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Commons Church Podcast

Commons Church Podcast

588 episodes — Page 3 of 12

S10 Ep 36Deborah and Jael - Jeremy Duncan

This sermon explores the stories of two unique judges, Shamgar and Deborah, in the Book of Judges. It highlights how their stories expand the narrative of salvation and leadership, challenging the Israelites' preconceived notions. The sermon suggests that even in the midst of the conquest of Canaan, there are hints that salvation and leadership can come from unexpected sources, such as a Canaanite warrior (Shamgar) and a woman (Deborah). The story of Jael, a foreign woman who defeats Sisera, further emphasizes this point. While the violence in these stories is not celebrated, the sermon points out that they may be part of a larger journey towards peace and a more inclusive understanding of God's plan. ★ Support this podcast ★

May 19, 202431 min

S10 Ep 35Reckoning with Biblical Violence - Jeremy Duncan

Listen in as we grapple with the challenging depictions of divine violence in the Hebrew scriptures, contrasted with Jesus' message of grace and love. We delve into how these ancient texts can be reinterpreted through the compassionate lens of Jesus' life, steering clear of projecting our biases onto the divine. With insights from Robert Allen Warrior's analysis on the implications of conquest narratives for indigenous peoples, this conversation urges a thoughtful examination of our spiritual evolution and the consequences of our interpretations.In this series, we examine the transformation of Biblical narratives from a glorification of conflict to an embrace of mercy and compassion. We discuss how the initial exclusionary stance in texts like Judges gradually opens up to an inclusive, loving ethos, setting the stage for Jesus' revolutionary teachings. By understanding the journey from fear to acceptance, we offer fresh perspectives on difficult passages, reaffirming our vision of God in the light of Christ's example, and invite you to join us in appreciating the dynamic, purposeful progression of history towards peace and love. ★ Support this podcast ★

May 12, 202427 min

S10 Ep 34Joy of Friends - Jeremy Duncan

In our conversation, we explore the deep connection between joy and suffering, pondering biblical narratives set in valleys symbolizing the depths of despair and the peaks of hope. Hear about the transformation from pastoral work to personal wellness, and the embracing of healthier habits that bridge the physical with the spiritual. As we share these stories, we are reminded that true joy is not the denial of pain but the acknowledgment and transcendence of it, offering a path to a joy that persists day after day. ★ Support this podcast ★

May 6, 202430 min

S10 Ep 33Joy in Spirit - Bobbi Salkeld

In our conversation, we explore the deep connection between joy and suffering, pondering biblical narratives set in valleys symbolizing the depths of despair and the peaks of hope. Hear about the transformation from pastoral work to personal wellness, and the embracing of healthier habits that bridge the physical with the spiritual. As we share these stories, we are reminded that true joy is not the denial of pain but the acknowledgment and transcendence of it, offering a path to a joy that persists day after day. ★ Support this podcast ★

Apr 28, 202429 min

S10 Ep 32Joy in Song - Scott Wall

In our conversation, we explore the deep connection between joy and suffering, pondering biblical narratives set in valleys symbolizing the depths of despair and the peaks of hope. Hear about the transformation from pastoral work to personal wellness, and the embracing of healthier habits that bridge the physical with the spiritual. As we share these stories, we are reminded that true joy is not the denial of pain but the acknowledgment and transcendence of it, offering a path to a joy that persists day after day. ★ Support this podcast ★

Apr 21, 202428 min

S10 Ep 31Hell, Armageddon, and Joy - Jeremy Duncan

Through the shadows of the Babylonian exile toward discovering unexpected moments of joy with the enigmatic prophet Ezekiel. We peel back the layers of history to understand how these dark times were pivotal for Jewish literature and self-reflection, fostering a rich soil from which the Hebrew scriptures grew. Listen in as we unravel Ezekiel's apocalyptic visions, and consider how catastrophic events can unexpectedly renew our sense of joy in body and soul.In our conversation, we explore the deep connection between joy and suffering, pondering biblical narratives set in valleys symbolizing the depths of despair and the peaks of hope. Hear about the transformation from pastoral work to personal wellness, and the embracing of healthier habits that bridge the physical with the spiritual. As we share these stories, we are reminded that true joy is not the denial of pain but the acknowledgment and transcendence of it, offering a path to a joy that persists day after day. ★ Support this podcast ★

