various themes and stories throughout the week.
This episode is a poetic reflection on the day after Jesus' death but before his resurrection and the significance of the that space.
Throughout this Holy Week, Pastor Nate shares short poems that he's written that reflect on the various themes and stories throughout the week.
This episode is a poetic reflection on Good Friday.
Throughout this Holy Week, Pastor Nate shares short poems that he's written that reflect on the various themes and stories throughout the week.
This episode is a poetic reflection on the events of Maundy Thursday.
Throughout this Holy Week, Pastor Nate shares short poems that he's written that reflect on the various themes and stories throughout the week.
This episode is a poetic reflection on Matthew 21:18-22, the story of Jesus cursing the fig tree. An event that takes place on the day after Jesus entered Jerusalem.
Throughout this Holy Week, Pastor Nate shares short poems that he's written that reflect on the various themes and stories throughout the week. This episode is a poetic reflection on Palm Sunday.
In another edition of our Signs Along the Way podcast series, Colleen Maki records a conversation with Rev Peyton Williams. Peyton is the priest-in-charge at St Andrew's Episcopal Church in Richmond, VA. In this conversation, Peyton reflects on her journey to ordination, the story of Jonah, Holy Week, and much more.
As we continue our Signs Along the Way podcast series, Colleen Maki sits down with Nick Donkoh to talk about Nick's journey to his current role in the Community Resources Department of the Denver Public Library. Nick offers great reflection on how his thinking evolved as he was led from Denver to Mississippi to Nashville and then back to Denver.
Pastor Nate talks with his long-time friend, Kristen Arends about her many years of ministry and the journey to her current path as a seminary student. In their conversation, Kristen shares a host of valuable insights about the ways that God works within our stories and guides us, even if we can't notice it at first.
Pastor Nate talks with Rev Drew Ludwig about his experience moving from congregational ministry to working as a hospice chaplain. In their discussion, the two reflect on different ways of discerning God's call and understanding the different seasons of our life.
This episode is part of an ongoing series of podcasts called "Bethany Storytellers". In this month's edition, Colleen Maki sits down with Stephanie Davy, a long-time member of Bethany who grew up here and is now raising her children at Bethany. Stephanie sings in the chancel choir and serves as one of the Worship Committee representatives on the Ministry Council.
Thanks to your great response to the first Poets, Preachers, Prophets, and Practitioners episodes here's another episode in the series. This time we look at arches. An architectural feature that holds a lot of symbolism and meaningful for not only the ways we think about God, but also the ways that we dialogue with one another. Listen in as Pastor Nate provides a collage of voices that help us to dig into the spiritual significance of arches.
This is a new type of podcast episode that Pastor Nate has been thinking about for some time. In this episode we will explore one big theme from a number of different angles. We will hear from poets, prophets, preachers, and practitioners about water. Explore the ways that water connects to our life of faith and understanding of God from a variety of perspectives in this unique podcast format.
In this special episode, Pastor Gary shares his thoughts on an essential element of our life of faith: stewardship.
Pastor Nate and Deacon Debra discuss the join-in January initiative at Bethany. Debra shares some great insights about how serving helps us learn and grow in our faith. She also talks about the importance of aligning our mission and ministry.
If you have not had the chance to complete the Join in January survey yet, here is a link:
http://tinyurl.com/JoinInJanuary
This week Pastor Nate shares a Bible Study episode, looking at the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. This story Carrie’s some unique messages about God’s hope for our world and the ways that our differences protect us from idolatry.
This episode is part of an ongoing series of podcasts called "Bethany Storytellers". In this month's edition, Colleen Maki sits down with Anja Oss, a young adult who grew up at Bethany, to talk about her experiences here and her current passions and commitments at Bethany.
In this special new year episode, Pastor Nate offers a guided meditation that serves as a means of prayerfully examining the past year. Based on the St Ignatius Examen, this guided time of prayer and reflection is the perfect way for you to look back on 2023 and move into 2024 with a sense of God’s presence in your life. Take a quiet 15 minutes to listen and pray through this New Year’s Examen.
Merry Christmas! This is a rebroadcast of a scripture meditation based on the Luke 2 Christmas Gospel. Rest and relax into the promises of this sacred story.
This Advent podcast is a guided Bible study that invites you to listen and reflect on a reading from 1 John 4:8-16. Through readings, reflections, prayers, and music you'll be led through a devotional time that reflects on the Advent theme of love. Track: "Lament of the Lonely Soul", HUKUMusic provided by https://Slip.stream Free Download/Stream: https://get.slip.stream/aclYe9
This Advent podcast is a guided Bible study that invites you to listen and reflect on a reading from Psalm 126.Through readings, reflections, prayers, and music you'll be led through a devotional time that reflects on the Advent theme of joy. Track: "Eclipse", HUKU
Music provided by https://Slip.stream
Free Download/Stream: https://get.slip.stream/ktH3TE
This Advent podcast is a guided Bible study that invites you to listen and reflect on a reading from Philippians 4:4-9. Through readings, reflections, prayers, and music you'll be led through a devotional time that reflects on the Advent theme of peace. Track: "Luna Rise Part One", Dream Songs
Music provided by https://Slip.stream
Free Download/Stream: https://get.slip.stream/ahoKwK
This Advent podcast is a guided Bible study that invites you to listen and reflect on a reading from Psalm 90. Through readings, reflections, prayers, and music you'll be led through a devotional time that reflects on the Advent theme of hope. Track: "Crystal Lullaby", HUKUMusic provided by https://Slip.stream Free Download/Stream: https://get.slip.stream/NdikXg
In this special episode of the Together 4 Good podcast, Deacon Debra Alba sits down with Pastor Nate to share her story and sense of call. We are so excited to celebrate Debra's installation as Deacon on Sunday, November 26th. Listen in to hear Debra's story and unique sense of call.
This is a special Thanksgiving episode that we are rebroadcast just in time for the holiday! Listen in as Pastor Nate shares some thoughts on the importance of gratitude and some Bible verses that call us to be thankful. Stay tuned until the end to hear from various Bethany staff members on what they are grateful for this year.
This episode is part of an ongoing series of podcasts called "Bethany Storytellers". In this month's edition, Colleen Maki sits down with Dave Craven, the current Bethany Council President, to hear about how his years of involvement at Bethany have deeply enriched his life.
Pastor Nate shares some insights about the theological concept of Law and Gospel. This would have been part of his Lutheran mini-retreat but he ran out of time. So, listen in this week for some fun stories and a careful explanation of how Lutherans read the scripture.
Bethany's Director of Faith Formation Bryan Jaster sits down with Carol Haller to talk about an upcoming event at Bethany called "The Liv Project". This is a local organization that is doing important work with teen mental health and suicide prevention. On November 11 and 12, Bethany will be hosting workshops led by The Liv Project to further our commitment to caring for the mental health of youth at Bethany.
Listen in as Bryan and Carol discuss this great organization and important work.
In the year ahead, Colleen Maki, the Coordinator of Media at Bethany, will be interviewing members of Bethany and sharing their stories in an ongoing series we are calling "Storytellers of Bethany".
In this first episode, Colleen speaks with Kris Carr about her years at Bethany and her current work as the co-chair of the Hospitality Committee.
As part of this series, we invite you to check out Kris' blog!
In the final episode of our series of conversations about Bethany partner organizations, Pastor Nate speaks with Madeline Brown about her work with Denver Rescue Mission. Listen in as the two discuss the wholistic approach of this incredible organization and the ways that serving others develops our own capacity for grace and compassion.
Bethany's Be The Blessing event is drawing closer (October 21st!) so we continue with another interview from one of our team leads that day. In this episode, Pastor Nate interviews Kevin Dempsey about his ongoing work with Habitat for Humanity. In their conversation, you'll hear about some of the history of Habitat for Humanity, the great work they do throughout the country, and how Kevin's faith has changed as he's volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for many years.
This week, as we continue, our series of Be the Blessing podcast interviews, Pastor Nate sits down with Al Youngdahl to talk about his ongoing work with Project C.U.R.E. and the ways that serving with this organization has strengthened Al's faith over the year.
Project C.U.R.E. is a locally-based organization that gathers and provides medical supplies to different organizations throughout the world that are in need. Listen in as Al describes the incredible work Project C.U.R.E. does throughout the world and the ways that you could be involved with Project C.U.R.E. during Bethany's Be The Blessing event on 10/21.
Our new podcast series continues as we prepare for Bethany's Be the Blessing Event on 10/21. In this episode, Pastor Nate interviews long-time Bethany member, Anja Oss, about her involvement with Extreme Community Makeover. This is a great organization that works to transform entire neighborhoods of the city through different clean-up and house maintenance projects. Listen in as Anja discusses the ways that working with this organization has strengthened and enriched her life of faith.
Our new series of podcast episodes explores different outreach ministries that Bethany will be serving on 10/21 as part of our Be the Blessing event. This episode is a conversation with Jean Scott about her involvement with Project Angel Heart, a local organization that delivers food to individuals with specific medical needs. Listen in as Jean shares her heart for this organization and the ways that serving at Project Angel Heart has strengthened her faith.
Colleen Maki, Bethany’s Coordinator of Media, and friend Rev. Anita Peebles spent time reminiscing about the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America – Bautistas por la Paz summer conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Colleen was able to attend with generous financial support from Bethany for continuing education and Rev. Anita has been a part of BPFNA-Bautistas por la Paz for many years. Tune in to learn more about progressive Baptists, ecumenical peacemaking, resources for young peacemakers, and more. Let’s move mountains together!
As summer draws to a close, Pastor Nate brings his two oldest children on to the podcast and talks with them about their experience at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp earlier this summer. The two had a great week and loved the ways that they were empowered to lead and grew in their understanding of God’s grace during their week at Rainbow.
The Bethany Faith Formation team has been hard at work designing our ministries for the fall. The team sits down to talk about the big questions people ask and how our ministry this fall seeks to help people in understanding their God given identity, belonging, and purpose.
