Commons Church Podcast

The framework for original sin that most of us are familiar with comes from a bad interpretation of a bad translation of one verse in one letter from Pual. Unfortunately, however, it has all kinds of implications for we think about ourselves and God. So let's talk about it.

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”–Mahatma GhandiDoesn’t it feel like there’s a shortage of true happiness? Whether the news—or our own experience—or a string of rainy afternoons, we can find ourselves wondering why the world always seems to be frowning.Which is why—this summer—we’re striking out in search of some real, wholesome, happy-face-emoji moments. And in this series, we’re gathering individuals and stories from our community to answer the question “What makes you happy?”And we promise—You won’t be able to keep from grinning when you see what makes these people light up. You’ll head into Monday with a new awareness of how brightly Grace shines in the world. And you’ll be glad you joined us as we go looking for life-well-lived. ★ Support this podcast ★

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”–Mahatma GhandiDoesn’t it feel like there’s a shortage of true happiness? Whether the news—or our own experience—or a string of rainy afternoons, we can find ourselves wondering why the world always seems to be frowning.Which is why—this summer—we’re striking out in search of some real, wholesome, happy-face-emoji moments. And in this series, we’re gathering individuals and stories from our community to answer the question “What makes you happy?”And we promise—You won’t be able to keep from grinning when you see what makes these people light up. You’ll head into Monday with a new awareness of how brightly Grace shines in the world. And you’ll be glad you joined us as we go looking for life-well-lived. ★ Support this podcast ★

There are times in life when either/or decisions are super important. Life-saving, even. Is this food good for me or bad? Is this relationship what I want or isn’t it? Do I believe this thing about God or don’t I?The answers to these questions may serve us well for a time. Maybe even a long time. But there are some questions that aren’t settled with either/or answers. Contemplative thinkers even insist that an either/or posture to the world is antithetical to human life. After all, we know ourselves to be not only nice but sometimes cruel, to be not only tame but sometimes wild, to be not only strong but sometimes weak.So what comes after an either/or spirituality? How about both/and.Both/and draws us towards the wisdom at the heart of all creation and towards the wholeness of God’s relationship to the world.Let’s look at a spirituality that is both loud and quiet, both strong and weak, both alone and together, both sacred and secular, both faithful and full of doubt. ★ Support this podcast ★

There are times in life when either/or decisions are super important. Life-saving, even. Is this food good for me or bad? Is this relationship what I want or isn’t it? Do I believe this thing about God or don’t I?The answers to these questions may serve us well for a time. Maybe even a long time. But there are some questions that aren’t settled with either/or answers. Contemplative thinkers even insist that an either/or posture to the world is antithetical to human life. After all, we know ourselves to be not only nice but sometimes cruel, to be not only tame but sometimes wild, to be not only strong but sometimes weak.So what comes after an either/or spirituality? How about both/and.Both/and draws us towards the wisdom at the heart of all creation and towards the wholeness of God’s relationship to the world.Let’s look at a spirituality that is both loud and quiet, both strong and weak, both alone and together, both sacred and secular, both faithful and full of doubt. ★ Support this podcast ★

There are times in life when either/or decisions are super important. Life-saving, even. Is this food good for me or bad? Is this relationship what I want or isn’t it? Do I believe this thing about God or don’t I?The answers to these questions may serve us well for a time. Maybe even a long time. But there are some questions that aren’t settled with either/or answers. Contemplative thinkers even insist that an either/or posture to the world is antithetical to human life. After all, we know ourselves to be not only nice but sometimes cruel, to be not only tame but sometimes wild, to be not only strong but sometimes weak.So what comes after an either/or spirituality? How about both/and.Both/and draws us towards the wisdom at the heart of all creation and towards the wholeness of God’s relationship to the world.Let’s look at a spirituality that is both loud and quiet, both strong and weak, both alone and together, both sacred and secular, both faithful and full of doubt. ★ Support this podcast ★

