The Word Made Fresh: Recent Episodes
The Riverside Church NYC
The Word Made Fresh is a weekly Bible study and sermon prep resource that explores an upcoming lectionary text from a progressive point of view.
Join Rev. Jim Keat and Rev. Mira Sawlani-Joyner as they talk about Exodus 32 and the story of the golden calf. This narrative illustrates the people's anxiety during Moses' absence and their turn to idolatry, prompting a discussion on the human tendency to react violently in times of crisis. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy, suggesting that rather than immediately condemning the people's actions, it's essential to understand their desperation and the context of their fears.
Connecting this theme to World Communion Sunday, this conversation highlights the importance of recognizing shared pain and trauma across diverse communities, particularly in the wake of global violence. They advocate for a shift from retributive justice to restorative practices, calling for a compassionate response that fosters understanding and reconciliation. By focusing on empathy and connection, they envision a future rooted in love and justice, encouraging listeners to engage in meaningful dialogue and community-building efforts.
What is happening to the children?
That's the question Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat are asking, both to this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text and to the world around us. Join them for another weekly conversation as they take a look at what you might hear in this Sunday's sermon, share some ideas of your own, borrow whatever is useful for your context, and open yourself up to be challenged and inspired by this fresh perspective on a well known story from the book of Exodus.
Let's talk about Joseph.
His story makes up such a significant part of the book of Genesis, yet he is rarely the first character that comes to mind when we think of this book.
But watch out, because Rev. Adriene is going to tell Rev. Jim about a way to look at Joseph that just might change the way you see him and his story forever.
What happens when you cozy up to the dreams of empire?
And how would you tell this story to a six year old?
Keep listening to this episode of The Word Made Fresh to find out!
We're back!
Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat return for another season of The Word Made Fresh, the weekly show where they talk about the upcoming Narrative Lectionary text and give you a glimpse of what to expect this Sunday at The Riverside Church.
In this episode they talk about the first time God makes a joke, what it means to have a dynamic view of creation, and all the delicious flavors you can expect at Homecoming Sunday.
Enjoy the conversation. And then we hope to see you on Sunday!
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This Sunday we are celebrating Pride!
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about some of the ways we will be celebrating Pride Sunday at Riverside as well as a quick dip into 1 John 3:1-7 and how this particular Sunday frames the text in such a wonderful way.
Let's talk about the "S" word.
No, not that one. We're talking about sin.
While some streams of Christianity can't get enough, in our liberal mainline Protestant bubble we tend to avoid this world, especially when it refers to the personal implications. So rather than avoiding it, let's dive in and talk about it. What is confession and why are we invited to confess our sins? Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they explore 1 John 1:1-2:2 and the sermon Rev. Thorne is assembling, though we're pretty sure they come up with at least a half dozen different sermons in this one conversation!
What is Juneteenth and why are we including it in worship on Sunday?
You'll learn all that and more in this episode of The Word Made Fresh. Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about what to expect on Sunday, June 16 at The Riverside Church. From a guest preacher to why we include Juneteenth but not Father's Day and more, this conversation will have you taking notes on all the new things you might learn and clearing you schedule so you are ready to spend the day with us at Riverside on Sunday.
Enjoy!
What is God's name? And what does it mean to keep it holy?
These are some of the questions Rev. Jim Keat explores with Rev. Jabe Ziino on this episode of The Word Made Fresh.
Wait, who is Rev. Jabe Ziino?
He is one of the newest additions to the clergy team at Riverside. In this episode you will hear about the sermon he is preaching but you will also get to know him, what he brings to Riverside, and how he goes about crafting a sermon.
Enjoy!
This Sunday we will welcome Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow into theh pulpit at The Riverside Church. But before he steps into the pulpit Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat were excited to sit down with him to talk about his upcoming sermon and everything that he will bring. Rev. Bruce recently returned from his second trip to Palestine and while a trip to a country in the midst of conflict is not required for writing a sermon, it will inevitably inform what you have to say.
Listen in as these three Reverends talk about Palestine, preaching, and Romans 12. And be sure to join us on Sunday for a sermon (and sermon talkback after worship) that you won't want to miss!
Visit http://www.trcnyc.org to learn more.
Let's talk about the revolutionary prayer of Jesus, more commonly known as the Lord's Prayer. Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they explore the first two words of this prayer β Our Father β and dip their toe in a few other well-known but often-misunderstood sections. And be sure to watch to the very end to know what phrase to drop in the comments!
