Commons Church Podcast

“....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 ★

“....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 ★

“....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 ★

“....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 ★

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 ★

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 ★

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 ★

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 ★

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 ★

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 ★

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 ★

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 ★

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 ★

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 ★

Exodus 3+4***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 ★

Exodus 1+2***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 ★

1 Cor 5-7***Some people – maybe you’re one of them – turn to pastors to make good choices. They want to know if what they think is acceptable to God, if what they do is pleasing to God, and if what they consider is in the will of God.There’s something blessed about want- ing affirmation from someone you trust. But what if your pastors don’t have the perfect answer and can’t give you the ideal guidance? Are there other waysto make good choices? Of course, there are. Wisdom is boundless like that.In the early church, apostles and leaders wrote to communities to help them make good choices. On the one hand, their words can feel overbearing and re- strictive, but on the other hand, they can feel a lot like love. Love that cares about where you get your information. Love that instructs you to steer clear of legal trouble – the courts aren’t made for your soft soul. Love that concerns itself with the food you eat and where it comes from. Love that inquires about who you’re sleeping with and if that heals or harms you. Again and again, when we turn to letters like 1 Corinthians, we walk away with advice that still speaks across centuries to help us make good choices. ★ Support this podcast ★

1 Corinthians 8:1–13***Some people – maybe you’re one of them – turn to pastors to make good choices. They want to know if what they think is acceptable to God, if what they do is pleasing to God, and if what they consider is in the will of God.There’s something blessed about wanting affirmation from someone you trust. But what if your pastors don’t have the perfect answer and can’t give you the ideal guidance? Are there other waysto make good choices? Of course, there are. Wisdom is boundless like that.In the early church, apostles and leaders wrote to communities to help them make good choices. On the one hand, their words can feel overbearing and restrictive, but on the other hand, they can feel a lot like love. Love that cares about where you get your information. Love that instructs you to steer clear of legal trouble – the courts aren’t made for your soft soul. Love that concerns itself with the food you eat and where it comes from. Love that inquires about who you’re sleeping with and if that heals or harms you. Again and again, when we turn to letters like 1 Corinthians, we walk away with advice that still speaks across centuries to help us make good choices. ★ Support this podcast ★

1 Corinthians 6***Some people – maybe you’re one of them – turn to pastors to make good choices. They want to know if what they think is acceptable to God, if what they do is pleasing to God, and if what they consider is in the will of God.There’s something blessed about wanting affirmation from someone you trust. But what if your pastors don’t have the perfect answer and can’t give you the ideal guidance? Are there other waysto make good choices? Of course, there are. Wisdom is boundless like that.In the early church, apostles and leaders wrote to communities to help them make good choices. On the one hand, their words can feel overbearing and restrictive, but on the other hand, they can feel a lot like love. Love that cares about where you get your information. Love that instructs you to steer clear of legal trouble – the courts aren’t made for your soft soul. Love that concerns itself with the food you eat and where it comes from. Love that inquires about who you’re sleeping with and if that heals or harms you. Again and again, when we turn to letters like 1 Corinthians, we walk away with advice that still speaks across centuries to help us make good choices. ★ Support this podcast ★

1 Corinthians 1***Some people – maybe you’re one of them – turn to pastors to make good choices. They want to know if what they think is acceptable to God, if what they do is pleasing to God, and if what they consider is in the will of God.There’s something blessed about want- ing affirmation from someone you trust. But what if your pastors don’t have the perfect answer and can’t give you the ideal guidance? Are there other waysto make good choices? Of course, there are. Wisdom is boundless like that.In the early church, apostles and leaders wrote to communities to help them make good choices. On the one hand, their words can feel overbearing and re- strictive, but on the other hand, they can feel a lot like love. Love that cares about where you get your information. Love that instructs you to steer clear of legal trouble – the courts aren’t made for your soft soul. Love that concerns itself with the food you eat and where it comes from. Love that inquires about who you’re sleeping with and if that heals or harms you. Again and again, when we turn to letters like 1 Corinthians, we walk away with advice that still speaks across centuries to help us make good choices. ★ Support this podcast ★