There are times in life when either/or decisions are super important. Life-saving, even. Is this food good for me or bad? Is this relationship what I want or isn’t it? Do I believe this thing about God or don’t I?The answers to these questions may serve us well for a time. Maybe even a long time. But there are some questions that aren’t settled with either/or answers. Contemplative thinkers even insist that an either/or posture to the world is antithetical to human life. After all, we know ourselves to be not only nice but sometimes cruel, to be not only tame but sometimes wild, to be not only strong but sometimes weak.So what comes after an either/or spirituality? How about both/and.Both/and draws us towards the wisdom at the heart of all creation and towards the wholeness of God’s relationship to the world.Let’s look at a spirituality that is both loud and quiet, both strong and weak, both alone and together, both sacred and secular, both faithful and full of doubt. ★ Support this podcast ★

There are times in life when either/or decisions are super important. Life-saving, even. Is this food good for me or bad? Is this relationship what I want or isn’t it? Do I believe this thing about God or don’t I?The answers to these questions may serve us well for a time. Maybe even a long time. But there are some questions that aren’t settled with either/or answers. Contemplative thinkers even insist that an either/or posture to the world is antithetical to human life. After all, we know ourselves to be not only nice but sometimes cruel, to be not only tame but sometimes wild, to be not only strong but sometimes weak.So what comes after an either/or spirituality? How about both/and.Both/and draws us towards the wisdom at the heart of all creation and towards the wholeness of God’s relationship to the world.Let’s look at a spirituality that is both loud and quiet, both strong and weak, both alone and together, both sacred and secular, both faithful and full of doubt. ★ Support this podcast ★

What feelings grip us when everything is awful? Resentment. Fear. Isolation. Loss.In those moments, such words of encouragement as “do not be anxious about anything” or “I can do everything in him who gives me strength” may sound almost glib.Except...when they come from a friend who’s been though awful and does not sidestep it.Writing to his friends in Philippi, Paul speaks words of comfort. Clear, simple words about Christ as a way of life. Life anchored in joy. Joy that defies prison chains, cruel empires, petty disagreements, and nagging opposition.Paul has heard his friends’ story and wants them to know his. We are listening in on a conversation of profound mutual care.When everything is awful, we need caring words that name the reality of our suffering without bitterness. Words that awake us to the possibility of joy. ★ Support this podcast ★

What feelings grip us when everything is awful? Resentment. Fear. Isolation. Loss.In those moments, such words of encouragement as “do not be anxious about anything” or “I can do everything in him who gives me strength” may sound almost glib.Except...when they come from a friend who’s been though awful and does not sidestep it.Writing to his friends in Philippi, Paul speaks words of comfort. Clear, simple words about Christ as a way of life. Life anchored in joy. Joy that defies prison chains, cruel empires, petty disagreements, and nagging opposition.Paul has heard his friends’ story and wants them to know his. We are listening in on a conversation of profound mutual care.When everything is awful, we need caring words that name the reality of our suffering without bitterness. Words that awake us to the possibility of joy. ★ Support this podcast ★

What feelings grip us when everything is awful? Resentment. Fear. Isolation. Loss.In those moments, such words of encouragement as “do not be anxious about anything” or “I can do everything in him who gives me strength” may sound almost glib.Except...when they come from a friend who’s been though awful and does not sidestep it.Writing to his friends in Philippi, Paul speaks words of comfort. Clear, simple words about Christ as a way of life. Life anchored in joy. Joy that defies prison chains, cruel empires, petty disagreements, and nagging opposition.Paul has heard his friends’ story and wants them to know his. We are listening in on a conversation of profound mutual care.When everything is awful, we need caring words that name the reality of our suffering without bitterness. Words that awake us to the possibility of joy. ★ Support this podcast ★

What feelings grip us when everything is awful? Resentment. Fear. Isolation. Loss.In those moments, such words of encouragement as “do not be anxious about anything” or “I can do everything in him who gives me strength” may sound almost glib.Except...when they come from a friend who’s been though awful and does not sidestep it.Writing to his friends in Philippi, Paul speaks words of comfort. Clear, simple words about Christ as a way of life. Life anchored in joy. Joy that defies prison chains, cruel empires, petty disagreements, and nagging opposition.Paul has heard his friends’ story and wants them to know his. We are listening in on a conversation of profound mutual care.When everything is awful, we need caring words that name the reality of our suffering without bitterness. Words that awake us to the possibility of joy. ★ Support this podcast ★