In this Bible Study episode, Pastor Nate looks at one of Jesus’ parables about forgiveness and breaks down the ways that these words from Jesus point us to cultivating a life that builds unity. Listen in and learn about the subtle nuances of Matthew 18:21-35.
In this episode, Pastor Nate reflects on the many emails people have this time of year as transitions and changes take place. Whether your starting a new grade level this fall or seeing a change in another area of life, what does our faith have to say about times like these?
In our next installment of conversations with The Nones, Pastor Nate talks with his long time friend and fellow high school church nerd Courtney Byers! The two discuss some of their shared memories from working at Camp together and on The Board of the Lutheran Youth Organization but also dive into Courtney’s faith journey that led her away from organized religion for a time and recently back to a church community.
Pastor Nate once again welcomes on a long-time friend to discuss his relationship with the church and the practice of faith. This is another installment in The Nones podcast series, as we talk with people who currently do not have a religious affiliation. Listen in as Erik shares about his experiences seeing the needs of the world and how that changed his connection to faith.
Pastor Nate continues the Nones podcast series with an exceptional guest: his older sister, Rachel! The two discuss their upbringings as people who were at church every Sunday (and 3-4 times on Christmas Eve) and then the questions and quest for answers that Rachel encountered through high school and college. Rachel talks about why she isn't involved in church today and how she finds spiritual connection through gardening. This is a great episode filled with many valuable insights.
Pastor Nate offers some reflections and insights about what we’ve learned from the None interviews over the past weeks. What can the church do differently to better serve the people who walk through our doors?
Pastor Nate continues the Nones podcast series as he sits down with his friend (and daughter’s basketball coach) Coach Jen. The two discuss Jen’s life growing up in the church, why she moved away from church attendance, and how she finds spirituality and community today.
A new sermon series will begin at Bethany on Sunday, July 9th where we will be exploring the different work that God calls us to do in the world. In preparation for this series, Pastor Nate shares a Bible study that explores the unique details of when Jesus first called his disciples (as found in Matthew 4:12-22). What were they thinking when this strange man invited them to "follow me" one day? Stay tuned until the very end of the episode as Pastor Nate shares a poem reflecting on the passage of this study.
"The Nones" is a term used for people not affiliated with any religious tradition. In this podcast series, Pastor Nate interviews different long-time friends who no longer attend church, learning why they left and whether or not they still have spiritual components in their life.
"The Nones" is a term used for people not affiliated with any religious tradition. In this podcast series, Pastor Nate interviews different long-time friends who no longer attend church, learning why they left and whether or not they still have spiritual components in their life.
In this episode, Pastor Nate talks with his long-time friend, Shelley Wilson. Shelley is a Hospice Pharmacist and a deep thinker. Together the two talk about the fear of the unknown, the importance of community, and Shelley's passion for yearly themes.
This is the second installment of our clergy in the car having coffee podcast episode. This time Pastor Gary interviews Pastor Nate about his journey of faith, experiences in ministry, and favorite vacation spots.
Pastor Nate and Pastor Gary recently took a trip to Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp and on the drive they got coffee and recorded this special podcast! Listen in as Pastor Nate interviews Pastor Gary about his journey of faith, life of ministry, and hopes for the future.
In this episode, Pastor Nate speaks with Bethany member, Matthew Kersten-Gray about his recent experiences at the Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly. Matthew was one of Bethany's representatives to the Assembly this year which had the theme "Cruzando Fronteras" (Spanish for crossing borders). Listen in as Matthew shares his insights and learn about the more extensive workings of the Lutheran church.
All during the Easter season, Intern Rita will be hosting the podcast and interviewing individuals to talk about ways that we can put the new life of Easter into practice. This week, Intern Rita speaks with her friend from Seminary, Jennie White, about re-reading stories and how this practice can connect us with the Resurrection.
In this special extra episode of our Easter Practice Resurrection Series, Intern Rita talks with Colleen Maki, about the show Madam Secretary and the ethical questions it raises. This is a show that Colleen recently began re-watching and reflecting on from a faith perspective. Colleen and Rita share a great conversation about these themes and the ways that reflecting on ethical questions is a way of practicing resurrection.
In our final podcast of our Easter Practice Resurrection Series, Intern Rita talks about how artwork and creativity can connect us with the promises of the Resurrection. As a special treat, Rita brings her mother, Linda Argus, onto the program to discuss this important connection.
This special episode is a primer for an upcoming event at Bethany on 5/19, where we will watch the movie Just Mercy, a film that deals heavily with the topic of the Death Penalty. In this episode, Pastor Nate speaks with Bethany Member, Carol Haller, who spent many years as a Public Defender. The two discuss Carol's work, her understanding of the design of the legal system, and the ways that our life of faith connects to conversations about the defense of accused criminals and the death penalty. Listen in to this great conversation and plan to attend the Just Mercy movie viewing and discussion event (put on by the Social Concerns Committee) on May 19th at 5:30 at Bethany.
All during the Easter season, Intern Rita will host the podcast and interview individuals about ways that we can put the new life of Easter into practice. This week, Intern Rita calls her brother, Noah Argus, to talk about building fires and living in the wilderness and how these practices can connect us with the Resurrection.
All during the Easter season, Intern Rita will host the podcast and interview friends and family about ways that we can put the new life of Easter into practice. This week, our episode is a conversation between Pastor Gary and Intern Rita about the ways that worship can be a spiritual practice of Resurrection Life.
All during the Easter season, Intern Rita will host the podcast and interview friends and family about ways that we can put the new life of Easter into practice. This week, she talks with Bryan Jaster about how the act of giving things away can connect us with the resurrection Good News.
All during the Easter Season, Intern Rita will be interviewing individuals to talk about ways that we can put the new life of Easter into practice. This week, she talks with her sister Cara about exploring and the ways that adventure and discovery can connect us with the promises of Christ's Ressurection.
All during the Easter Season, Intern Rita will be interviewing individuals to talk about ways that we can put the new life of Easter into practice. This week, she talks with her friend Sammy DiBiaso about the ways that listening and noticing the sounds of nature can connect us with the joy and new life of Easter resurrection.
All throughout Holy Week, Pastor Nate has been sharing poems that he has written that reflect on the different days and moments of Holy Week. We conclude this poetic journey today with one final poem about Jesus' resurrection and Easter Sunday. This poem talks about the theological concept of bodily resurrection and the promise that is attached to believing that Jesus rose from the dead as a whole person.
All throughout Holy Week, Pastor Nate will share poems that he has written that reflect on the different days and moments of Holy Week. We hope these poems provide you with a new way of looking at and understanding what Jesus' final moments of life mean for us today.
This episode is a poem about Holy Saturday and the theological importance of there being a day between Jesus' dying and rising. This poem deals with grief, mourning, and loss and the ways that the promises of Holy Week speak to these very human experiences.
All throughout Holy Week, Pastor Nate will share poems that he has written that reflect on the different days and moments of Holy Week. We hope these poems provide you with a new way of looking at and understanding what Jesus' final moments of life mean for us today.
This episode is a poem about Good Friday that looks at the actions of Jesus' disciples, Pontius Pilate, and humans everywhere and how Jesus' death is actually a sacrifice that seeks to overcome our self-destructive behavior.
All throughout Holy Week, Pastor Nate will share poems that he has written that reflect on the different days and moments of Holy Week. We hope these poems provide you with a new way of looking at and understanding what Jesus' final moments of life mean for us today.
This episode is a poem that examines the events of Maundy Thursday and the ways that Jesus' message was often conveyed in a way that goes far beyond words.
All throughout Holy Week, Pastor Nate will share poems that he has written that reflect on the different days and moments of Holy Week. We hope these poems provide you with a new way of looking at and understanding what Jesus' final moments of life mean for us today.
This episode is a poem reflecting on some of Jesus' actions early on during his final week in Jerusalem and how these actions carry a message and significance that stretch all the way back to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
All throughout Holy Week, Pastor Nate will share poems that he has written that reflect on the different days and moments of Holy Week. We hope these poems provide you with a new way of looking at and understanding what Jesus' final moments of life mean for us today.
This episode is a poem Palm Sunday and the feelings and expectations in the crowd when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey.
In our final "Change of Perspective" podcast, we shift away from looking at different scripture stories and instead hear from members of the Bethany Social Concerns Committee. This recently formed group works to promote conversations and awareness about different issues facing our world today. Listen in as Pastor Nate interviews three members of the committee about how their faith influences this work and how their perspectives have been changed through their involvement.
We continue with our Lenten podcast series of looking at familiar Bible stories from a different perspective. In this episode Pastor Gary examines Psalm 22, the psalm Jesus quotes while on the cross. Listen in to understand this psalm in a whole new way.
This is the third episode in our Lenten series where we look at familiar Bible stories from different angles. In this episode, Pastor Nate walks us through the story of Jesus turning water into wine while at the wedding in Cana. Pastor Nate discusses some of the subtler details in this text and the ways that this, the first of Jesus' miracles, establishes the ongoing themes of Jesus' ministry. Listen in for a whole new perspective on this familiar Bible story.
This is the second episode in our Lenten series where we look at familiar Bible stories but from different angles. In this episode, Intern Rita and Pastor Nate have a discussion about Genesis chapter 2. Intern Rita shares a load of insights and unique features of this text that are often overlooked by the typical re-telling of this story. Listen in as Rita shares a new understanding of the story of Adam and Eve's creation and the ways that this text calls us to care for our neighbors.
This is the first of a new podcast series for Lent where we will be looking at familiar Bible stories but will offer different ways to look at their themes and messages. In this episode, Pastor Nate takes us step by step through the parable of the Good Samaritan as found in Luke 10:25-37. Listen in to learn some details that you might have missed in this familiar parable.
Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate sit down to discuss the season of Lent. What is the purpose of this 40 day period of time? How can it change our life of faith and connect us with God in new and meaningful ways? Listen in as Nate and Gary not only discuss the ways that Lent can be a gift, but also how Bethany Lutheran Church will be embracing the season this year.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, an episode all about love! Listen in as Pastor Nate offers some thoughts what the Bible says about love, how we can know God’s love in our lives, and how we can better show God’s love to others.