Dawn is breaking. Darkness fades away.And in the light of Easter morning we awake to find that resurrection has come to find us.Slipping into everyday moments.Seeping into the dried out and forgotten places of our hearts.Showing up to surprise in unexpected ways.So, we celebrate!Christ has been raised to life, and with him all creation too.Life and love burst into full bloom.Decay and despair release their grip.And as they do, we give in to hope. We look forward with fresh expectation. We come together in praise of all new begin- nings.Celebrate with us this Easter Sunday. ★ Support this podcast ★

Things weren’t going to end well.Even after doing so much good, sharing so much love, and bringing so much hope, Jesus kept telling his friends that his enemies would get the best of him. And then, in the final moments of his life - With his body taken and broken by violence - Jesus seemed to pause as death approached.He turned his face to heaven, and taught his friends a prayer for broken hearts. Simply asking, “Why?”Which is the question we bring with us to the end of Holy Week.Carried from all the places of our sorrow - our loss - and our helplessness.Here we ask our whys, and remember that God spared nothing to make all things new. That Jesus gave himselfover to death to lead us into life. That in his final words Jesus revealed how God knows the language of our doubt and fear. Showing us the road to resurrection, dark as it may be. And we that we don’t have to walk it alone. ★ Support this podcast ★

Palm Sunday: JOHN 17 + 12A Gospel’s structure is a roadmap – a way to get your bearings in a story.John structures his Gospel in four parts (stay with me). There’s the Prologue, the Book of Signs, the Book of Glory, and the Appendix. This Lent, we’ll work through the Book of Glory (John 13-20).But maybe you’re like, “So what?” And you’re right about something there. That word “glory” doesn’t mean much to most of us. It feels stodgy and strange. But what if we replace it with its definition? A word we are more fond of – Beauty. Book of Beauty.As we make our Lenten journey – these forty days toward Easter – what beauty will we find in the story of Jesus as John tells it?These beautiful stories guide us like roadmaps to live as friends of God. The stories here are about service, Spirit, belonging, union, heartbreak, and new life.Glory includes so much. It’s beautiful like that. ★ Support this podcast ★

Fifth Sunday of Lent: JOHN 15:18-16:15A Gospel’s structure is a roadmap – a way to get your bearings in a story.John structures his Gospel in four parts (stay with me). There’s the Prologue, the Book of Signs, the Book of Glory, and the Appendix. This Lent, we’ll work through the Book of Glory (John 13-20).But maybe you’re like, “So what?” And you’re right about something there. That word “glory” doesn’t mean much to most of us. It feels stodgy and strange. But what if we replace it with its definition? A word we are more fond of – Beauty. Book of Beauty.As we make our Lenten journey – these forty days toward Easter – what beauty will we find in the story of Jesus as John tells it?These beautiful stories guide us like roadmaps to live as friends of God. The stories here are about service, Spirit, belonging, union, heartbreak, and new life.Glory includes so much. It’s beautiful like that. ★ Support this podcast ★

Fourth Sunday of Lent: JOHN 15:1-17A Gospel’s structure is a roadmap – a way to get your bearings in a story.John structures his Gospel in four parts (stay with me). There’s the Prologue, the Book of Signs, the Book of Glory, and the Appendix. This Lent, we’ll work through the Book of Glory (John 13-20).But maybe you’re like, “So what?” And you’re right about something there. That word “glory” doesn’t mean much to most of us. It feels stodgy and strange. But what if we replace it with its definition? A word we are more fond of – Beauty. Book of Beauty.As we make our Lenten journey – these forty days toward Easter – what beauty will we find in the story of Jesus as John tells it?These beautiful stories guide us like roadmaps to live as friends of God. The stories here are about service, Spirit, belonging, union, heartbreak, and new life.Glory includes so much. It’s beautiful like that. ★ Support this podcast ★