Apr 14, 202431 min

S10 Ep 30The Joy in simplicity - Jeremy Duncan

Join us as we embark on a five-week journey, unwrapping the layers of joy within the fabric of biblical history and our everyday lives. Listen in as we explore the difference between joy, pleasure, happiness, and fun, dissecting the nuanced ways we can train ourselves to spot and sustain a sense of joy that persists even beyond the highs of celebratory moments like Easter. Drawing from Michel de Montaigne's insights, we'll ponder the profound impact of joy that arises not from the exceptional, but the ordinary, inviting you to savor the simplicity that life offers.In our series kickoff, we recount the story of Abraham, where a casual lunch on his porch becomes a divine encounter, reminding us that profound experiences often hide in plain sight. Reflect with us on the intimacy of this moment and the human elements that make such stories relatable. We discuss how Abraham's hospitality and Sarah's laughter exemplify faith and humanity's response to divine promises. Through these narratives, we aim to recognize the joy in the mundane and understand its significance in the grand tapestry of theological and personal narratives. Tune in to rediscover the joy in the everyday and learn to celebrate life in its entirety. ★ Support this podcast ★

Apr 8, 202431 min

S10 Ep 29Easter Sunday - Bobbi Salkeld

Our journey through the Gospel of Mark continues as we unpack the profound narratives of Jesus feeding thousands and walking on water. These stories are not merely historical accounts but invitations to societal transformation and expanded generosity. We delve into the socio-economic messages within these miracles, pondering the notion of abundance and communal care. Furthermore, we consider the moments of divine presence in everyday life, discussing how ordinary acts of kindness hold as much significance as the miraculous. By the end of our time together, you may find yourself with a broader spiritual imagination, ready to recognize the divine in the most unexpected places and situations. ★ Support this podcast ★

Apr 3, 202427 min

S10 Ep 28All the Times We Miss the Point - Jeremy Duncan

Our journey through the Gospel of Mark continues as we unpack the profound narratives of Jesus feeding thousands and walking on water. These stories are not merely historical accounts but invitations to societal transformation and expanded generosity. We delve into the socio-economic messages within these miracles, pondering the notion of abundance and communal care. Furthermore, we consider the moments of divine presence in everyday life, discussing how ordinary acts of kindness hold as much significance as the miraculous. By the end of our time together, you may find yourself with a broader spiritual imagination, ready to recognize the divine in the most unexpected places and situations. ★ Support this podcast ★

Mar 25, 202430 min

S10 Ep 27Get Behind Me Satan - Jeremy Duncan

Our journey through the Gospel of Mark continues as we unpack the profound narratives of Jesus feeding thousands and walking on water. These stories are not merely historical accounts but invitations to societal transformation and expanded generosity. We delve into the socio-economic messages within these miracles, pondering the notion of abundance and communal care. Furthermore, we consider the moments of divine presence in everyday life, discussing how ordinary acts of kindness hold as much significance as the miraculous. By the end of our time together, you may find yourself with a broader spiritual imagination, ready to recognize the divine in the most unexpected places and situations. ★ Support this podcast ★

Mar 18, 202431 min

S10 Ep 26Who Do You Say I Am?- Jeremy Duncan

Our journey through the Gospel of Mark continues as we unpack the profound narratives of Jesus feeding thousands and walking on water. These stories are not merely historical accounts but invitations to societal transformation and expanded generosity. We delve into the socio-economic messages within these miracles, pondering the notion of abundance and communal care. Furthermore, we consider the moments of divine presence in everyday life, discussing how ordinary acts of kindness hold as much significance as the miraculous. By the end of our time together, you may find yourself with a broader spiritual imagination, ready to recognize the divine in the most unexpected places and situations. ★ Support this podcast ★

Mar 11, 202432 min

S10 Ep 25Boundary Markers - Bobbi Salkeld

Our journey through the Gospel of Mark continues as we unpack the profound narratives of Jesus feeding thousands and walking on water. These stories are not merely historical accounts but invitations to societal transformation and expanded generosity. We delve into the socio-economic messages within these miracles, pondering the notion of abundance and communal care. Furthermore, we consider the moments of divine presence in everyday life, discussing how ordinary acts of kindness hold as much significance as the miraculous. By the end of our time together, you may find yourself with a broader spiritual imagination, ready to recognize the divine in the most unexpected places and situations. ★ Support this podcast ★