We continue our journey through epiphany with another faith aha episode. In this episode, Pastor Nate shares an aha moment he had while taking a seminary class on spiritual practices. Nate not only tells the story of how this insight came about but also describes the ways that he is currently continuing to live out this insight. It's an episode that includes a discussion of centering prayer, spiritual readings, yoga, self-help books, the enneagram, and more.
As we continue our walk through epiphany we once again share a podcast that is filled with stories of Aha moments in the life of faith. This week, Intern Rita records a conversation with her good friend Sammy DiBiaso. The two reflect on experiences they had while serving abroad and on the ways that slowing down allows one to notice the movements of God that are all around.
We continue our Epiphany series on Aha! Moments of faith. This week, Pastor Nate brings on Tyler Derrick to talk about an aha moment from his youth. Tyler is a young adult who attends Bethany’s Pub Theology gatherings and his Aha story is an interesting one that you don’t want to miss.
Pastor Gary preaches on Hope in a Child for the fourth Sunday in Advent. Scripture comes from Matthew 1:18-25.
During the season of Epiphany, Pastor Nate will be interviewing individuals about epiphanies (or aha! moments) that people have had during their journey of faith. This week, Bryan Jaster talks with Nate about an aha moment that took place during a high school church youth event way back when Bryan was in high school. Listen in as Pastor Nate and Bryan discuss Bryan's epiphany and the importance of practicing faith in a community.
In this episode, Pastor Nate and Kevin Dragseth discuss the exciting new initiative launching at Bethany this month. "Join in January" is a challenge to the congregation to find new ways to engage, participate, and share one's faith in 2023. Nate and Kevin have a great discussion about this endeavor as well as the importance of living out one's faith in intentional ways.
This episode is a rebroadcast of an episode from March 2021. It introduces the St Ignatius Examen, a great practice to use to look back at the past year and to notice how God has been guiding and speaking.
Merry Christmas! This is a rebroadcast of a scripture meditation based on the Luke 2 Christmas Gospel. Rest and relax into the promises of this sacred story.
This special Bible Study episode is a way to conclude our Advent conversations about hope. In this episode, Pastor Nate dives deep into John 8:31-38 and talks about the ways that fear and hope can sometimes distract us from Jesus Christ and his message of grace for our lives.
This week, Pastor Nate sits down with Paula Wills. Paula is the Director of the Sounds of Praise Choir and the Creative Arts Team Coordinator and an excellent story teller. As we continue our Advent focus on hope, Paula takes us through several stories from her life where she encountered hope in different locations and different ways.
Pastor Gary preaches on "Hope in the Forest for the second Sunday in Advent. Scriptures come from Isiah 11:1-10 and Matthew 3:1-12.
Intern Rita kicks off our Advent season with a sermon about "Hope in the Field" based on scripture from Matthew 24:36-44.
Pastor Nate and Pastor Gary preach on Christ the King Sunday about titles for Jesus based on scripture from Colossians 1:11-20 and Luke 23:33-43.
As we continue our Advent journey of hope and our Staff Stories podcast series, Pastor Nate sits down with Bethany's Pastoral Intern, Rita Argus. The two discuss the nature of hope and the temptation to provide cliche answers when individuals find themselves in difficult moments. Intern Rita shares stories from her time as a chaplain as well as some unique perspectives on hope, thanks to words from author John Green, and poet Emily Dickinson.
As we move into the Advent season, we will continue with our Staff Stories Podcast series, but with a slight twist. Over the next several weeks, Pastor Nate's conversations with Bethany staff members will center around the theme of hope.
In this episode, Pastor Nate and Pastor Gary discuss the season of Advent, the nature of hope, and the ways that this season can prepare us to more fully embrace the gift and promises of Christmas.
Intern Rita offers a sermon on the Kingdom and Kindom using scripture from Luke 1:46-55 and Luke 21:5-19.
In our latest installment of our staff stories series, Pastor Nate sits down with Kevin Dragseth and the two discuss Kevin’s previous work with a collaborative youth ministry. The conversation then shifts into a fascinating discussion about technology and the future frontiers of the church.
We continue with our Staff Stories podcast series, but this week we are changing this just slightly. This week, Colleen Maki serves as our special guest host as we flip the script and interview Pastor Nate. Listen in as Colleen and Nate discuss community, creative endeavors, and a whole bunch of stuff you didn't know about Nate.
Our staff story series continues as Pastor Nate sits down with the newest member of the Bethany staff, Dell Charles. Dell is the Director of Finance and Administration and he and Pastor Nate share a love of books. In this episode, they discuss their shared passion along with the ways that we, as people of faith connect with our sacred book - The Bible.
Intern Rita preached on Confirmation Sunday! Her sermon explores the Lutheran theological idea of sinner and saint. Scripture comes from Romans 5:18 and Luke 18:9-14.
Pastor Gary is preaching on scripture from Luke 18:1-8 and explores the themes of injustice and in justice.
The latest installment of our Staff Stories podcast series is a conversation with Laura Romig. Laura is the Director of Facilities and so she has a wide range of responsibilities, but in this conversation, we focus on Laura's work with the Bethany Live-stream and her passion for "getting the story out there". This passion comes from Laura's family history and, as we discuss, from our Christian calling to share the Gospel with all people.
This episode is another installment of our Staff Stories Series. This week, Pastor Nate speaks with Shelley Hook, Bethany's Account. Shelley shares the strange series of events that led her to take this Accounting position 18 years ago and she also talks about her commitment to the practice of Centering Prayer, a form of prayer that she never would have expected to find so life-giving.
Our next installment of our staff stories series is a conversation with Director of Faith Formation, Bryan Jaster. Bryan shared some details about his work and his particular sense of calling to live and love like Jesus.
This next installment of our "Staff Stories" series is a conversation between Pastor Nate and Janet Mortinsen, Bethany's Director of Pastoral Care. Listen in as Janet and Nate discuss the work of pastoral care and the similarities and differences between Janet's current work at Bethany and her previous role as a nurse in Rochester, MN. During their conversation, Janet shares some great insights about the importance of creating and holding space for people during times of anxiety or grief.
This week we are beginning a new series of episodes where Pastor Nate will be sitting down with members of the Bethany Staff to hear their stories. This week, in our first "Staff Stories" episode, Pastor Nate speaks with Colleen Maki, Bethany's Coordinator of Communications and Media. During their conversation, Colleen and Nate spend a lot of time discussing the Apple TV show "Ted Lasso". Listen in as their conversation delves into the themes of community, growth, and relationships.
In this episode, Pastor Nate speaks with his longtime friend Adam Arends. Adam is the pastor of North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church in Ettrick, Wisconsin. Adam has long loved to hike and camp and spend time in the outdoors and from this he's developed a passion for caring for God's Creation. In their conversation, Pastor Nate and Pastor Adam talk about the ways that our beliefs about the character of God encourage us to care for the world God has made.
In this episode, Pastor Nate talks with his longtime friend, Eric Madsen. Eric is the pastor of Trinity-Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Gates, NY and he is passionate about the importance of stories in the life of faith. Nate and Eric have a great conversation about the ways that story is integral to our life as Christians and how connecting with The Story of God can provide us with identity, purpose, and most of all hope.
This is a special episode that represents an entire summer's worth of work from Pastor Nate! This long podcast episode is a complete overview of the entire story of The Bible. This is a creative retelling of the stories of scripture, produced in a way to be used as an entry point for prayer or meditation. Not every Bible story is covered, but the entire meditation can provide you with an understanding of the larger story that plays out over the course of the entire Bible. As you listen to this podcast, relax, rest, and allow this time of guided scripture study to bring you deeper into an understanding of the promises of God that are revealed to us in scripture.
Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate sit down to record a podcast for the first time in a long time! Their discussion focuses on the upcoming theme for the year at Bethany: Know Love, Show love. Listen in as the two pastors discuss the ways that this phrase connects to our life as Christians and the ways it connects with the ministries at Bethany Lutheran Church.
This special episode is a conversation between Bryan Jaster and Andy Jung. Andy is the Director of Church Engagement at Fuller Youth Institute and will be our guest presenter at Bethany's upcoming "Growing Young Summit". Listen in as Andy and Bryan discuss the research that Fuller Institute has done in designing the Growing Young initiative and how this program is seeking to help congregations create Jesus-centered community.
We continue our podcast series with another episode about knowing love and showing love to others. Bryan Jaster and Pastor Nate have a great discussion about the word "love" and it's many different forms that appear in the Bible. Then, the two discuss practical ways that we can show agape love in the world.
Pastor Gary continued our sermon series on the theme, “Know Love , Show Love” by preaching about outreach.
This week we continue our Know Love, Show Love podcast series by speaking with Pastor Steve Biegner about a unique ministry he leads in Western New York called "Fire Church". This amazing ministry seeks to care for first responders and their families by bringing the gifts of the church to them. Listen in as Pastor Nate and Pastor Steve discuss the ways that this ministry began and how it really models the ways that we can show the love of God to those who are often overlooked. If you'd like to learn more about Fire Church, feel free to contact Pastor Steve at: steve@stpaulseggertsville.org
Pastor Nate continued our sermon series on the theme, “Know Love , Show Love” by preaching about faith formation.
In this episode, Intern Rita and her seminary classmate Sammy DiBiaso have a conversation about the study of scripture and the ways that studying the Bible can help us to know the love of God in our life. This is all part of our ongoing Know Love, Show Love series on this podcast and in worship life at Bethany Lutheran Church.
Pastor Gary kicked off our sermon series on the theme, “Know Love , Show Love” by preaching about worship.
This is the first in our series of KNOW LOVE SHOW LOVE. Pastor Gary talks about the various aspects of worship. Tune in!
Intern Rita's Sermon "Sampson: A superhero of the Bible" and asks, what can superhero stories teach us about relationship?
In this episode Pastor Nate speaks with Julie Miller. Julie is a therapist and the owner of Blue Counseling and she has some great ideas about how the church can uniquely assist in caring for the mental health of everyone in the congregation.