Third Sunday of Lent: JOHN 14:8-23A Gospel’s structure is a roadmap – a way to get your bearings in a story.John structures his Gospel in four parts (stay with me). There’s the Prologue, the Book of Signs, the Book of Glory, and the Appendix. This Lent, we’ll work through the Book of Glory (John 13-20).But maybe you’re like, “So what?” And you’re right about something there. That word “glory” doesn’t mean much to most of us. It feels stodgy and strange. But what if we replace it with its definition? A word we are more fond of – Beauty. Book of Beauty.As we make our Lenten journey – these forty days toward Easter – what beauty will we find in the story of Jesus as John tells it?These beautiful stories guide us like roadmaps to live as friends of God. The stories here are about service, Spirit, belonging, union, heartbreak, and new life.Glory includes so much. It’s beautiful like that. ★ Support this podcast ★

Second Sunday of Lent: JOHN 14:1-7A Gospel’s structure is a roadmap – a way to get your bearings in a story.John structures his Gospel in four parts (stay with me). There’s the Prologue, the Book of Signs, the Book of Glory, and the Appendix. This Lent, we’ll work through the Book of Glory (John 13-20).But maybe you’re like, “So what?” And you’re right about something there. That word “glory” doesn’t mean much to most of us. It feels stodgy and strange. But what if we replace it with its definition? A word we are more fond of – Beauty. Book of Beauty.As we make our Lenten journey – these forty days toward Easter – what beauty will we find in the story of Jesus as John tells it?These beautiful stories guide us like roadmaps to live as friends of God. The stories here are about service, Spirit, belonging, union, heartbreak, and new life.Glory includes so much. It’s beautiful like that. ★ Support this podcast ★

First Sunday of Lent: JOHN 13:18-38A Gospel’s structure is a roadmap – a way to get your bearings in a story.John structures his Gospel in four parts (stay with me). There’s the Prologue, the Book of Signs, the Book of Glory, and the Appendix. This Lent, we’ll work through the Book of Glory (John 13-20).But maybe you’re like, “So what?” And you’re right about something there. That word “glory” doesn’t mean much to most of us. It feels stodgy and strange. But what if we replace it with its definition? A word we are more fond of – Beauty. Book of Beauty.As we make our Lenten journey – these forty days toward Easter – what beauty will we find in the story of Jesus as John tells it?These beautiful stories guide us like roadmaps to live as friends of God. The stories here are about service, Spirit, belonging, union, heartbreak, and new life.Glory includes so much. It’s beautiful like that. ★ Support this podcast ★

Part 4 of 4. Today we talk about violence***In studying the Bible, we have found it to be a trustworthy and beautiful guide for life. And yet, we also know the many ways this same profound text has been weaponized against others. Whether to marginalize, silence, or shame those who have dared to ask questions and chart a new path through the world, this is not only wrong but a misapprehension of the Bible’s role in the Christian faith. On the first page of this year’s journal, we wrote, “we are completely fascinated by this complex and beautiful collection of texts we call the Bible—but we worship Jesus.” That’s not because we think there is a disconnect between the two. In fact, we are convinced the Bible is what points us back to Jesus. However, Scripture is where we encounter Jesus. Scripture is not a replacement for Jesus. And therefore, our use of the Bible must be as peaceful and grace-filled as the Jesus we follow. In this series, we will attempt to disarm the Bible of violent interpretations but also to recapture some of the extraordinary ways in which the Bible calls us to life change. ★ Support this podcast ★

Part 3 of 4. Today we talk about atonement theory.***In studying the Bible, we have found it to be a trustworthy and beautiful guide for life. And yet, we also know the many ways this same profound text has been weaponized against others. Whether to marginalize, silence, or shame those who have dared to ask questions and chart a new path through the world, this is not only wrong but a misapprehension of the Bible’s role in the Christian faith. On the first page of this year’s journal, we wrote, “we are completely fascinated by this complex and beautiful collection of texts we call the Bible—but we worship Jesus.” That’s not because we think there is a disconnect between the two. In fact, we are convinced the Bible is what points us back to Jesus. However, Scripture is where we encounter Jesus. Scripture is not a replacement for Jesus. And therefore, our use of the Bible must be as peaceful and grace-filled as the Jesus we follow. In this series, we will attempt to disarm the Bible of violent interpretations but also to recapture some of the extraordinary ways in which the Bible calls us to life change. ★ Support this podcast ★