Mar 4, 202428 min

S10 Ep 24The Point of Walking on Water - Jeremy Duncan

Our journey through the Gospel of Mark continues as we unpack the profound narratives of Jesus feeding thousands and walking on water. These stories are not merely historical accounts but invitations to societal transformation and expanded generosity. We delve into the socio-economic messages within these miracles, pondering the notion of abundance and communal care. Furthermore, we consider the moments of divine presence in everyday life, discussing how ordinary acts of kindness hold as much significance as the miraculous. By the end of our time together, you may find yourself with a broader spiritual imagination, ready to recognize the divine in the most unexpected places and situations. ★ Support this podcast ★

Feb 25, 202431 min

S10 Ep 23Contagious Generosity and the Five Loaves - Jeremy Duncan

Mk 6Any text is produced in a particular time, place, and context. In the case of the Bible, that context is always very different from ours as readers. “White North American Christians, especially those of us from the privileged strata of society, must come to terms with the fact that our reading site for the Gospel of Mark is empire, locus imperium” (Ched Meyers, Binding The Strong Man). This location means that we have to do the work, as best we can, to separate ourselves from our assumptions to hear what the text is saying to its intended audience.Lent provides an opportune moment to do just that. To let go of our privileged assumptions and to read from the place of surrender. This Lent, we will pick up where we left off in the fall to work through the second half of Mark’s Gospel. ★ Support this podcast ★

Feb 19, 202428 min

S10 Ep 22Resurrection and the Body - Bobbi Salkeld

Confidence to be ourselves. Together.We forget how diverse the first Christian communities were. Maybe it’s because we’re from a long line of “if you don’t agree, go somewhere else.” Or we’re used to finding people like us at church, not people different from us. Or we think similarity is what the healthy body of Christ looks like. The groups of people in churches like the one Paul started in Corinth would have found each other strange. Paul gets that, and still, in the face of conflict he keeps saying, “Draw closer. Draw closer to each other. It’s your difference that makes you beautiful.” Series text: second half of 1 Corinthians. ★ Support this podcast ★

Feb 12, 202427 min

S10 Ep 21All about The Tongues - Bobbi Salkeld

Confidence to be ourselves. Together.We forget how diverse the first Christian communities were. Maybe it’s because we’re from a long line of “if you don’t agree, go somewhere else.” Or we’re used to finding people like us at church, not people different from us. Or we think similarity is what the healthy body of Christ looks like. The groups of people in churches like the one Paul started in Corinth would have found each other strange. Paul gets that, and still, in the face of conflict he keeps saying, “Draw closer. Draw closer to each other. It’s your difference that makes you beautiful.” Series text: second half of 1 Corinthians. ★ Support this podcast ★

Feb 5, 202428 min

S10 Ep 20The LOVE Chapter - Jeremy Duncan

Confidence to be ourselves. Together.We forget how diverse the first Christian communities were. Maybe it’s because we’re from a long line of “if you don’t agree, go somewhere else.” Or we’re used to finding people like us at church, not people different from us. Or we think similarity is what the healthy body of Christ looks like. The groups of people in churches like the one Paul started in Corinth would have found each other strange. Paul gets that, and still, in the face of conflict he keeps saying, “Draw closer. Draw closer to each other. It’s your difference that makes you beautiful.” Series text: second half of 1 Corinthians. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jan 29, 202429 min

S10 Ep 19Unity AND Difference - Jeremy Duncan

Confidence to be ourselves. Together.We forget how diverse the first Christian communities were. Maybe it’s because we’re from a long line of “if you don’t agree, go somewhere else.” Or we’re used to finding people like us at church, not people different from us. Or we think similarity is what the healthy body of Christ looks like. The groups of people in churches like the one Paul started in Corinth would have found each other strange. Paul gets that, and still, in the face of conflict he keeps saying, “Draw closer. Draw closer to each other. It’s your difference that makes you beautiful.” Series text: second half of 1 Corinthians. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jan 22, 202429 min