Listen in to Pastor Gary's sermon from July 17, 2022 as we continue our sermon series for the Summer: “Sunday School Stories we Never Read in Church.” Pastor Gary’s sermon examines the story of Elijah and the Prophets of Baal.
Previous podcast guest, Jeff Liljgren is back to discuss his experiences raising three children. Pastor Nate and Jeff discuss the struggles, frustrations, and joys of parenting with a specific focus on how they try to raise their children in the faith.
Listen in to Pastor Nate's sermon from July 10, 2022 as we begin a new sermon series for the Summer: “Sunday School Stories we Never Read in Church.” Pastor Nate’s sermon will examine the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Scripture readings are from Daniel 3:24-28 and Luke 24:28-32 .
In this episode, Pastor Nate talks with his longtime friend, Pastor Lauren Heywood Bruno. Pastor Lauren serves St John Lutheran Church in Ridgevalley in Sellersville, PA. In their conversation, Pastor Lauren and Pastor Nate talk about their love of the Scriptures and the importance of studying the Bible in community and in conversation with scholars, history, and personal experience. Listen in to this great discussion on why and how we still read the Bible today.
In this episode, we conclude our series on the first four chapters of Genesis. Listen in as we explore the story of Cain and Abel and consider the ways that this tragic story describes many of the struggles of our human existence.
Intern Rita preaches on "The Cost of Discipleship" based on scripture readings from Galatians 5:1, 13-25 and Luke 9:51-62.
In this week's podcast episode, we are continuing our study of the first chapters of the Bible. This week we look at Genesis chapter 3, the story of Adam and Eve and the serpent and the forbidden fruit. This is a famous story often called "The Fall" but the details and lessons are actually a bit more complicated then what we might originally assume. Listen in as Pastor Nate dives into the subtle but important details of this famous story.
Pastor Gary's sermon from June 12, 2022. Scripture readings from Galatians 3:23-29 and Luke 8:26-39.
In this week's podcast episode, we are continuing our study of the first chapters of the Bible. This week we look at Genesis chapter 2, which gives far greater detail about the creation of the first humans than what we found in Genesis 1. Listen in and learn about what this ancient story might have to teach us about what it means to be human and how God created us to live.
This is part 1 of a 4 part series of Bible Studies looking at the first four chapters of Genesis. What do these first stories of the Bible have to teach us about the character of God and the human experience? Listen in as we dive deep into Genesis 1:1-2:3, a fascinating passage with so much wisdom and intentionality included in the words. If you'd like to hear a Scripture Meditation on Genesis 1, check out this podcast from last summer: https://anchor.fm/bethanydenver/episodes/SCRIPTURE-MEDITATION-based-on-Genesis-1-e16ngtd
In this week's podcast episode, Pastor Nate brings on his long-time friend, Chris McKinstry. Chris is the pastor of St. James Lutheran Church in Limerick, PA and he has a fascinating story about how he became a Lutheran. Listen in as Chris shares his unique and interesting experience growing up in the Evangelical Church and later finding a home in the Lutheran Church thanks to a 16th Century Essay and a small, ordinary Lutheran Church in the middle of nowhere.
This is an episode originally published in June 2021, but we are reposting it this week just in time for Pentecost. This coming Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, the day when the Holy Spirit was first given to the church. In prep for Sunday, we wanted to share with you once again this conversation between Pastor Nate and Pastor Gary about the Holy Spirit and its importance in the life of the church.
This episode is another conversation that Intern Rita recorded with her sister Cara. Cara is a research biologist who has some fascinating perspectives on the idea of finding resurrection in the midst of nature. Listen in as Intern Rita and her sister Cara discuss, from a truly unique angle, our Easter Question: "What Does Resurrection Look Like?"
This Sunday we explored the theme of know love - show love. Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate preached. The Scripture readings from Psalm 148 and John 13:31-35.
Our Easter Podcast series continues with a special episode that includes Director of Faith Formation Bryan Jaster and Bethany member Molly Miller! Molly graduated from High School in 2020 and now attends the University of Missouri. Listen in as Bryan talks with Molly about some of her current experiences and opportunities and as the two of them reflect on our Easter Question: "What Does Resurrection Look Like?"
In this podcast episode Pastor Nate sits down with Nicole Hanneman to hear her reflections on our Easter Season question: What Does Resurrection Look Like? Listen in as Nicole shares some great insights about all the ways that she has seen the new life of Easter breaking into our world.
As we continue our Easter podcast series, we have a special episode led by Intern Rita. Rita and her brother Noah sit down for a conversation about what Resurrection looks like. Listen in to this great discussion about the importance of seeing the daily reminders of the promise of the Resurrection.
Pastor Nate interviews Bethany member, Vicky Daub, about her work as the Executive Director of the Veteran's Servant Corps Project. Vicky's work and the story of how she got to this point, is filled with examples of God's Resurrection power breaking in. This episode is part of our Easter Podcast Seres where we are reflecting on the question "What Does Resurrection Look Like?"
Pastor Nate sits down with Nick Donkoh to talk about his work with the Reciprocity Collective, a Denver organization that takes a unique approach in helping people experiencing homelessness. This is part of our Easter Series where we are reflecting on the question "What does Resurrection Look Like"
Happy Easter to all our faithful listeners! This special Easter podcast is a rebroadcast of an Easter Poem that Pastor Nate shared last year. This poem is all about the promise of Christ's Resurrection and it is based on a reading from Luke 24:36-49.
Our Lenten Faith Journey concludes this week with a conversation between Colleen Maki and Pastor Nate. Colleen is the Coordinator of Media at Bethany and has had some incredible experiences in the church and throughout the world. These experiences have led Colleen to deeply value faith, community, compassion, and care for others. Listen in as Pastor Nate and Colleen discuss these themes and much more.
This episode was recorded in April of 2021 at the beginning of Holy Week. As we enter Holy Week in 2022, we wanted to re-release this conversation.
In their conversation, Pastor Nate and Pastor Gary talk about Holy Week, its theological themes, its liturgical worship services, and ways to further engage this most sacred week of the Christian year.
During this episode they mention a video where Pastor Nate makes Communion Bread with his family, you can find that video by following this link: https://youtu.be/MVofsb32Rk0
They also mention a Good Friday video that Pastor Gary created, you can find that here: https://youtu.be/3z7GbMXMveY
Our Lenten Faith Journey series continues with a conversation between Kevin Dragseth and Pastor Nate. Kevin grew up attending church every Sunday but his life has also included a variety of difficult moments. As Kevin shares the details of his faith journey in this podcast he talks about the importance of being honest with God and actually talking to God like a friend, even if that means you have to be a little blunt at times.
Our Lenten Faith Journey series continues with a conversation between Janet Mortinsen and Pastor Nate. Janet grew up in small-town Wisconsin and is the daughter of a Lutheran pastor. She was educated as a nurse and now serves as Bethany's Director of Pastoral Care. Listen in as Janet reflects on her personal journey of faith and the ways that faith encompasses not only our head but our heart as well.
Our Lenten Faith Journey series continues with a conversation between Paula Wills and Pastor Nate. Paula shares her experience growing up attending a small church in Montana and then moving to Denver and joining Bethany when she was only 22. Paula's story includes great insights into the importance of family, faith, music, and giving back.
Our Lenten podcast series continues with another conversation about a person's faith journey. This week, Pastor Nate talks with Bethany's Pastoral Intern, Rita Argus. Rita shares stories of her time growing up in the church, being pulled back into a community of faith through campus ministry in college, her time in the Peace Corps, and her discernment process. In telling her story, Pastor Nate and Intern Rita also discuss the themes of Questioning, Community, and the value of Interfaith experiences.
Pastor Nate's sermon from March 13, 2022. Pastor Nate offers reflections based on Luke 13:31-35.
Our Faith Journey podcast series continues. This week, Pastor Nate talks with Bryan Jaster (Bethany Lutheran, Director of Faith Formation) about his journey of faith. The two discuss the importance of finding faith in the community; the aspect of surrender inherent in faith; and the amazing reality of God's grace.
Pastor Gary's reflection from March 6, 2022. Pastor Gary offers three reflections based on Luke 4:1-4, Luke 4:9-12, Romans 10:8b-13, and Luke 4:5-8, 13.
This is a special re-broadcast of something that we posted last Ash Wednesday. As we begin the season of Lent Pastor Nate shares a poem he wrote several years ago that reflects on many of the themes of Ash Wednesday, Lent and Genesis chapter 3.
This episode marks the beginning of our Podcast series for lent. Each week Pastor Nate will interview another person about their personal journey of faith and the two will dive into some of the theological themes they’ve encountered during their journey of faith. This week, Pastor Nate sits down with Zach Lindsey to talk about community, music, and camp.
In the final episode of our Epiphany podcast series, we once again dive into a unique characteristic of Jesus. This week, we are thinking about the Transfiguration of Jesus and why it is important.
But wait there's more! This episode is a conversation between Intern Rita and two of her Seminary classmates: Morgan and Sammy. Listen in as Rita, Sammy, and Morgan discuss the significance of Jesus' Transfiguration.
This episode is our 6th installment in our Epiphany podcast series where we consider the different aspects of Jesus' character. Listen in as Pastor Nate takes us through a close reading of Luke 10:1-11. This story of Jesus sending out the disciples invites us to think about what it means to call Jesus a Rabbi and what it means to think of ourselves as his disciples.
This episode is an audio recording of Pastor Nate's full sermon from 2/13/2022 is based on reading from Amos 7:7-15 and Matthew 11:28-30. This sermon is part 2 of our stewardship series, focusing on the ways that Stewardship connects us with the World.
In this episode, Pastor Gary once again joins the podcast with insights about another characteristic of Jesus. Pastor Gary looks at the role of a priest within the Jewish community and describes the ways that Jesus reimagines some of the priestly roles. This discussion is our 5th installment in our Epiphany podcast series where we consider the different aspects of Jesus' character. Listen in as Pastor Gary shares with us some insights about Jesus the Priest.
This episode is an audio recording of Pastor Gary's full sermon from 2/6/2022 is based on reading from Luke 19:45-46. As part of the Bethany Aha! Sermon Series, Pastor Gary considers how stewardship connects us to our faith practices.