Part 2 of 4. Today we talk about the inspired vs inerrant Scriptures.***In studying the Bible, we have found it to be a trustworthy and beautiful guide for life. And yet, we also know the many ways this same profound text has been weaponized against others. Whether to marginalize, silence, or shame those who have dared to ask questions and chart a new path through the world, this is not only wrong but a misapprehension of the Bible’s role in the Christian faith. On the first page of this year’s journal, we wrote, “we are completely fascinated by this complex and beautiful collection of texts we call the Bible—but we worship Jesus.” That’s not because we think there is a disconnect between the two. In fact, we are convinced the Bible is what points us back to Jesus. However, Scripture is where we encounter Jesus. Scripture is not a replacement for Jesus. And therefore, our use of the Bible must be as peaceful and grace-filled as the Jesus we follow. In this series, we will attempt to disarm the Bible of violent interpretations but also to recapture some of the extraordinary ways in which the Bible calls us to life change. ★ Support this podcast ★

Part 1 of 4. Today we talk about our definitions of God, the power of our images and how for us to see God we need to look at Jesus. ***In studying the Bible, we have found it to be a trustworthy and beautiful guide for life. And yet, we also know the many ways this same profound text has been weaponized against others. Whether to marginalize, silence, or shame those who have dared to ask questions and chart a new path through the world, this is not only wrong but a misapprehension of the Bible’s role in the Christian faith. On the first page of this year’s journal, we wrote, “we are completely fascinated by this complex and beautiful collection of texts we call the Bible—but we worship Jesus.” That’s not because we think there is a disconnect between the two. In fact, we are convinced the Bible is what points us back to Jesus. However, Scripture is where we encounter Jesus. Scripture is not a replacement for Jesus. And therefore, our use of the Bible must be as peaceful and grace-filled as the Jesus we follow. In this series, we will attempt to disarm the Bible of violent interpretations but also to recapture some of the extraordinary ways in which the Bible calls us to life change. ★ Support this podcast ★

Right now, more than any time we can remember, we are polarized, on edge, and ready to attack each other. That doesn't mean there aren't good reasons to be cautious. We all know people who engage in bad faith, intent not on dialogue but on manipulation or deceit. However, if we allow that caution to transform us into essentially uncurious persons, we will miss out on much of what God has available for us. Being human is a limited experience of the world. And therefore, it is only when we open our perspective to the knowledge of the person beside us, and beside them, that we are able to properly envision the world. Curiosity is a spiritual discipline. One that keeps us humble and learning. And who knows, maybe the person beside you right now might be your next best friend. So let's talk about being curious. ★ Support this podcast ★

Right now, more than any time we can remember, we are polarized, on edge, and ready to attack each other. That doesn't mean there aren't good reasons to be cautious. We all know people who engage in bad faith, intent not on dialogue but on manipulation or deceit. However, if we allow that caution to transform us into essentially uncurious persons, we will miss out on much of what God has available for us. Being human is a limited experience of the world. And therefore, it is only when we open our perspective to the knowledge of the person beside us, and beside them, that we are able to properly envision the world. Curiosity is a spiritual discipline. One that keeps us humble and learning. And who knows, maybe the person beside you right now might be your next best friend. So let's talk about being curious. ★ Support this podcast ★

Right now, more than any time we can remember, we are polarized, on edge, and ready to attack each other. That doesn't mean there aren't good reasons to be cautious. We all know people who engage in bad faith, intent not on dialogue but on manipulation or deceit. However, if we allow that caution to transform us into essentially uncurious persons, we will miss out on much of what God has available for us. Being human is a limited experience of the world. And therefore, it is only when we open our perspective to the knowledge of the person beside us, and beside them, that we are able to properly envision the world. Curiosity is a spiritual discipline. One that keeps us humble and learning. And who knows, maybe the person beside you right now might be your next best friend. So let's talk about being curious. ★ Support this podcast ★