What is Pentecost? What are Spiritual Gifts?
By the end of this episode of The Word Made Fresh you will know the answer to them both!
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about this coming Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text, why you should wear something red, and the perfect alignment of the church's annual budget meeting on this particular Sunday.
Enjoy!
What do you believe about the resurrection?
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they dive into 1 Corinthians 15 and all the ways Paul talks about the resurrection. Enjoy some laughs, learn something new, and get ready to join us on Sunday as Rev. Thorne steps into the pulpit with the sermon you can hear her start writing in this conversation.
Love is patient. Love is kind.
Yep, you've probably heard this one before. But here's the thing: 1 Corinthians 13 was not written for weddings! This well known chapter was written to a church, to a group of people navigating the messy and real and conflict-filled reality that we find in our lives and our world and especially in our faith communities.
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about this chapter and offer a fresh (and potentially necessary) way of seeing these well known words about love.
Welcome to Corinth! This week begins the first of four weeks in the letter to the church in Corinth (otherwise known as 1 Corinthians). Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they explore a few verses from the first chapter (1 Cor. 1:10-18) and explore the particularities of a two thousand year old letter that wasn't written to us! Also, Rev. Jim has some fun facts to share about why 1 Corinthians should is actually mistitled as well as why these epistles (a fancy word for letters) are in the order we find them.
All this and more, and maybe even walking the line between orthodoxy and heresy, on this episode of The Word Made Fresh
Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim are covering a lot with this one, so buckle up (which is a reference to something Rev. Jim will talk about later on in the video) because here we go.
First, we have a guest preacher joining us this Sunday at Riverside. Kaitlin Curtice is an award-winning author, poet-storyteller, and public speaker. As an enrolled citizen of the Potawatomi nation, Kaitlin writes on the intersections of spirituality and identity and how that shifts throughout our lives. We are eager to hear what she will procialm from the pulpit and bring to our community on the Sunday before Earth Day.
Second, Earth Day! While this day doesn't find itself situated on the liturgical calendar, it is a day that faith communities should not ignore, especially as our invitation as people of faith is not just to escape this plane but to join God in tending to, caring for, and reshaping this planet. After all, the earth is the Lord's and everything in it! (That's Psalm 24, by the way.) Join Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim as they talk about the spirituality of earth day and why we aren't just waiting in line for a spaceship called heaven but must do the work to care for the good earth that we call home.
And lastly, the Narrative Lectionary brings us to Acts 17 where Paul and Silas are in Thessalonica, the same community who later recieves the epistles 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Rev. Jim and Rev. Adriene have a few brief thoughts on this story, particularly the ways it continues to intersect with our lives and our story today.
Ok, what are you waiting for? Push play and enjoy the latest episode of The Word Made Fresh!
What happens when Rev. Jim talks to himself about the Bible? Watch this episode of The Word Made Fresh to find out! Join Rev. Jim (and Rev. Jim) as he (they?) talk about this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text (Acts 3:1-10) and how a story about Peter healing someone outside the temple gates might still possible (or even necessary) in our world today.
What is Holy Humor Sunday? Who is Rev. Jane Ann Groom? And does Rev. Jim know any good Bible jokes? You'll know the answer to all three of these questions (and more) after you watch this week's episode of The Word Made Fresh!
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they sit down with this Sunday's guest preacher, glance through the history of Holy Humor Sunday, and focus on the story of Jesus' ascension from Acts 1:1-14.
And yes, there will be a couple Bible jokes towards the end of the conversation. One of them might even make you laugh! (And we need you to leave a comment with your Bible jokes so we can all keep laughing, all the way to Sunday. We hope to see you then!)
This is a big one: Easter Sunday! But at the same time it's just another Sunday.
It's just another Sunday to preach the good news of God's love. It's just another Sunday to be invited to see life springing up in the midst of death. It's just another Sunday to enjoy community as we gather on site or online.
Easter is important, but really, it's just another Sunday.
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about "another Sunday." They dive in on some of the details to this Sunday's text (Mark 16:1-8), what it means when Jesus flips our epectations, and why this particular Gospel's account of this story is different from the other three.
What are you waiting for? Push play and start watching!
From waving palm branches to pouring expensive perfume on someone's feet, this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text gives us the energy of the crowd and the intimacy of a meal. Jon Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about this text, how Rev. Thorne is approaching her sermon, when feet actually mean feet (and when they don't), and the the significant difference between "hosanna" and "hallelujah."