In this episode, Pastoral Intern Rita Argus invites her sister Cara, onto the podcast to talk about the story of Jesus calming the storm. This is part of our ongoing Epiphany series where we consider the different aspects of Jesus' character. Listen in as Rita and Cara think about Jesus as a Miracle Worker.
This episode is an audio recording of Pastoral Intern Rita’s full sermon from 1/31/2022 is based on readings from Psalm 25:1-10 and Luke 17:5-6. As part of the Bethany Aha! Sermon Series, Intern Rita considers small changes... big difference.
This episode is an audio recording of Pastor Nate’s full sermon from 1/23/2022 is based on readings from Romans 12: 1-8 and Matthew 5:13-16. As part of the Bethany Aha! Sermon Series, Pastor Nate considers how grace moves us toward action.
In this episode in our epiphany series, Pastor Gary leads an exploration of Jesus as the prophet. How does Jesus fulfill this title and how does he change it?
Our Epiphany podcast series continues! Each week our Bible Study episodes will look at different aspects of Jesus’ character. Today's episode is about Jesus The Exorcist. What do the stories of Jesus casting out demons have to teach us about the character of God? Listen in as special host, Bryan Jaster shares his thoughts as he explores the story of Jesus casting out demons in Mark 5.
This episode is an audio recording of Pastor Nate’s full sermon from 1/16/2022 is based on readings from 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 and John 2:1-11. The sermon explores the story of Jesus’ first miracle, which took place at a wedding in Cana and invites you to consider how the themes and emotions of a wedding help us glimpse what the Kingdom of God is like.
During the season of Epiphany we will be releasing weekly Bible Study podcasts that invite us to consider new aspects to Jesus’ character. This episode looks at Jesus as a story teller while exploring the parable of the Good Samaritan as found in Luke 10:25-37.
This episode is an audio recording of Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 1/9/2022 is based on readings from Luke 3:15-17;21-22. This sermon was for the Baptism of our Lord Sunday. and is based on the theme “Unity”
This is a recording of Intern Rita's sermon from 12/26/21 at the 10am service. The sermon was preached in three parts and is based on 1 Samuel 2:18-20, Colossians 3:12-17, and Luke 2:41-52.
This is a recording of Pastor Nate's sermon from 1/2/22 at the 10am service. The sermon is based on John 1:10-18.
Pastor Nates shares some details about the day of Epiphany and the liturgical season of Epiphany. What themes and stories are we invited to engage during this season of the church year?
Two of Pastor Nate’s three children join the podcast to talk about the Christmas story and to share their perspective on the story of God coming into the world.
Merry Christmas!
Please enjoy this scripture meditation based upon the famous Christmas story as found in Luke 2. Allow the wonder and promise of the Christmas story to fill your heart with joy this Christmas.
This is a recording of Pastor Nate's sermon from 12/19/21 at the 10am service. The sermon is based on Luke 1:39-55 and is based on the theme “Open Your Heart”.
In this episode, Pastor Nate's sister Elisabeth once again joins the podcast to share her wisdom and insight as a person of faith and a social worker. Nate and Elisabeth spend time talking about the value of traditions and rituals both psychologically and as people of faith. Listen in as they discuss some of their favorite traditions currently and some favorites from when they were growing up.
In this episode, we continue with our Advent series of scripture meditations. This meditation, for the fourth week of Advent, is based on the words of the prophet Isaiah as found in Isaiah 25:6-9. As Christmas draws near we open this meditation can help you "open your heart" to the promises of God. Relax, rest, and allow this time of guided scripture study to bring you deeper into an understanding of the peace, hope, and joy of this season.
Pastoral Intern Rita’s full sermon from the 8:30 service on 12/12/21 is based on readings from Luke 3:7-18.
Once again, Pastor Nate brings on a favorite guest from the past year for a new conversation. In this episode, Bryan Jaster once again joins the podcast to talk about finding hope during times of despair. Bryan shares some thoughts about how he has seen hope here at Bethany in the past 2 years and about the ways that the Christmas story declares to us this message of hope despite the circumstances.
In this episode, we continue with our Advent series of scripture meditations. As you listen to this podcast, we invite you to reflect on the theme of "Share Your Heart" by engaging with this unique meditation based on James 5:13-20. Relax, rest, and allow this time of guided scripture study to bring you deeper into an understanding of the peace, hope, and joy of this season.
This episode is an audio recording of Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 12/5/21 is based on readings from Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 3:1-6. This sermon was for the first Sunday of Advent and is based on the theme “Lift Up Your Heart”
Pastor Nate brings his dad, Rev David Preisinger, back onto the podcast to talk about the ways that the church approaches the seasons of the year in a slightly different way. Listen as they discuss the liturgical calendar and how it invites us to pay attention to different aspects of our life of faith each and every year.
This episode is an audio recording of Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 11/28/21 is based on a reading from Luke 21:25-36. This sermon was for the first Sunday of Advent and is based on the theme “Prepare Your Heart”
Each week of the Advent season we will release a different scripture meditation that aims to highlight the weekly Advent theme.
This week, our scripture meditation is based on Jeremiah 31:7-9. As you listen to this podcast, relax, rest, and allow this time of guided scripture study to bring you deeper into an understanding of the peace, hope, and joy of this season and our weekly Advent theme of "Lift Up Your Heart".
In this episode, Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate sit down to discuss the season of Advent. Their discussion touches on the themes, symbols, and rituals of the season as well as the characters from scripture that we often read about during this four-week lead up to Christmas. They also take time to unveil the ways that Advent will be observed at Bethany Lutheran Church this year.
Each week of the Advent season we will release a different scripture meditation that aims to highlight the weekly Advent theme.
As you listen to this podcast, relax, rest, and allow this time of guided scripture study to bring you deeper into an understanding of the peace, hope, and joy of this season.
This scripture meditation is based on John 21 and is centered around the theme "Prepare Your Heart"
In this episode, a recording of Pastor Gary’s full sermon from the 8:30am service for Christ the King Sunday. This sermon is based on readings from Revelation 1:4b-8 and John 18:33-37.
Happy Thanksgiving! In celebration of this day, Pastor Nate shares some thoughts on gratitude as a spiritual practice as well as some scripture passages related to our call to thankfulness.
Stay tuned at the end of the episode for some thankful reflections from the Bethany staff!
We are happy to unveil the next installment in our Faith in Daily Life Series! This week, Jeff Liljegren joins the podcast to share his story of a recent career change. During this conversation with Pastor Nate, Jeff shares some great insights about how God has led him throughout his life and most recently through this latest shift.
In this episode, Pastor Nate's another poetic reflection that he has written based on Matthew 4:12-23. This scripture passage and poem look at Jesus calling his first disciples and the ways that God's call works in our life. Following the poem, Pastor Nate gets on to explain some further theological details of call and vocation.
This sermon was preached on 11/14 at the 8:30 Traditional Service. The sermon is based on the reading from Mark 13:1-8.
This sermon was preached on 11/14 at our 10am Creative Service. The sermon includes verses of the song "Beautiful Things" sung by the Sounds of Praise Choir. The sermon is based on Mark 13:1-8.
Pastor Nate’s sermon from 10/17 at the 8:30 am service is based on a reading from Mark 10:35-45.
In the year ahead, the majority of our Sunday morning readings will come from the Gospel of Luke. This podcast episode is an introduction to Luke's Gospel and a close study of Luke 18:9-14, a passage only found in Luke's Gospel.
Bethany’s Council Treasurer Steve Heuer and Pastor Gary record a conversation about charitable giving, not only why it is theologically important but they also include a lot of information about how to give in ways you might not know about.
Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 10/3/21 is based on readings from Genesis 2:18-24 and Mark 10:2-16
In this episode Pastor Nate shares an in depth examination of Jesus’ first miracle, turning water into wine.
Listen to Intern Rita's sermon from 9/26/21 based on the Gospel reading from Mark 9:38-50.
This episode is the next installment in our Faith in Daily Life Series! This week, Pastor Nate invites Paul Eppard onto the podcast to talk about his career as a School Counselor. It is evident through their conversation that Paul loves his job and that he has a special knack for connecting with young people and creating space for them to learn and grow. Listen in to this fascinating discussion about Paul's life, work, and faith.
In this episode: A recording of Pastor Nate's sermon at the 8:30 am service on 9/19/21. This sermon is based on the Gospel reading from Mark 9:30-37.
In this episode, the next installment of our Faith in Daily Life Series! This week, Pastor Nate sits down with Julie Miller to hear about her experience as a Counselor. Julie is an amazingly wise individual who shares many powerful insights about how her faith compels her to care for others and to speak words of comfort and hope to her clients.
In this episode: A recording of Pastor Gary's sermon from 9/12/21. This sermon is based on readings from Ezra 1:1-5 and Mark 5:14-20.
Our Faith in Daily Life podcast series continues! This week, Pastor Nate talks with long-time Bethany member Dave Craven about his experiences and work as an educator. Dave offers some beautiful insights about how he has lived out his faith while working as a teacher.
In this episode, a recording of the full sermon from Sunday 8/29/21, preached by Pastoral Intern Rita Argus.
Rita’s sermon is based on readings from Romans 6:1-11 & Matthew 3:1-12 and It is based on verse 4 of the Kyrie:
“For peace in our hearts, for peace in our homes,
for friends and family.
For Life and for love, for our work and our play,
Let us pray to the Lord.”
This scripture meditation invites you to insert yourself into the story of Jesus and his conversation with a rich man. Get into a comfortable position and allow this creative re-telling to guide you into a place of calm, peace, and wonder. What might these words of Jesus be saying to you this day?
In this episode, a recording of Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 8/22/21. This sermon is based on readings from Exodus 20:8-10, Acts 2:43-47, and Mark 1:29-34. This is part 3 of our 4 part sermon series on God’s Mercy.
It is based on verse 3 of the Kyrie:
“For peace in our hearts, for peace in our homes,
for friends and family.
For Life and for love, for our work and our play,
Let us pray to the Lord.”