The lead-up to Christmas is full of big feelings. You can think of feelings in two categories: feelings when your needs are unmet and feelings when your needs are met. When your needs are unmet, you might feel cranky or annoyed. When your needs are met, you might feel joyful or calm. All of those feelings are expressions of biology. We feel emotions in our bodies. So there’s a wonderful connection between feelings and Advent. Advent is the season of divine embodiment. The story of Jesus’ arrival starts with ordinary humans feeling big feelings. Joseph is worried about stepping outside his community’s expectations. Elizabeth and Zechariah are self- conscious as they age, and their longed- for son is soon to arrive. Mary is dazzled as she encounters an angel who invites her into an outrageous story of divine nearness. The shepherds are invigorated by singing skies and a baby they run around to tell everyone about. Feeling Advent is about noticing how the story of Jesus’ arrival puts us in touch with the mystery we celebrate every year at Christmas. ★ Support this podcast ★

The lead-up to Christmas is full of big feelings. You can think of feelings in two categories: feelings when your needs are unmet and feelings when your needs are met. When your needs are unmet, you might feel cranky or annoyed. When your needs are met, you might feel joyful or calm. All of those feelings are expressions of biology. We feel emotions in our bodies. So there’s a wonderful connection between feelings and Advent. Advent is the season of divine embodiment. The story of Jesus’ arrival starts with ordinary humans feeling big feelings. Joseph is worried about stepping outside his community’s expectations. Elizabeth and Zechariah are self- conscious as they age, and their longed- for son is soon to arrive. Mary is dazzled as she encounters an angel who invites her into an outrageous story of divine nearness. The shepherds are invigorated by singing skies and a baby they run around to tell everyone about. Feeling Advent is about noticing how the story of Jesus’ arrival puts us in touch with the mystery we celebrate every year at Christmas. ★ Support this podcast ★

The lead-up to Christmas is full of big feelings. You can think of feelings in two categories: feelings when your needs are unmet and feelings when your needs are met. When your needs are unmet, you might feel cranky or annoyed. When your needs are met, you might feel joyful or calm. All of those feelings are expressions of biology. We feel emotions in our bodies. So there’s a wonderful connection between feelings and Advent. Advent is the season of divine embodiment. The story of Jesus’ arrival starts with ordinary humans feeling big feelings. Joseph is worried about stepping outside his community’s expectations. Elizabeth and Zechariah are self- conscious as they age, and their longed- for son is soon to arrive. Mary is dazzled as she encounters an angel who invites her into an outrageous story of divine nearness. The shepherds are invigorated by singing skies and a baby they run around to tell everyone about. Feeling Advent is about noticing how the story of Jesus’ arrival puts us in touch with the mystery we celebrate every year at Christmas. ★ Support this podcast ★

The lead-up to Christmas is full of big feelings. You can think of feelings in two categories: feelings when your needs are unmet and feelings when your needs are met. When your needs are unmet, you might feel cranky or annoyed. When your needs are met, you might feel joyful or calm. All of those feelings are expressions of biology. We feel emotions in our bodies. So there’s a wonderful connection between feelings and Advent. Advent is the season of divine embodiment. The story of Jesus’ arrival starts with ordinary humans feeling big feelings. Joseph is worried about stepping outside his community’s expectations. Elizabeth and Zechariah are self- conscious as they age, and their longed- for son is soon to arrive. Mary is dazzled as she encounters an angel who invites her into an outrageous story of divine nearness. The shepherds are invigorated by singing skies and a baby they run around to tell everyone about. Feeling Advent is about noticing how the story of Jesus’ arrival puts us in touch with the mystery we celebrate every year at Christmas. ★ Support this podcast ★

The lead-up to Christmas is full of big feelings. You can think of feelings in two categories: feelings when your needs are unmet and feelings when your needs are met. When your needs are unmet, you might feel cranky or annoyed. When your needs are met, you might feel joyful or calm. All of those feelings are expressions of biology. We feel emotions in our bodies. So there’s a wonderful connection between feelings and Advent. Advent is the season of divine embodiment. The story of Jesus’ arrival starts with ordinary humans feeling big feelings. Joseph is worried about stepping outside his community’s expectations. Elizabeth and Zechariah are self- conscious as they age, and their longed- for son is soon to arrive. Mary is dazzled as she encounters an angel who invites her into an outrageous story of divine nearness. The shepherds are invigorated by singing skies and a baby they run around to tell everyone about. Feeling Advent is about noticing how the story of Jesus’ arrival puts us in touch with the mystery we celebrate every year at Christmas. ★ Support this podcast ★