S10 Ep 18Picking Up New Habits - Scott Wall

PART TWO: Opinions have a way, over time, of being fossilized, and that's a real danger as we enter into a new year, imagining all of the possibilities for change and growth. When your opinions get stuck, they become narratives, no longer just statements about how we view the world, but now stories that tell us how we must view the world. And this is why the practice of continually letting go is far more difficult and, to be honest, I think, far more important than we often realize, because sometimes we're not just letting go of unhealthy practices or even unhelpful ideas or just old hurts. We're letting go of all the stories that we have allowed to define us, opinions that have become fossilized and fixed. And often letting go of that is the prerequisite for all of the change that we hope to actually see in ourselves. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jan 15, 202430 min

S10 Ep 17The Practice of Letting Go - Jeremy Duncan

PART ONE: Letting GoOpinions have a way, over time, of being fossilized, and that's a real danger as we enter into a new year, imagining all of the possibilities for change and growth. When your opinions get stuck, they become narratives, no longer just statements about how we view the world, but now stories that tell us how we must view the world. And this is why the practice of continually letting go is far more difficult and, to be honest, I think, far more important than we often realize, because sometimes we're not just letting go of unhealthy practices or even unhelpful ideas or just old hurts. We're letting go of all the stories that we have allowed to define us, opinions that have become fossilized and fixed. And often letting go of that is the prerequisite for all of the change that we hope to actually see in ourselves. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jan 8, 202427 min

S10 Ep 16Advent Light - Yelena Pakhomova

At its heart, this season holds the mystery of how God became human. And if it’s true, the story of Christmas celebrates the full extent of divine fragility. If it’s true, it asserts a bold claim: that God stands in solidarity with our shared experience. This is a solidarity for life’s deepest valleys and soaring heights. For its lush and flourishing places and also those dry and forgotten places in our hearts.This Advent, we trace the landscapes of our lives in search of the path God takes toward us. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jan 3, 202427 min

S10 Ep 15Advent Mountains - Bobbi Salkeld

At its heart, this season holds the mystery of how God became human. And if it’s true, the story of Christmas celebrates the full extent of divine fragility. If it’s true, it asserts a bold claim: that God stands in solidarity with our shared experience. This is a solidarity for life’s deepest valleys and soaring heights. For its lush and flourishing places and also those dry and forgotten places in our hearts.This Advent, we trace the landscapes of our lives in search of the path God takes toward us. ★ Support this podcast ★

Dec 18, 202330 min

S10 Ep 14Advent Plains - Jeremy Duncan

At its heart, this season holds the mystery of how God became human. And if it’s true, the story of Christmas celebrates the full extent of divine fragility. If it’s true, it asserts a bold claim: that God stands in solidarity with our shared experience. This is a solidarity for life’s deepest valleys and soaring heights. For its lush and flourishing places and also those dry and forgotten places in our hearts.This Advent, we trace the landscapes of our lives in search of the path God takes toward us. ★ Support this podcast ★

Dec 11, 202331 min

S10 Ep 13Advent Valleys - Scott Wall

At its heart, this season holds the mystery of how God became human. And if it’s true, the story of Christmas celebrates the full extent of divine fragility. If it’s true, it asserts a bold claim: that God stands in solidarity with our shared experience. This is a solidarity for life’s deepest valleys and soaring heights. For its lush and flourishing places and also those dry and forgotten places in our hearts.This Advent, we trace the landscapes of our lives in search of the path God takes toward us. ★ Support this podcast ★

Dec 4, 202326 min

S10 Ep 12We Are LEGION - Jeremy Duncan

Mark 5Buckle up for a metaphorical ride across Lake Kinneret, where we scrutinize Jesus' encounter with a man tormented by demons. This tale gets eerie, political, and ultimately heartfelt. As we delve into the metaphorical representation of possession, Jesus' role in pacifying the storm and emancipating the man from his demons becomes more apparent. When our narrative returns to the familiar side of the lake, you'll witness Jesus' interactions with a wealthy man and an unclean woman seeking healing. These accounts remind us of the boundless grace and lessons of love and inclusion that Jesus brings to our own communities. ★ Support this podcast ★