This scripture meditation invites you to rest and relax as you listen to the story of Jesus calling his first disciples. Get into a comfortable position and allow this creative re-telling to guide you into a place of calm, peace, and wonder. How might Jesus be calling you to follow him this day?
In this episode: A recording of Pastor Nate’s full sermon from 8/8/21, based on Galatians 3:23-29 and John 17:20-24. This sermon is part 1 in our 4 part series on God’s Mercy. It focuses on the first verse of the Kyrie: “For peace in the world, for the health of the church, for the unity of all, For this holy house, for all who worship and praise, Let us pray to the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.”
In this new series of podcasts, Pastor Nate sits down with Susan Pfabe-Wiggans and talks with her about her work as a Pediatric Physical Therapist. Susan shares some incredible reflections about how her work helping young people is a way of living out her faith.
In this episode: A recording of Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 8/15/21, based on readings from Ruth 2:14-16 and Mark 2:23-28. This is part 2 of our 4 part sermon series on God’s Mercy.
It is based on verse 2 of the Kyrie:
“That we may live out your impassioned response to the hungry and the poor,
that we may live out truth and justice and grace,
let us pray to the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.”
This scripture meditation invites you to rest and relax as you listen to the story of Jesus curing a man in the town of Gerasenes. Get into a comfortable position and allow this creative re-telling to guide you into a place of calm, peace, and wonder.
We are trying something new! Pastor Nate’s children love to listen to guided meditations to help them fall asleep. This is a nighttime meditation based on the story of The Creation as found in Genesis 1. Even if you are not a young child, this meditation can help you peacefully drift off to sleep or just connect you with the Creation Story in a new and unique way.
In this episode, Pastoral Intern Rita Argus shares with us a special project from her work at Trinity Lutheran Seminary. As a class project, Intern Rita recorded a podcast of her own and so we share it with you now on this feed. Listen in as Rita and her roommates discuss a passage of scripture from the book of Romans.
In this episode: A recording of Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 8/1/21, based on readings from John 6:24-35 and Exodus 16:2-4;9-15.
Pastor Nate sits down with his sister Elisabeth and long-time friend Josef, to talk about a shared passion: The Enneagram. The Enneagram is a personality typing system that can be used as a tool to help people better understand themselves and their relationships. As Josef, Elisabeth, and Nate will discuss, it is a powerful tool that has some real application for spiritual growth and our relationship with God.
In this episode: A recording of Pastor Nate’s full sermon from 7/25/21, based on John 6:1-21.
Pastor Nate talks with his long-time friend, Nick Stroczkowski about Growing Youth, a new and emerging Youth Ministry Philosophy. Nick is the Director of Lutheran Youth Western New York, a conference-wide youth ministry program that serves youth and adults in the Western New York area. Part of Nick's recent work has been implementing and training individuals on the concepts described in "Growing Young" by Brad Griffin, Jake Mulder, and Kara E. Powell. Listen in as Pastor Nate and Nick talk about this unique new approach to congregational ministry.
In this episode: A recording of Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 7/18/21, based on readings from Jeremiah 23:1-6 and Mark 6:30-34, 53-56.
In this episode, Pastor Nate talks with his friend, Rev Joey Klinger (Pastor, Redemption Lutheran Church, Philadelphia). Pastor Joey is passionate about liturgical worship and shares some great insights into why the form of our worship services is so important AND why worship itself is such an essential practice of our faith.
In this episode, Pastor Nate invites his friend Rev Matthew Nickoloff to talk about the importance of spiritual practices. Matthew is the pastor and mission developer at The South Wedge Mission in Rochester, NY.
Listen in to Nate and Matthew's long conversation covering a wide array of topics that are core to a Lutheran understanding of the walk of faith.
This episode features a recording of Pastor Nate's sermon from July 4, 2021 it is based on the Gospel passage assigned for that Sunday from Mark 6:1-13.
In the final installment of our 4 part series on the Stories of Bethany, Pastor Gary looks at the story of Christ's Ascension. This final event in Jesus' earthly life took place at Bethany, and so we wonder together about what it means to be Bethany Lutheran Church; a church named after this town where Christ's Ascension took place.
This episode features a recording of Pastor Gary's sermon from June 27, 2021. It is based on readings from Mark 5:21-43.
We continue our series of Bible Studies focused on the town of Bethany. In this episode Pastor Gary dives into the story of Mary and Martha, which can be found in Luke 10:38-42.
Pastor Gary's sermon from June 20, 2021 is based on readings from Job 38:1-11 and Mark 4:26-34.
This Bible Study episode looks at the story of Mary anointing Jesus with perfume (found in John 12). This is the next installment of a new series of podcasts where we will look at stories from scripture that took place at Bethany. So much happens in this small town outside of Jerusalem and so we will be exploring these stories of scripture and thinking about what it means to be a church named after this important biblical location.
This is a recording of the sermon preached by Pastor Gary on June 13, 2021. It is based on the texts from Ezekiel 17:22-24 and Mark 4:26-34.
This sermon was preached on July 11th as part of Bethany's All-Star Sunday celebration. Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate spend time looking at John 3:1-17 and all the "Bible All-Stars" voted on by the Bethany members. The sermon provides some details about all the Bible Al Stars and explores the question of "what makes an All-Star, in God's eyes".
The All-Star Lineup:
Favorite King - David
Favorite Prophet - Isaiah
Favorite Judge - Deborah
Favorite Gospel - John
Favorite female character - Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Utility player (write-in candidate) - Nicodemus
This Bible Study episode looks at the story of Lazurus being raised from the dead (found in John 11). This is part of a new series of podcasts where we will look at stories from scripture that took place at Bethany. So much happens in this small town outside of Jerusalem and so we will be exploring these stories of scripture and thinking about what it means to be a church named after this important biblical location.
Pastor Nate's sits down with his two oldest children, Evelyn (age 9), and Solomon (age 7), to talk about their experience at Bethany Day Camp this past week. They share their insights and observations about the different themes of the day and even share some of their favorite songs from the week.
Due to a flight cancellation, Pastor Nate was not able to be at Bethany on Sunday 6/27 but he had already written a sermon. So, here is that never before heard sermon that would have been delivered on 6/27.
In this PRAYER AND STUDY episode, we take time to dwell deeply in God's Word.
Through readings, reflections, prayers, and music we will meditate on Psalm 8. Take 15 quiet minutes to pray, study, and grow in your sense of God's activity in your life and the world around you.
Our assigned Gospel reading for this coming Sunday is Mark 5:23-41, so Pastor Nate has prepared an in-depth look at this great dual-story fromMark’s gospel.
In this episode, Pastor Nate talks with his friend, Father Joseph Wolyniak. Joseph is the Associate Rector at Christ Church Denver, an Episcopal congregation right around the corner from Bethany Lutheran Church. Joseph has a strong interest in the Church Fathers, those early Christian writers, and pastors who guided the church in its infancy. Joseph shares his passion for these writings and explains why others might be interested in these works.
The assigned Gospel reading for this coming Sunday (6/20) is Mark 4:35-41. In this episode, Pastor Nate takes us through the finer details of this story of Jesus calming the sea and explains how this passage plays an important role in the longer narrative that Mark is unfolding in his Gospel.
In this episode, Pastor Nate has an extended conversation with his friend Abby Johnson. Abby is a recent graduate of United Lutheran Seminary, earning a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Environmental Theology. Abby shares her understanding of this specialized theology and how her life experiences led her to connect her love of nature with the very character of God.
This past Sunday, the assigned Gospel reading was from Mark 4:26-34, a reading that includes Jesus' parable of the Mustard Seed. This episode is a poem that Pastor Nate wrote based on this parable. We hope you enjoy this unique reflection on scripture and that it gives you a new way of thinking about the words of Jesus.
This episode is a recording of the sermon from 6/6/21 preached by Pastor Nate. It is based on Mark 3:20-35.
In this episode, Pastor Nate sits down with his long-time friend Tyler Hauger. Tyler is the Information and Project Advisor at The Karibu Foundation in Oslo, Norway. Tyler talks to us about the strange road that led him to this work and the ways that our life of faith is inherently connected to lifting up the voices of the vulnerable.
In preparation for this Sunday's sermon, Pastor Nate shares a deep dive on Mark 3:20-35. This will be the Gospel reading for Sunday 6/6/21 - so listen here first in preparation for Sunday's sermon!
In this episode, Pastor Nate sits down with his longtime friend, Dr Tim Snyder to talk about famous Lutheran theologian and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Listen in to learn about this important figure and how his life and writings relate to our daily walk of faith.
Pastor Nate and Pastor Gary’s shared sermon from May 23, 2021 looks at the story of Pentecost and what it means for us to be people of the Holy Spirit. This sermon is based on readings from Acts 2:1-21 and John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15.
This episode is a conversation with Elisabeth Preisinger, LMSW, on the role contemplative practices can play in building resilience. Elisabeth is the Contemplative-Based Resilience (CBR) Program Coordinator at The Garrison Institute and Pastor Nate's sister.
Today's episode is a recording of Pastor Gary's sermon from May 16, 2021.
This sermon is based on readings from John 17:6-19 and Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
This week’s Podcast episode is just in time for our celebration of Pentecost! Pastor Nate and Pastor Gary sit down to talk about the Holy Spirit. What do you Lutherans believe about this often-forgotten person in the Trinity? How do we see the Holy Spirit at work in our life of faith and in our congregation? Listen in as your pastors discuss this interesting and theologically rich topic.
This episode is a recording of Pastor Nate's sermon from 5/9/21. It's based on the Gospel reading found at John 15:9-17.
In this episode Pastor Nate looks at the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch, which we read in worship a week ago.
What interesting themes and lessons for our faith do we find in this strange story from Acts 8:26-40? Listen along for an in-depth examination.
This episode is a recording of Pastor Gary’s Full sermon from 5/2/21. This sermon looks at Jesus’ statement about the vine and the branches found in John 15:1-8.