We're moments away from entering Jerusalem, and with it comes an impending death on a cross. But before we get caught up in that momentum, Jesus takes a moment to remind us that life goes on and that God is always in the business of life flourishing and even if these stones (Jesus' body) will crumble, stay woke because you just might see something being rebuilt.
With a text like this you know it's going to be a good conversation between Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat. Push play and listen in as they talk about this text, Throne's sermon, what it means to "be woke" in this scripture and in our world today, and the difference between preterism and futurism when reading potentially eschatological texts like this one.
Enjoy!
How many narratives can we squeeze into this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary? Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they find out!
This text invites starts with a pop quiz on which commandment is the most important, offers the very practical and timeless advice to stop devour the houses of widows, and ends with Jesus' observation on a widow giving all her money - a single penny - and what she can teach us about being a person of faith.
We'll also go back in time a few years to learn from 37 year old Rev. Jim and an old episode of The Word Made Fresh that dives into the "which Rabbinic school did Jesus side with?" context that is just below the surface of this text.
All this and more, so stop reading and start listening!
The Bible is not a children's book. It's filled with stories about murder and trick questions about whether or not you should pay taxes. And this week's text, Mark 12:1-17, dives in deep with an R-rated parable and some trickster Pharisees and Herodians trying (and failing) to set Jesus up for tax evasion.
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about Rev. Throne's upcoming sermon and how we can sit with a text like this in our world today.
βI don't think I could think of a single thing that's more isolating than being famous.β βLady Gaga
What does Lady Gaga have to do with this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text? Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they discuss the sermon she will be preaching on Sunday and how it intersects with Lady Gaga's thoughts on fame.
And bonus, they're in the same place for this recording! Woohoo!
"This story is about Jesus and Jeff Bezos."
That's how Rev. Jim Keat summarizes this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text, Mark 10:17-31. Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and she talks with Rev Jim about the sermon he is preaching on Sunday, February 18 at The Riverside Church. Their conversation captures so many nuances about this particular passage to the first Sunday in Lent to Love Poured Out to flying geese and more. Also, you'll hear what Rev. Jim is giving up for Lent this year and why!
An older woman has had an "issue of blood." A young girl has unexpectedly died.
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they discuss Mark 5:21-43, how Jesus brings healing and wholeness to both of these women, and how everyone β especially men β can approach and learn from a text like this.
What happens when Jesus heals someone who has been troubled by demons and ostracized from his community? It's not good for the nearby herd of pigs and the local community doesn't seem to welcome this healing as much as we would think.
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they discuss this Sunday's text, Mark 5:1-20, and a refreshing way to approach the story of Jesus and the Gerasene Demoniac.
A parable is a story rooted in the world from which it is told that continues to flourish in our whatever time and place it is encountered. In Mark 4 we hear Jesus telling four different parables and on Sunday, January 21 Rev. Adriene Thorne will preach from one (or all?) of them!
Listen in as she talks with Rev. Jim Keat about her upcoming sermon, the nature of parables and why they are still powerful in our lives and world today, and an always-entertaining game of Theomoji (special hymn edition!).
What does it mean to make space for justice? And what walls need to be remodeled in order for those who need justice to have access to it?
Join Rev. Jim Keat as he talks with guest preacher Rev. Karlos Nichols about the sermon he will be preaching on Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday at The Riverside Church.
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they discuss Epiphany Sunday, the Baptism of Jesus, and more.
Before we get to Christmas Eve take a moment and step into the final Sunday of Advent, where it's all about love. Only this love is a bit heavy.
"The people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the peoples weeping."
How do you hold joy and sorrow? It's easy to find ourselves consumed or overwhelmed with one of them, but to be human is to experience them both.
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they discuss this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text and how it intersects with the third Sunday of Advent, our world, and our lives.
We have so much to talk about in this video!
First, we're making our way through the Bible, one chapter at a time, on our Bible in a Minute project. Visit http://www.trcnyc.org/BibleInAMinute to start watching.
Then we talk about Riverside's Annual Christmas Pageant, happening Sunday, December 10 at 11:00 am ET in worship. As always, it will be incredible!
And finally we dip our toe into this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text, a classic passage from Isaiah.
As always this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
"And it is always an utter shit show for somebody."
Yep, that's a direct quote from Rev. Adriene Thorne. And it is true, especially during the holiday season. No matter how many Hallmark movies you watch or Christmas cookies you bake, we need to face the reality of our world, the reality that so many of us (all of us?) face -- everything is not perfect, we are holding grief and pain, and yet...