Nov 27, 202331 min

S10 Ep 11Calm That Storm - Bobbi Salkeld

Mark We explore the contrasting approaches of Jesus and the Pharisees, as described in the second narrative package of Mark. In this section of Mark, Jesus begins to confront his religious critics, the Pharisees, who, despite their liberal ideologies, were often at odds with Jesus. We discuss an enlightening debate between Jesus and the Pharisees about prioritizing faith over tradition, a topic that unveils Jesus' remarkable ability to challenge and transform pre-existing notions.We also see Jesus' unique approach toward his religious critics and his ability to expand our imagination. We reflect upon an instance where Jesus questions the Pharisees on the Sabbath law, reminding them that rules are meant to aid, not control. Unpacking Jesus' teachings and his revolutionary message about the prioritization of life over law. ★ Support this podcast ★

Nov 20, 202328 min

S10 Ep 10All That Soil - Bobbi Salkeld

Mark 4We explore the contrasting approaches of Jesus and the Pharisees, as described in the second narrative package of Mark. In this section of Mark, Jesus begins to confront his religious critics, the Pharisees, who, despite their liberal ideologies, were often at odds with Jesus. We discuss an enlightening debate between Jesus and the Pharisees about prioritizing faith over tradition, a topic that unveils Jesus' remarkable ability to challenge and transform pre-existing notions.We also see Jesus' unique approach toward his religious critics and his ability to expand our imagination. We reflect upon an instance where Jesus questions the Pharisees on the Sabbath law, reminding them that rules are meant to aid, not control. Unpacking Jesus' teachings and his revolutionary message about the prioritization of life over law. ★ Support this podcast ★

Nov 13, 202328 min

S10 Ep 9How to Save a Life - Jeremy Duncan

Mark 2+3We explore the contrasting approaches of Jesus and the Pharisees, as described in the second narrative package of Mark. In this section of Mark, Jesus begins to confront his religious critics, the Pharisees, who, despite their liberal ideologies, were often at odds with Jesus. We discuss an enlightening debate between Jesus and the Pharisees about prioritizing faith over tradition, a topic that unveils Jesus' remarkable ability to challenge and transform pre-existing notions.We also see Jesus' unique approach toward his religious critics and his ability to expand our imagination. We reflect upon an instance where Jesus questions the Pharisees on the Sabbath law, reminding them that rules are meant to aid, not control. Unpacking Jesus' teachings and his revolutionary message about the prioritization of life over law. ★ Support this podcast ★

Nov 6, 202330 min

S10 Ep 8Social Location of Healing Narratives - Jeremy Duncan

Mark is generally considered to be the earliest of the four gospels we have in our Bibles. In fact, the consensus is that Mark served as a reference for what Matthew and Luke would later write. Mark is fast-paced, moving quickly through Jesus’ life, probably offering our first look at the historical Jesus. And in that look, we see a Jesus who is focused on the practical concerns of those he serves. Economics, politics, pressures, these are the issues that shape Jesus’ teachings in Mark. He may have an eye toward heaven, but he is firmly rooted in the praxis of God’s kingdom here now in the Gospel of Mark. In this series, we will crack open this first Gospel and begin a two-part journey through Mark’s memory of Jesus. ★ Support this podcast ★

Oct 30, 202332 min

S10 Ep 7Mark Part One - Scott Wall

Mark is generally considered to be the earliest of the four gospels we have in our Bibles. In fact, the consensus is that Mark served as a reference for what Matthew and Luke would later write. Mark is fast-paced, moving quickly through Jesus’ life, probably offering our first look at the historical Jesus. And in that look, we see a Jesus who is focused on the practical concerns of those he serves. Economics, politics, pressures, these are the issues that shape Jesus’ teachings in Mark. He may have an eye toward heaven, but he is firmly rooted in the praxis of God’s kingdom here now in the Gospel of Mark. In this series, we will crack open this first Gospel and begin a two-part journey through Mark’s memory of Jesus. ★ Support this podcast ★

Oct 22, 202328 min

S10 Ep 6Empowered by Spirit - Bobbi Salkeld

The start of season ten! Sometimes, I can hardly believe it’s been that long. And while we are still a year away from our tenth anniversary, it seems like a good time to go back and ground ourselves in some core ideas. For years now, we have included some of our foundational theological narrative on the first page of the journal. In this series, we will dive into each of the six statements that have kept us on course. And we will trust that God will help us journey even deeper into the Way of Jesus as we do. ★ Support this podcast ★