Pastor Nate and Bryan Jaster (Director of Youth and Family Ministry at Bethany) sit down to share some thoughts about what happens next. How does the church move forward after a pandemic? What does scripture tell us about living through difficult times? Theologically speaking, what might our approach to the future look like as people of faith?
Pastor Nate's sermon from 4/25/21 is all about the importance of the empty spaces in our lives and how God can often take those empty moments and create something beautiful with them. This sermon was part of worship on 4/25 when our Chancel Choir performed a Bach Cantata as a part of our worship service. If you would like to watch the Cantata please follow this link: https://youtu.be/03rqfRnWn0g?t=1781
This week's podcast features a special guest! Pastor Nate invited his dad on to the podcast to talk about one of their favorite topics: Time Travel.
Listen in as they discuss all the ways that theology and the life of faith connect with the idea of time travel.
In this episode, Pastor Nate leads a deep-dive on Mark's version of the resurrection story and talks about how Mark's unique approach to telling this story is so interesting and valuable for our life of faith.
In this PRAYER AND STUDY episode, we take time to dwell deeply in God's Word.
Through readings, reflections, prayers, and music we will meditate on Luke 14:1;7-14. Take 15 quiet minutes to pray, study, and grow in your sense of God's activity in your life and the world around you.
This SERMON episode is a recording of Pastor Nate's Sunday morning sermon from 4/11/21. It focuses on the disciple Thomas and his experience of the resurrection as found in John 20:19-31.
This episode is a Bible study on Luke 24:1-11.
Pastor Nate looks at Luke's version of the Easter story and gives you an in-depth analysis of many of the smaller details and bigger questions posed by this Gospel reading.
At the beginning of Lent, we shared a poem on this feed entitled "The Fall: A Poem for Lent".
As a way of adding a bookend to our journey from Lent to Easter, Pastor Nate shares another poem entitled "Bodily Resurrection" which is based on readings from Luke 24:36-49.
In this episode, Pastor Nate and Pastor Gary sit down to talk about Holy Week, its theological themes, its liturgical worship services, and ways to further engage this most sacred week of the Christian year.
During this episode we mention a video where Pastor Nate makes Communion Bread with his family, you can find that video by following this link: https://youtu.be/MVofsb32Rk0
We also mention a Good Friday video that Pastor Gary created, you can find that here: https://youtu.be/3z7GbMXMveY
Pastor Nate discusses the gift of Rituals, Traditions, and Seasons and the ways that establishing these rhythms in our life can bring greater intentionality to our life of faith and greater connection to God.
Listen to an audio recording of Pastor Nate's sermon from the Mid-week Lenten service held on 3/17. This sermon is based on a strange reading from Numbers 21:4-9 and explores the ways that God sends healing into the broken and hurting places in our world.
This podcast is part 4 of our Lenten series on Spiritual Practices. Listen in as Pastor Nate discusses embodied forms of prayer such as running, walking, and yoga and all the ways these practices can bring a new angle to our life of prayer.
This episode is a recording from the sermon on 3/14. It's part 3 in our series "Because You Asked". Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate together preach a sermon that addresses questions about Heaven and Salvation.
We are just about halfway through the season of Lent and so here is a conversation between Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate about the Lenten season. Why is it important? How can it be of value to our journey of faith. Is it too late to embrace the themes of Lent, now that we are halfway through?
We will answer these questions and more!
In hopes of helping equip our listeners with new skills during this Lenten season, we will be recording several of these Spiritual Practice episodes during the next 40 days. These episodes are designed to provide you with instruction and insight about different spiritual practices that can benefit your walk of faith.
This Spiritual Practice episode explores the practice of the Centering Prayer and Silence. This is a practice that has been essential to Pastor Nate's spiritual life for nearly a decade. Listen in as he talks about how it has been valuable for his life and why we, in our fast-paced culture, might benefit from more time for silence.
If you’d like to hear more about Spiritual practices in general be sure to listen to the introduction recorded in the podcast we released on 10/21.
This episode is an audio recording of Pastor Nate’s full sermon from 3/7/21. This sermon is part 2 in our “Because You Asked” series. Pastor Nate’s sermon looks at forgiveness and is based on readings from Psalm 130 and Matt 18:15-22
In this episode, we share an audio recording of Pastor Nate’s sermon from our Mid-Week Lenten Service on 3/3/21.
This sermon focuses on following Jesus and the ways that living out that calling can oftentimes cause us to change, adjust, and let go of certain parts of our lives and is based on Mark 8:31-38.
In this episode, we share the audio recording of Pastor Gary’s full sermon from our Wednesday Evening Lenten service on 2/24. Listen as Pastor Gary explores the ways that temptation affects our life and how Jesus shows us the way to confront these difficulties.
In hopes of helping equip our listeners with new skills during this Lenten season, we will be recording several of these Spiritual Practice episodes during the next 40 days. These episodes are designed to provide you with instruction and insight about different spiritual practices that can benefit your walk of faith.
This Spiritual Practice episode explores the practice of the St. Ignatius Examen, a prayerful practice of looking back at your day with God where you REST, REWIND, REVIEW, and RELEASE the day with God.
If you’d like to hear more about Spiritual practices in general be sure to listen to the introduction recorded in the podcast we released on 10/21.
Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 2/28/21, the 2nd Sunday in Lent.
This is the first sermon in a 3 part series we are calling “Because You Asked”.
This sermon looks at the topic of evil and division in our world and how Jesus calls us to respond. It is based on reading from Galatians 3:22-29 and Matthew 10:34-39.
In this PRAYER AND STUDY episode, we take time to dwell deeply in God's Word.
Through readings, reflections, prayers, and music we will meditate on Acts 16:19-34. Take 15 quiet minutes to pray, study, and grow in your sense of God's activity in your life and the world around you.
In hopes of helping equip our listeners with new skills during this Lenten season we will be recording several of this Spiritual Practice episodes during the next 40 days. These episodes are designed to provide you with instruction and insight about different spiritual practices that can benefit your walk of faith.
This Spiritual Practice episode explores the practice of Lectio Divina and the slow, meditative reading of scripture. Pastor Nate talks about the different ways we often read scripture and how this practice can lead to new insights and a deeper connection with God's word.
If you’d like to hear more about Spiritual practices in general be sure to listen to the introduction recorded in the podcast we released on 10/21.
Pastor Nate's sermon for the first Sunday in Lent is based on Mark 1:9-15 and explores the topics of humility and stillness. This sermon was preached at Bethany Lutheran Church on 2/21/21
Bethany’s Director of Communication, Laura Eaton-Ortega stops by the podcast to talk about social tithing, a unique concept she’s devised that encourages us all to think about the ways that we can use social media to support the church.
As we begin the season of Lent Pastor Nate shares a poem he wrote several years ago that reflects on many of the themes of Ash Wednesday, Lent and Genesis chapter 3.
This episode includes further thoughts and insights about the nature of Stewardship from Pastor Gary. How is stewardship linked to sacrifice and trust? What does all this mean for our life of faith and relationship with God? Listen in as Pastor Gary shares some additional insights into our life of generosity and giving.
This sermon from Transfiguration Sunday was preached on 2/14/21. We were pleased to welcome Vicky Daub as our guest preacher. Vicky is a long time member of Bethany and a graduate of Luther Seminary.
Texts for this sermon:
2 Kings 2:1-12
Mark 9:2-9
To see video of this sermon (and the image Vicky references) go to https://bethanydevos.tumblr.com/tagged/sermons
As part of our ongoing exploration of Stewardship, Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate sit down to discuss their respective sermons from 1/31 and 2/7 as well as some further Stewardship themes that were not covered in their sermons.
This episode is a recording of Pastor Gary's sermon from 2/7/21. It's the second sermon in our series on Stewardship and is based on readings from 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 and Luke 13:18-19.
As part of our ongoing discussion on Stewardship, Pastor Nate has a special podcast episode looking closely at 2 Kings 5:1-14. Listen as Pastor Nate explains many of the subtle details of this strange story and how the overall theme connects to our life of faith and our understanding of how we can be good stewards of God’s gifts.
Pastor Nate’s full sermon from 1/31. This sermon was the first in a two-part Stewardship series and was also a special sermon for Confirmation Sunday.
The readings used are 1 Peter 2:4-10 and Matthew 25:14-30.
This episode is a follow-up conversation to the sermon from 1/24/21 on The Holy Trinity. Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate talk through what it means to believe in a God that is 3 yet 1.
This episode is an audio recording of Pastor Nate’s sermon from 1/24/21. This sermon was part of our sermon series on “Epiphanies”. In this sermon, that took place at 4 different moments during worship, Pastor Nate talks about the Holy Trinity and the 3 different persons in the Trinity and many epiphanies that he has had over the years about this theological concept.
The readings mentioned in the sermon are John 17:20-26 and Genesis 18:1-8.
To watch a video version of the sermon go to https://bethanydevos.tumblr.com/tagged/sermons
In this episode, Pastor Nate and Pastor Gary discuss biblical interpretation. This podcast is a follow-up to Pastor Gary’s sermon from this past Sunday (1/17).
In this episode we feature Pastor Gary's sermon from Sunday 1/17/21. Pastor Gary's sermon is a part of a 2-week sermon series called "Epiphanies for Epiphany". This week, Pastor Gary discusses his relationship with Scripture throughout his life and the many different "epiphanies" he has had while learning about how to read and interpret scripture.
In this PRAYER AND STUDY episode, we take time to dwell deeply in God's Word.
Through readings, reflections, prayers, and music we will meditate on Jeremiah 29:4-7. Take 15 quiet minutes to pray, study, and grow in your sense of God's activity in the world.
In this episode, Pastor Gary's sermon from 1/10/21 based on readings from Psalm 29 and Mark 1:4-11.
Our worship service this past Sunday (1/3/21) took time to explain some of the elements of a typical Lutheran worship service. In this podcast, Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate provide additional details about the different elements of a Lutheran Worship gathering and answer the many questions that you sent it through the connection cards this past Sunday.
If you missed the Sunday service you can see it here.