The book of Revelation deals on a cosmic scale with good and evil, politics and empire, community and eternity. It has intrigued and frustrated readers for millennia. How do we make sense of John's prophetic vision of cosmic war in light of the nonviolence Jesus embodies in the gospels? What does John mean to tell us about Jesus, our world, and the fate of all things? As End Times conspiracy theories surge, it's more important than ever that we read the final book of the Bible without distorting the true message of Jesus.Based on the book Upside-Down Apocalypse, but with the benefit of or whole teaching team at Commons, this series will walk through the book of Revelation using biblical scholarship and the nonviolence of Jesus as our guide.Along the way, we'll discover what John imagines as he weaves this profound revelation of non-violent triumph and see with fresh eyes how the Prince of Peace turns violence on its head once and for all. ★ Support this podcast ★

The book of Revelation deals on a cosmic scale with good and evil, politics and empire, community and eternity. It has intrigued and frustrated readers for millennia. How do we make sense of John's prophetic vision of cosmic war in light of the nonviolence Jesus embodies in the gospels? What does John mean to tell us about Jesus, our world, and the fate of all things? As End Times conspiracy theories surge, it's more important than ever that we read the final book of the Bible without distorting the true message of Jesus.Based on the book Upside-Down Apocalypse, but with the benefit of or whole teaching team at Commons, this series will walk through the book of Revelation using biblical scholarship and the nonviolence of Jesus as our guide.Along the way, we'll discover what John imagines as he weaves this profound revelation of non-violent triumph and see with fresh eyes how the Prince of Peace turns violence on its head once and for all. ★ Support this podcast ★

The book of Revelation deals on a cosmic scale with good and evil, politics and empire, community and eternity. It has intrigued and frustrated readers for millennia. How do we make sense of John's prophetic vision of cosmic war in light of the nonviolence Jesus embodies in the gospels? What does John mean to tell us about Jesus, our world, and the fate of all things? As End Times conspiracy theories surge, it's more important than ever that we read the final book of the Bible without distorting the true message of Jesus.Based on the book Upside-Down Apocalypse, but with the benefit of or whole teaching team at Commons, this series will walk through the book of Revelation using biblical scholarship and the nonviolence of Jesus as our guide.Along the way, we'll discover what John imagines as he weaves this profound revelation of non-violent triumph and see with fresh eyes how the Prince of Peace turns violence on its head once and for all. ★ Support this podcast ★

The book of Revelation deals on a cosmic scale with good and evil, politics and empire, community and eternity. It has intrigued and frustrated readers for millennia. How do we make sense of John's prophetic vision of cosmic war in light of the nonviolence Jesus embodies in the gospels? What does John mean to tell us about Jesus, our world, and the fate of all things? As End Times conspiracy theories surge, it's more important than ever that we read the final book of the Bible without distorting the true message of Jesus.Based on the book Upside-Down Apocalypse, but with the benefit of or whole teaching team at Commons, this series will walk through the book of Revelation using biblical scholarship and the nonviolence of Jesus as our guide.Along the way, we'll discover what John imagines as he weaves this profound revelation of non-violent triumph and see with fresh eyes how the Prince of Peace turns violence on its head once and for all. ★ Support this podcast ★

The book of Revelation deals on a cosmic scale with good and evil, politics and empire, community and eternity. It has intrigued and frustrated readers for millennia. How do we make sense of John's prophetic vision of cosmic war in light of the nonviolence Jesus embodies in the gospels? What does John mean to tell us about Jesus, our world, and the fate of all things? As End Times conspiracy theories surge, it's more important than ever that we read the final book of the Bible without distorting the true message of Jesus.Based on the book Upside-Down Apocalypse, but with the benefit of or whole teaching team at Commons, this series will walk through the book of Revelation using biblical scholarship and the nonviolence of Jesus as our guide.Along the way, we'll discover what John imagines as he weaves this profound revelation of non-violent triumph and see with fresh eyes how the Prince of Peace turns violence on its head once and for all. ★ Support this podcast ★