Oct 16, 202330 min

S10 Ep 5Scandalous Grace - Jeremy Duncan

The start of season ten! Sometimes, I can hardly believe it’s been that long. And while we are still a year away from our tenth anniversary, it seems like a good time to go back and ground ourselves in some core ideas. For years now, we have included some of our foundational theological narrative on the first page of the journal. In this series, we will dive into each of the six statements that have kept us on course. And we will trust that God will help us journey even deeper into the Way of Jesus as we do. ★ Support this podcast ★

Oct 9, 202330 min

S10 Ep 4Jesus Doesn't Fix God - Jeremy Duncan

The start of season ten! Sometimes, I can hardly believe it’s been that long. And while we are still a year away from our tenth anniversary, it seems like a good time to go back and ground ourselves in some core ideas. For years now, we have included some of our foundational theological narrative on the first page of the journal. In this series, we will dive into each of the six statements that have kept us on course. And we will trust that God will help us journey even deeper into the Way of Jesus as we do. ★ Support this podcast ★

Oct 2, 202330 min

S10 Ep 3Letting the Angry God Go - Bobbi Salkeld

The start of season ten! Sometimes, I can hardly believe it’s been that long. And while we are still a year away from our tenth anniversary, it seems like a good time to go back and ground ourselves in some core ideas. For years now, we have included some of our foundational theological narrative on the first page of the journal. In this series, we will dive into each of the six statements that have kept us on course. And we will trust that God will help us journey even deeper into the Way of Jesus as we do. ★ Support this podcast ★

Sep 25, 202328 min

S10 Ep 2Reading Through Jesus - Jeremy Duncan

The start of season ten! Sometimes, I can hardly believe it’s been that long. And while we are still a year away from our tenth anniversary, it seems like a good time to go back and ground ourselves in some core ideas. For years now, we have included some of our foundational theological narrative on the first page of the journal. In this series, we will dive into each of the six statements that have kept us on course. And we will trust that God will help us journey even deeper into the Way of Jesus as we do. ★ Support this podcast ★

Sep 18, 202331 min

S10 Ep 1the words and The Word - Jeremy Duncan

Sep 11, 202329 min

S9 Ep 50Hanging Out - Bobbi Salkeld

“....Happiness is not an ideal of reason but of imagination” –Immanuel KantTwo years ago, we had a blast doing a series like this...and we think you did too.So, we’re bringing happiness back.In part, because this is a practice of community. To share stories. To make meaning. To brighten faces. But also because it’s a practice of imagination. To shape futures. To inspire choices. To chart new pathways.Life has a way of making us feel limited at times, as though the patterns and options we have are set. As an alternative, Christian faith challenges us over and over again to use our imaginations to make, and move, and hope with abandon.So join us as we collect several voices to tell us what makes them happy. You might just find yourself feeling lighter because they did. ★ Support this podcast ★

Sep 4, 202330 min

S9 Ep 49Rest - Yelena Pakhomova

“....Happiness is not an ideal of reason but of imagination” –Immanuel KantTwo years ago, we had a blast doing a series like this...and we think you did too.So, we’re bringing happiness back.In part, because this is a practice of community. To share stories. To make meaning. To brighten faces. But also because it’s a practice of imagination. To shape futures. To inspire choices. To chart new pathways.Life has a way of making us feel limited at times, as though the patterns and options we have are set. As an alternative, Christian faith challenges us over and over again to use our imaginations to make, and move, and hope with abandon.So join us as we collect several voices to tell us what makes them happy. You might just find yourself feeling lighter because they did. ★ Support this podcast ★

Aug 28, 202326 min

S9 Ep 48Deconstruction and Lego - Jeremy Duncan

“....Happiness is not an ideal of reason but of imagination” –Immanuel KantTwo years ago, we had a blast doing a series like this...and we think you did too.So, we’re bringing happiness back.In part, because this is a practice of community. To share stories. To make meaning. To brighten faces. But also because it’s a practice of imagination. To shape futures. To inspire choices. To chart new pathways.Life has a way of making us feel limited at times, as though the patterns and options we have are set. As an alternative, Christian faith challenges us over and over again to use our imaginations to make, and move, and hope with abandon.So join us as we collect several voices to tell us what makes them happy. You might just find yourself feeling lighter because they did. ★ Support this podcast ★