Listen to the two biblical reflections from Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate delivered on 12/27/20
Part 1 is a conversation about Hebrews 1:1-4
Part 2 is a conversation about John 1:1-14
Pastor Gary's Christmas Eve sermon for 2020 invites us to reflect on what it might mean to be a shepherd on that first Christmas night. This sermon is based on Luke 2:1-19.
John 1 is a passage of scripture often read on Christmas day, so here's a podcast episode where we dive deep into the details of John's Christmas story. We will be studying John 1:1-18. Thanks for listening, and Merry Christmas!
This PRAYER AND STUDY episode looks at John's version of the Christmas story- John 1. Through readings, reflections, prayers, and music we will meditate on these famous Christmas words and spend time thinking about the significance that we have received the title Children of God. We hope this time of guided meditation on scripture can provide you with some hope and joy during this Christmas week.
This BIBLE STUDY episode is part 4 of our 4 week series on the themes of Advent. Each week of Advent also has a particular theme that connects to our life of faith. Over the next four weeks we will explore these themes by studying one of Pastor Nate's favorite scripture passages.
Advent Week 4 is the Week of Love and today we are looking at the famous passage on love from 1 Corinthians 13.
This episode is an audio recording of Pastor Gary's sermon from 12/13/2020. It is based on readings from Micah 5:2-5a and Luke 1:39-55.
This BIBLE STUDY episode is part 3 of our 4 week series on the themes of Advent. Each week of Advent also has a particular theme that connects to our life of faith. Over the next four weeks we will explore these themes by studying one of Pastor Nate's favorite scripture passages.
Advent Week 3 is the Week of Joy and today we study The Song of Mary, The Magnificat, as found in Luke 1:39-56.
This episode is an audio recording of Pastor Nate's sermon from 12/6/20, the 2nd Sunday in Advent. It is based on readings from Isaiah 40:1-11 and Mark 1:1-8.
This BIBLE STUDY episode is part 2 of our 4 week series on the themes of Advent. Each week of Advent also has a particular theme that connects to our life of faith. Over the next four weeks we will explore these themes by studying one of Pastor Nate's favorite scripture passages.
Advent Week 2 is the Week of Peace and today we are looking at a strange passage from Ezekiel 37:1-14.
This episode is a recording of Pastor Gary's 2 part sermon from 11/29/20. To view the video of this service visit bethanydevos.tumblr.com/tagged/sermons.
This sermon is based on readings from 2 Samuel 1:11,17 and Matthew 1:18-24a.
This BIBLE STUDY episode is part of a 4 week series that Pastor Nate has created especially for the Advent season. Each week of Advent also has a particular theme that connects to our life of faith. Over the next four weeks we will explore these themes by studying one of Pastor Nate's favorite scripture passages.
Advent Week 1 is the Week of Hope and today we are looking carefully at Luke 2:1-19.
This epsidoe is the audio recording of Pastor Nate's sermon from 11/22/2020, Christ the King Sunday. It is based on Matthew 25:31-46.
In this PRAYER and STUDY episode we look towards the coming Advent season and the ways that God takes the ordinary and makes extraordinary. This time of guided reflection, prayer, and meditation is based on Luke 3:1-6.
This episode includes the full audio recording of Pastor Gary's sermon from 11/15/20 along with the musical elements that helped bring the sermon to life in new and dynamic ways. This sermon was broken up into parts throughout the worship service but is all cropped together here so that you can listen to it seamlessly. If you would like to see a video of this sermon, please visit bethanydevos.tumblr.com/tagged/sermons
This week's podcast episode is a special format that we call "Prayer and Study". Through readings, reflections, prayers, and music we will meditate on the words of Luke 12:49-56. It's a difficult passage that carries an important message for our world today. Special thanks to Rev Matthew Nickoloff for allowing us to feature his music.
Pastor Gary's sermon from 11/8/20 based on readings from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Matthew 25:1-13.
This Spiritual Practice episode explores the practice of journaling our prayers to God. Pastor Nate talks about his own experience with this practice and gives you a specific format that he has found helpful. If you’d like to hear more about Spiritual practices in general be sure to listen to the introduction recorded in the podcast we released on 10/21.
This episode is an audio recording of the joint sermon that Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate preached on All Saints Sunday November 1, 2020.
The readings they reference are 1 John 3:1-3 and Matthew 5:3-12.
This week's podcast episode is a new interview with Director of Faith Formation Bryan Jaster. The last time Bryan was on the podcast he shared with us his passion for Discipleship. This episode builds off those themes as Bryan shares with us the importance of Service Learning. Listen in as Bryan and Pastor Nate talk about this important idea and stay tuned at the end of the episode as they announce an exciting new Service Learning opportunity coming soon to Bethany!
This episode is a recording of Pastor Nate's sermon from 10/25/20, Reformation Sunday.
The sermon is based on readings from Romans 3:19-28 and John 8:31-38.
This Spiritual Practice episode begins with a little information about why spiritual practices are important and then goes into a discussion of The Jesus Prayer, ancient Christian prayer that can be used in your daily life.
This episode is an audio recording of Pastor Gary's sermon from 10/18/20 which focuses on the theme of identity and the promises that God makes to us.
The sermon is based on readings from Matthew 22:15-22 and Isaiah 45:1-7.
This is an audio recording of Pastor Nate's sermon from 10/11/20 based on Jesus' Parable of the Wedding Banquet found in Matthew 22:1-14. This sermon had utilized several visual elements and it was broken up into four different parts during the worship service. If you'd like to see the video version go to bethanydevos.tumblr.com/tagged/sermons
In this Bible Study episode we look at Mark 6:30-44, the story of Jesus feeding a great multitude. It’s one of the most famous miracle stories in the Bible, but as you’ll discover there is so much more to this story than just the miraculous duplication of fish and bread...
This week's podcast episode is a special format that we call "Prayer and Study". Through readings, reflections, prayers, and music we will meditate on the words of Numbers 21:4-9, a strange passage about snakes in the wilderness. Find a quiet seat, or put on your headphones and take a walk as we take time for Prayer and Study.
This episode includes the full sermon that Pastor Gary preached on 10/4/20. It's based on readings from Isaiah 5:1-7 and Matthew21:33-46.
This episode is a Bible Study. Before diving into the Parable, Pastor Nate shares some details about The Revised Common Lectionary and how our Sunday readings are chosen each week. This Fall, the schedule calls for many of Jesus' parables to be read on Sundays and so this episode focuses on perhaps the most famous parable, the parable of the Prodigal Son. Following the introduction, we look closely at Jesus' Parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15:1-3;11b-32.
What role does humility play in the life of faith? How can we be obedient to God’s will, even when it’s difficult?
This episode is a recording of Pastor Gary's sermon from this past Sunday, 9/27/20.
Readings: Philippians 2:1-13 and Matthew 21:23-32.
This is another of our "Prayer and Study" episodes. It is a guided devotional study of Genesis 11:1-9 meant to provide listeners with a time of quiet reflection, meditation, and prayer as we consider this scripture passage. We hope this format can provide you with a time of connection with God's Word.
Pastor Nate's sermon from 9/20/20 is based on readings from Exodus 16:2-15 and Matthew 20:1-16.
In this new episode, Pastor Nate looks at the stories of Jesus casting out demons. What do these exorcism stories have to teach us today, at a time when many are skeptical about the idea of exorcism? It's a spooky topic, but in the end, a hopeful episode, because after all, Jesus always conquers the forces of evil.
The main scripture passage we will study is Matthew 8:28-34.
Pastor Gary's sermon on Forgiveness is based on the parable Jesus tells about forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-35.
This sermon was part of an entire worship service that explored the idea of forgiveness and parables in some creative ways. Please, feel free to check out the video of the entire worship service by following this link: https://youtu.be/_JPldg9EfOY
This episode is a guided devotional study of Isaiah 25:6-9, it's meant to provide listeners with a time of quiet reflection, meditation, and prayer as we consider this scripture passage. We hope this format can provide you with a time of connection with God's Word.
Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate preach a sermon together on the topic of worries. What are we to do with the worries that we have? What does Jesus have to say about how to combat and face down our worries? Where is God in the midst of the moments that trouble us?
This sermon was preached during our Outdoor Worship Service on 9/2/2020 and was based on the following scripture passages:
Matthew 6:30-34
2 Corinthians 12:6-10
This week's podcast episode is a short Bible Study created by Pastor Nate. It's all about the importance of water in our world, the scriptures, and our life of faith. Grab your Bible, a glass of H20, and listen along!
This episode is a sermon delivered by Pastor Nate on August 30th, 2020. The final installment on our sermon series "Seasons of Life" focuses on the hopeful topic of New Life and it is based on Luke 24:36-49.
In this episode Pastor Nate talks with Bryan Jaster, the Director of Youth and Family Ministry at Bethany. The interview focuses on the topic of discipleship. What is discipleship all about and how does this topic affect our life each and every day?
This sermon from our Outdoor worship gathering on 8/23 was co-preached by Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate and focuses on the topic of Shalom. The readings reference for this sermon are Psalm 122 and John 14:25-31.
Due to technical difficulties with our internet and live-stream on Sunday, many were not able to hear this sermon from Pastor Gary. This sermon is on the topic of Death, as part of our ongoing series on The Seasons of Life. Pastor Gary focuses on readings from 2 Samuel 18:31-19:4 and Mark 8:31-33.
This episode is the recording of the sermon delivered by Pastor Nate and Pastor Gary on August 5, 2020 as part of our Outdoor Parking Lot worship service. The texts that are referenced in the sermon are: John 11:7-16 and Acts 6:1-7.
This episode is a guided devotional podcast. Through prayer, music, and quiet contemplation of scripture, listeners are invited to connect with God.
Music for this podcast is an improvised work from Bethany Director of Music Rick Seaton.
Our scripture is Luke 10:38-42.
This episode is a study of the biblical concept of Rest and Sabbath led by Pastor Nate. We will be looking at readings from Genesis 2 and Exodus 20
This episode is a recording of a sermon preached at Bethany on May 10, 2020 by Pastor Gary Sandberg.
The readings Pastor Gary references are Jeremiah 29:1;4-14 and John 14:1-7.