...and yet we have hope.
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text from Jeremiah and what to expect on the first Sunday of Advent.
Join Rev. Jim Keat as he talks with Rev. Mark Charles about his most recent and his forthcoming books. And if that weren't enough, they dive into what he will be preaching on Sunday, November 23, 2023 at The Riverside Church. Pour yourself a cup of tea and settle in for this rich and insightful conversation!
What does God do with sour grapes?
Join Rev. Dr. Lisa Weaver as she sits down with Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat to talk about the sermon she is preaching on Sunday, November 19. Rev. Weaver also walks through her process of how she goes about crafting a sermon. This one is one part Bible study and one part Homiletics class. It's a conversation you won't want to miss!
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they discuss this week's Narrative Lectionary text and the sermon that Rev. Thorne will be preaching.
When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.
The more I called them,
the more they went from me;
they kept sacrificing to the Baals
and offering incense to idols.
Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk;
I took them up in my arms,
but they did not know that I healed them.
I led them with cords of human kindness,
with bands of love.
I was to them like those
who lift infants to their cheeks.
I bent down to them and fed them.
They shall return to the land of Egypt,
and Assyria shall be their king,
because they have refused to return to me.
The sword rages in their cities;
it consumes their oracle priests
and devours because of their schemes.
My people are bent on turning away from me.
To the Most High they call,
but he does not raise them up at all.
How can I give you up, Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, O Israel?
How can I make you like Admah?
How can I treat you like Zeboiim?
My heart recoils within me;
my compassion grows warm and tender.
I will not execute my fierce anger;
I will not again destroy Ephraim,
for I am God and no mortal,
the Holy One in your midst,
and I will not come in wrath.
It's an epic showdown. The world's largest BBQ. Elijah vs. the prophets of Baal!
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they sit with this epic story and explore some of the ways it intersects with our lives and our world today. (And as a bonus, you'll get some hints at where Rev. Thorne's sermon will be going for this Sunday!)
How do we handle power, conflict, and division in our world? In our lives? In our churches? (Wait, churches never have conflict, do they?)
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about 1 Kings 12:1-17, 25-29 and how Rev. Thorne will be exploring this story of the kingdom divided in her upcoming sermon.
The preacher is lucky if you remember her sermon. But we all can't help but hum the church music all week long.
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about her upcoming sermon and the essential role music plays in church and the ways it shapes our faith, spirituality, and theology.
What is Children's Sabbath? And how does it intersect with the story of Ruth?
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about the annual Children's Sabbath worship service and the sermon Rev. Thorne is preparing for this Sunday at The Riverside Church.
We hear the invitation (er, command) to sabbath but don't always think of how it lands on a different context. To the descendant of formerly enslaved people, thou shalt sabbath. To the worker ground to a pulp from the machines of capitalism, thou shalt sabbath. To the manager or CEO who is creating these unjust systems that allow no room to rest, thou shalt sabbath and your workers shall too!
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk through this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text and various ways it finds comforts and challenges our lives and our world.
"Wrestling with God β always a bad idea!" This is one of Rev. Adriene Thorne's entry points into this Sunday's lectionary text. Join her as she talks with Rev. Jim Keat about what she's thinking for her next sermon, all sorts of great insights about names from Rev. Keat, and a whole lot more about the juggling so many stories in the Narrative Lectionary from them both.
Riverside's Senior Minister, Rev. Adriene Thorne, is stepping back into the pulpit on Sunday for the first time since mid-June. But before the opening hymn is even sung, she sits down with Rev. Jim Keat for the latest episode of The Word Made Fresh as they discuss the text, how she is approaching it, and why it's ok β perhaps even necessary β to hold a simple phrase from a longer narrative and see what it says to the current moment in our lives and in our world.
And if that wasn't enough, it's also Homecoming Sunday, so there's plenty to talk about and get excited for there as well.
Whether you're onsite or online, we hope to see you on Sunday.
The Word Made Fresh is back!
Join Rev. Jim Keat for this quick announcement about the return of this show and flash of ideas for the first Sunday in the Narrative Lectionary. And if you are able to, be sure and join us for worship on Sunday, Septembe 10 in NYC or online at http://www.trcnyc.org/watch to see exactly what he ends up preaching!
Let's talk about Pride Sunday!
Listen in as Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat explore all the ways Isaiah 61intersects with Pride Sunday and our world. What does it mean to bind up the brokenhearted and set captives free? Who exactly is the spirit of the Lord upon today? And what happens when these two rambling reverends end up telling stories about their experience with God's affirming and celebrating love for all people?