The book of Revelation deals on a cosmic scale with good and evil, politics and empire, community and eternity. It has intrigued and frustrated readers for millennia. How do we make sense of John's prophetic vision of cosmic war in light of the nonviolence Jesus embodies in the gospels? What does John mean to tell us about Jesus, our world, and the fate of all things? As End Times conspiracy theories surge, it's more important than ever that we read the final book of the Bible without distorting the true message of Jesus.Based on the book Upside-Down Apocalypse, but with the benefit of or whole teaching team at Commons, this series will walk through the book of Revelation using biblical scholarship and the nonviolence of Jesus as our guide.Along the way, we'll discover what John imagines as he weaves this profound revelation of non-violent triumph and see with fresh eyes how the Prince of Peace turns violence on its head once and for all. ★ Support this podcast ★

The book of Revelation deals on a cosmic scale with good and evil, politics and empire, community and eternity. It has intrigued and frustrated readers for millennia. How do we make sense of John's prophetic vision of cosmic war in light of the nonviolence Jesus embodies in the gospels? What does John mean to tell us about Jesus, our world, and the fate of all things? As End Times conspiracy theories surge, it's more important than ever that we read the final book of the Bible without distorting the true message of Jesus.Based on the book Upside-Down Apocalypse, but with the benefit of or whole teaching team at Commons, this series will walk through the book of Revelation using biblical scholarship and the nonviolence of Jesus as our guide.Along the way, we'll discover what John imagines as he weaves this profound revelation of non-violent triumph and see with fresh eyes how the Prince of Peace turns violence on its head once and for all. ★ Support this podcast ★

The book of Revelation deals on a cosmic scale with good and evil, politics and empire, community and eternity. It has intrigued and frustrated readers for millennia. How do we make sense of John's prophetic vision of cosmic war in light of the nonviolence Jesus embodies in the gospels? What does John mean to tell us about Jesus, our world, and the fate of all things? As End Times conspiracy theories surge, it's more important than ever that we read the final book of the Bible without distorting the true message of Jesus.Based on the book Upside-Down Apocalypse, but with the benefit of or whole teaching team at Commons, this series will walk through the book of Revelation using biblical scholarship and the nonviolence of Jesus as our guide.Along the way, we'll discover what John imagines as he weaves this profound revelation of non-violent triumph and see with fresh eyes how the Prince of Peace turns violence on its head once and for all. ★ Support this podcast ★

There is no denying the sheer largeness of our Biblical faith. There is a lot to know: story and truth and history. But in the middle of all this stands the simple, the basic, the essential, the pure: “love God and love your neighbour.” We want to begin our year together by going back to the basics to help answer the frequently asked questions that inevitably arise when something new begins.Who are we?By what do we define ourselves? How will we live together as a community?We know not every question can be answered in three weeks. In fact, many of our questions can only be answered in the long story of being church together. But here, we want to put some stakes in the ground–some definitional ideas that will guide us into our future together. So come. Join in. Share what you have and take a piece of what others around you are offering. We want these conversations to be accessible to anyone, whether you are new to Commons or have been here for all nine seasons. ★ Support this podcast ★

There is no denying the sheer largeness of our Biblical faith. There is a lot to know: story and truth and history. But in the middle of all this stands the simple, the basic, the essential, the pure: “love God and love your neighbour.” We want to begin our year together by going back to the basics to help answer the frequently asked questions that inevitably arise when something new begins.Who are we?By what do we define ourselves? How will we live together as a community?We know not every question can be answered in three weeks. In fact, many of our questions can only be answered in the long story of being church together. But here, we want to put some stakes in the ground–some definitional ideas that will guide us into our future together. So come. Join in. Share what you have and take a piece of what others around you are offering. We want these conversations to be accessible to anyone, whether you are new to Commons or have been here for all nine seasons. ★ Support this podcast ★