Aug 20, 202326 min

S9 Ep 47A Day on the River- Scott Wall

“....Happiness is not an ideal of reason but of imagination” –Immanuel KantTwo years ago, we had a blast doing a series like this...and we think you did too.So, we’re bringing happiness back.In part, because this is a practice of community. To share stories. To make meaning. To brighten faces. But also because it’s a practice of imagination. To shape futures. To inspire choices. To chart new pathways.Life has a way of making us feel limited at times, as though the patterns and options we have are set. As an alternative, Christian faith challenges us over and over again to use our imaginations to make, and move, and hope with abandon.So join us as we collect several voices to tell us what makes them happy. You might just find yourself feeling lighter because they did. ★ Support this podcast ★

Aug 14, 202328 min

S9 Ep 46Anthony Bloom - Yelena Pakhomova

This one is about Anthony Bloom***The Christian tradition has always recognized certain individuals as playing an important role in its formation and development. These people are often singled out - their stories recorded - their contributions remembered. From Paul to Ignatius, and from Julian of Norwich to Teresa of Calcutta, we call them saints. Saints are often memorialized by the places they’re from, by the disciplines or fields they worked in, or by the times they lived. Their holiness directly tied to the ways they shaped people and communities and institutions. And one of the things we recognize here at Commons is that we rely on a chorus of saintly mystics, scholars, and innovators to inform who we are. People whose courage and wisdom shape us as a local, 21st-century expression of the Church. So join us as we name our patron saints. As we explore their stories. As we celebrate the ways they guide us ★ Support this podcast ★

Aug 7, 202326 min

S9 Ep 45Mary Oliver - Bobbi Salkeld

This one is about Mary Oliver***The Christian tradition has always recognized certain individuals as playing an important role in its formation and development. These people are often singled out - their stories recorded - their contributions remembered. From Paul to Ignatius, and from Julian of Norwich to Teresa of Calcutta, we call them saints. Saints are often memorialized by the places they’re from, by the disciplines or fields they worked in, or by the times they lived. Their holiness directly tied to the ways they shaped people and communities and institutions. And one of the things we recognize here at Commons is that we rely on a chorus of saintly mystics, scholars, and innovators to inform who we are. People whose courage and wisdom shape us as a local, 21st-century expression of the Church. So join us as we name our patron saints. As we explore their stories. As we celebrate the ways they guide us ★ Support this podcast ★

Aug 1, 202329 min

S9 Ep 44Amy-Jill Levine - Scott Wall

This one is about Amy-Jill Levine***The Christian tradition has always recognized certain individuals as playing an important role in its formation and development. These people are often singled out - their stories recorded - their contributions remembered. From Paul to Ignatius, and from Julian of Norwich to Teresa of Calcutta, we call them saints. Saints are often memorialized by the places they’re from, by the disciplines or fields they worked in, or by the times they lived. Their holiness directly tied to the ways they shaped people and communities and institutions. And one of the things we recognize here at Commons is that we rely on a chorus of saintly mystics, scholars, and innovators to inform who we are. People whose courage and wisdom shape us as a local, 21st-century expression of the Church. So join us as we name our patron saints. As we explore their stories. As we celebrate the ways they guide us ★ Support this podcast ★

Jul 24, 202328 min

S9 Ep 43Rene Girard - Jeremy Duncan

This one is about Rene Girard***The Christian tradition has always recognized certain individuals as playing an important role in its formation and development. These people are often singled out - their stories recorded - their contributions remembered. From Paul to Ignatius, and from Julian of Norwich to Teresa of Calcutta, we call them saints. Saints are often memorialized by the places they’re from, by the disciplines or fields they worked in, or by the times they lived. Their holiness directly tied to the ways they shaped people and communities and institutions. And one of the things we recognize here at Commons is that we rely on a chorus of saintly mystics, scholars, and innovators to inform who we are. People whose courage and wisdom shape us as a local, 21st-century expression of the Church. So join us as we name our patron saints. As we explore their stories. As we celebrate the ways they guide us ★ Support this podcast ★

Jul 17, 202332 min

S9 Ep 42Renewed Covenant - Bobbi Salkeld

Exodus 33-40***There are claims that Exodus is the essential book in the Bible. It's where we meet God by name, learn to trust a God who hears the cries of the oppressed, and experience awe for a God who guides wanderers.We can relate to Exodus. We wonder about who God is, we wonder about who God helps, and we know the feeling of waiting and wandering.It's a universal experience not to know the way forward but to press on anyway. Two steps ahead, one step back. Up a ladder, down a snake.Jesus' life follows in Moses' footsteps, making Exodus important for Christians. It's the story of liberation, and the way it defines freedom isn't something you can scribble on a sign.Exodus freedom is learned on a long walk with others newly set free alongside you, figuring out life and divinity as you march toward the promise of home. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jul 3, 202328 min