Also, this will be the final episode for the season. The Word Made Fresh will take a short break for the summer and will return in September 2023!
"Comfort, O comfort my people."
These are the opening words of Isaiah 40. But they could just as well be the announcement made in Galveston, TX on June 19, 1865, the day when the last enslaved people in America were informed of their freedom.
What happens when you're preaching this text on Juneteenth weekend? Listen in as Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat discuss this text and this upcoming Sunday.
Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat welcome a new guest to their weekly Narrative Lectionary conversation. Listen in as they talk with Minister Nordia Bennett, Interim Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry, as she shares about the sermon she will be preaching and the context both in the text and in the room this Sunday at Riverside.
Isaiah 9:1-7
But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darknessβ
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied exultation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders,
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Great will be his authority,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
What happens when Trinity Sunday falls on the beginning of Pride Month? Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they explore this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text (Isaiah 6:1-8) and how to preach a sermon or lead a Bible study with one foot in each of these spaces.
When you think of Pentecost you probably don't think of the book of Romans. But after Rev. Adriene Thorne tells Rev. Jim Keat about the sermon she's working on for Sunday, you'll start to see the connections between the story from the book of Acts and this final text in the Narrative Lectionary.
What does baptism have to do with The Little Mermaid? Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they dive in and explore Romans 6 and how we might be able to best understand a theology of baptism based on the new live action version of The Little Mermaid.
What do we do with Romans?
On this episode Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat explore Romans 5:1-11 and discuss the challenges and opportunities in preaching this text. They share how their personal experiences have shaped their perspective on the language of justification and righteousness and highlight the tension and opportunity this text presents in bringing people together on different sides of the conversation, particularly in a multi-faith global reality. Throughout the conversation, they offer insightful reflections on how reframing certain words and metaphors can open up new perspectives and help us see the good news in the text.
Enjoy!
What happens when you write a letter to a church that you haven't visited?
What can we learn and embody from the way Paul introduces himself?
Why is Romans the first epistle in a long line of epistles?
Why shouldn't we be ashamed of the gospel? And are there ever times when we should be?
These are just some of the questions that Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat will explore on this week's episode of The Word Made Fresh. Pull up a chair and join the conversation as we dip our toe into the first seventeen verses of the first chapter of the longest epistle in the Bible.
What does Paul and Barnabas' first trip to the Gentiles have to do with the Black Manifesto? Or maybe you're just asking, "What is the Black Manifesto?!" Either way, this video is exactly what you're looking for. Sit down with Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they dive in and explore the intersection of this story in the book of Acts and this moment in American history.
Over 60% of adults report spending 5 or less hours outside in nature each week. Which is all the more reason why Earth Day is such an essential reminder of how we should spend every day.
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about how The Riverside Church will be celebrating Earth Day and how it intersects with the story of Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10.
What is Holy Humor Sunday? And why is the Great Commission even greater than we could have ever imagined? Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they discuss why and how we will be celebrating Holy Humor Sunday at The Riverside Church as well as a fresh take on a familiar passage.
Don't confuse your hosannas with your hallelujahs. And more than anything, tune your ears to hear children throughout history and in our world today crying "Hosanna, help us, save us!"
That's just a taste of the latest conversation between Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat. Listen in to the whole thing as we follow Jesus on this road into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and enter Holy Week.
It's common, especially in progressive churches, for us to talk about and focus on social justice. And while this is a good and necessary thing, we can easily run into the problem with social justice. We solve the problem but don't stop to know the person, let alone address the system that creates and perpetuates the problem to begin with. Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they dive into Matthew 25:31-46 and see Jesus' words might resonate in our lives and our world today.
This week we encounter Jesus' parable of the ten bridesmaids, five have extra oil and five run out when they need it, leaving half the group to make it to the party while the other half are left outside knocking on the door. Here we go again β another story about some people getting in and some people being left out. What can we learn from a story like this? And where is it all leading Rev. Thorne in her upcoming sermon? Join Rev. Thorne and Rev. Keat for this conversation in the latest episode of The Word Made Fresh.
The Parable of the Wedding Banquet is often known as the one parable preachers try and avoid. But what do you do when it shows up in the Narrative Lectionary? Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about this pesky parable, how to approach it for a sermon or Bible study, and what it might reveal about our world and our church today.
What happens when three pastors sit down to talk about a parable? They begin to dismantle capitalism, convince you to fast from Amazon Prime, explore the impact of a good story, and so much more. Join Rev. Adriene Thorne, Rev. Jim Keat, and Rev. Amanda Meisenheimer for this week's episode of The Word Made Fresh.
We are entering the season of Lent. And it all begins with forgiveness. Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they explore the Narrative Lectionary text for the first Sunday in Lent and what it might mean for our lives, our church, and our world.
Also, be sure to visit http://www.trcnyc.org/Lent to find out more about Lent at Riverside, including how you can receive a daily Lent practice via text!
Let's talk about Transfiguration Sunday, the final days before the season of Lent, and what to expect with guest preacher, Alisa Castilla. Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat for another rich and riveting conversation on The Word Made Fresh.
Are you wheat or are you a weed? Or maybe if you're honest you're a bit of them both! Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they explore Jesus' parable of the wheat and the weeds and what it might mean for our lives and our world today.
This week Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat are joined by a special guest, Rev. Rob. Lee IV, to dive in and explore the end of the Sermon on the Mount, or as Rev. Thorne calls it, Jesus' Greatest Hits.
They also explore how to hold a text like this at the intersection of Black History Month and where to begin approaching a sermon when the text offers so many options!
All this to say, enjoy the conversation and leave your ideas and questions in a comment!
"Our Father" - while we can easily race past these first two words of the Lord's Prayer, they just might be the most revolutionary. Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about this portion of Matthew 6, exploring the impact the first two words of this prayer can have on our life and our world.
(And then as a bonus they keep going and talk about what "treasures in heaven" might mean and why Rev. Jim can at times struggle with this particular passage.)
Enjoy!
They were walking along, they came the top of a hill, and Jesus just starts talking. That's the context for the Beatitudes and all of Matthew 5.
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they discuss this portion of the sermon on the mount and what it means for Jesus' words to be descriptive rather than prescriptive -- Jesus isn't telling you what you need to do in order to be blessed but he's telling the people around him that they are blessed exactly as they are!
How should faith communities honor and continue the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they explore why Dr. King is an excellent model for churches today and what you can expect at Riverside on MLK Sunday.
Rev. Adriene Thorne is the Senior Minister at The Riverside Church. Rev. Jim Keat is the Digital Minister at The Riverside Church. The Word Made Fresh is a weekly show that (typically) explores the upcoming Narrative Lectionary passage, offering ideas you can use for your sermon, Bible study, or personal edification. Enjoy!
What is baptism? And what's happening when Jesus gets baptized?
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they dive in and splash around with Matthew 3:1-17 and talk a bit about the what and why of this thing called "baptism."
Youβve probably heard the Christmas story before, but chances are you havenβt heard it quite like this. Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they explore a familiar story with not one but two fresh perspectives.
Let's talk about Joseph.
It's easy to think of him as the guy who led the donkey or the guy who knocked on the door of the inn. But who is this character and what radical role does he play in the Christmas story?
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat for this episode of The Word Made Fresh as they explore Matthew 1:18-25, the quiet-yet-quintessential role of Joseph, and how to approach a familiar story in a fresh way.
Light does not diminish. It continues on, far beyond its original source.
Light is not a thing but it is that which allows you to see everything.
Isaiah calls us to be a light to the nations. What exactly does this mean? Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat for this episode of The Word Made Fresh and let's find out!
"For such a time as this" -- this is what Mordecai says to Esther, that she has come to power for such a time as this. Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they discuss this week's Narrative Lectionary passage and what we can learn from the story of Esther.
Is it ok to question God? To complain?
These are just some of the questions we experience when we open the book of Habakkuk. Join Rev. Jim Keat as he talks with Rev. Charlene Wingate about the Narrative Lectionary text for this Sunday and where she might be headed with the sermon she will be preaching. (Oh, and it's the first Sunday of Advent! What does Habakkuk have to do with Advent? Let's find out!)
It's easy to overlook the minor prophets, as they are the shorter books focused on the prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures. But when we take a closer look at context they emerge from and what they have to say, we quickly realize that there is nothing minor about them and they have have a major message that we still need to hear in our world today.
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about the upcoming narrative lectionary passage from the book of Micah, unpacking more about his context and what exactly it means for us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.
The story of Naaman and Elisha is really the story of unnamed women who propel the story forward. Because God continues to be at work, especially through the people who aren't thrust in the spotlight. Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they sit down and talk about this 2 Kings 5:1-15 and how it might intersect with our lives and our world today.