S9 Ep 41Golden Calves - Jeremy Duncan

Exodus 32***There are claims that Exodus is the essential book in the Bible. It's where we meet God by name, learn to trust a God who hears the cries of the oppressed, and experience awe for a God who guides wanderers.We can relate to Exodus. We wonder about who God is, we wonder about who God helps, and we know the feeling of waiting and wandering.It's a universal experience not to know the way forward but to press on anyway. Two steps ahead, one step back. Up a ladder, down a snake.Jesus' life follows in Moses' footsteps, making Exodus important for Christians. It's the story of liberation, and the way it defines freedom isn't something you can scribble on a sign.Exodus freedom is learned on a long walk with others newly set free alongside you, figuring out life and divinity as you march toward the promise of home. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jun 26, 202330 min

S9 Ep 40All the Commandments - Jeremy Duncan

Exodus 20***There are claims that Exodus is the essential book in the Bible. It's where we meet God by name, learn to trust a God who hears the cries of the oppressed, and experience awe for a God who guides wanderers.We can relate to Exodus. We wonder about who God is, we wonder about who God helps, and we know the feeling of waiting and wandering.It's a universal experience not to know the way forward but to press on anyway. Two steps ahead, one step back. Up a ladder, down a snake.Jesus' life follows in Moses' footsteps, making Exodus important for Christians. It's the story of liberation, and the way it defines freedom isn't something you can scribble on a sign.Exodus freedom is learned on a long walk with others newly set free alongside you, figuring out life and divinity as you march toward the promise of home. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jun 19, 202330 min

S9 Ep 39In the Wilderness - Scott Wall

Exodus***There are claims that Exodus is the essential book in the Bible. It's where we meet God by name, learn to trust a God who hears the cries of the oppressed, and experience awe for a God who guides wanderers.We can relate to Exodus. We wonder about who God is, we wonder about who God helps, and we know the feeling of waiting and wandering.It's a universal experience not to know the way forward but to press on anyway. Two steps ahead, one step back. Up a ladder, down a snake.Jesus' life follows in Moses' footsteps, making Exodus important for Christians. It's the story of liberation, and the way it defines freedom isn't something you can scribble on a sign.Exodus freedom is learned on a long walk with others newly set free alongside you, figuring out life and divinity as you march toward the promise of home. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jun 13, 202329 min

S9 Ep 38Through the Waters - Jeremy Duncan

Exodus 13-15***There are claims that Exodus is the essential book in the Bible. It's where we meet God by name, learn to trust a God who hears the cries of the oppressed, and experience awe for a God who guides wanderers.We can relate to Exodus. We wonder about who God is, we wonder about who God helps, and we know the feeling of waiting and wandering.It's a universal experience not to know the way forward but to press on anyway. Two steps ahead, one step back. Up a ladder, down a snake.Jesus' life follows in Moses' footsteps, making Exodus important for Christians. It's the story of liberation, and the way it defines freedom isn't something you can scribble on a sign.Exodus freedom is learned on a long walk with others newly set free alongside you, figuring out life and divinity as you march toward the promise of home. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jun 5, 202332 min

S9 Ep 37All Those Plagues - Bobbi Salkeld

Exodus 7+12***There are claims that Exodus is the essential book in the Bible. It's where we meet God by name, learn to trust a God who hears the cries of the oppressed, and experience awe for a God who guides wanderers.We can relate to Exodus. We wonder about who God is, we wonder about who God helps, and we know the feeling of waiting and wandering.It's a universal experience not to know the way forward but to press on anyway. Two steps ahead, one step back. Up a ladder, down a snake.Jesus' life follows in Moses' footsteps, making Exodus important for Christians. It's the story of liberation, and the way it defines freedom isn't something you can scribble on a sign.Exodus freedom is learned on a long walk with others newly set free alongside you, figuring out life and divinity as you march toward the promise of home. ★ Support this podcast ★

May 28, 202331 min