What feelings grip us when everything is awful? Resentment. Fear. Isolation. Loss.In those moments, such words of encouragement as “do not be anxious about anything” or “I can do everything in him who gives me strength” may sound almost glib.Except...when they come from a friend who’s been though awful and does not sidestep it.Writing to his friends in Philippi, Paul speaks words of comfort. Clear, simple words about Christ as a way of life. Life anchored in joy. Joy that defies prison chains, cruel empires, petty disagreements, and nagging opposition.Paul has heard his friends’ story and wants them to know his. We are listening in on a conversation of profound mutual care.When everything is awful, we need caring words that name the reality of our suffering without bitterness. Words that awake us to the possibility of joy. ★ Support this podcast ★

What feelings grip us when everything is awful? Resentment. Fear. Isolation. Loss.In those moments, such words of encouragement as “do not be anxious about anything” or “I can do everything in him who gives me strength” may sound almost glib.Except...when they come from a friend who’s been though awful and does not sidestep it.Writing to his friends in Philippi, Paul speaks words of comfort. Clear, simple words about Christ as a way of life. Life anchored in joy. Joy that defies prison chains, cruel empires, petty disagreements, and nagging opposition.Paul has heard his friends’ story and wants them to know his. We are listening in on a conversation of profound mutual care.When everything is awful, we need caring words that name the reality of our suffering without bitterness. Words that awake us to the possibility of joy. ★ Support this podcast ★

What feelings grip us when everything is awful? Resentment. Fear. Isolation. Loss.In those moments, such words of encouragement as “do not be anxious about anything” or “I can do everything in him who gives me strength” may sound almost glib.Except...when they come from a friend who’s been though awful and does not sidestep it.Writing to his friends in Philippi, Paul speaks words of comfort. Clear, simple words about Christ as a way of life. Life anchored in joy. Joy that defies prison chains, cruel empires, petty disagreements, and nagging opposition.Paul has heard his friends’ story and wants them to know his. We are listening in on a conversation of profound mutual care.When everything is awful, we need caring words that name the reality of our suffering without bitterness. Words that awake us to the possibility of joy. ★ Support this podcast ★

What feelings grip us when everything is awful? Resentment. Fear. Isolation. Loss.In those moments, such words of encouragement as “do not be anxious about anything” or “I can do everything in him who gives me strength” may sound almost glib.Except...when they come from a friend who’s been though awful and does not sidestep it.Writing to his friends in Philippi, Paul speaks words of comfort. Clear, simple words about Christ as a way of life. Life anchored in joy. Joy that defies prison chains, cruel empires, petty disagreements, and nagging opposition.Paul has heard his friends’ story and wants them to know his. We are listening in on a conversation of profound mutual care.When everything is awful, we need caring words that name the reality of our suffering without bitterness. Words that awake us to the possibility of joy. ★ Support this podcast ★

The legend of Esther is about a Jewish queen in the Persian empire. It’s a story of imperial power, wise beauty, and devious plots. It’s got lavish banquets, rebel queens, and conniving court officials. The story of Queen Esther is found in the Hebrew Festival Scroll. The Book of Esther is tied to the Feast of Purim. It’s a feast that celebrates the near-miss of disaster. It celebrates all the times we are outnumbered but aren’t ruined, bullied but not overwhelmed, pushed to the sidelines only to find our voice needed at the centre of the story. In and amongst a great story is the human predicament of what we become when we are threatened. Will we rise to become greater than we thought we could be? Or will threat turn us against those we love and those we are meant to serve? The book of Esther isn’t explicit in its language of God. But you will find wisdom in the workings of relationships, in the challenge of power that abuses, and in the strength of a young woman who shouldn’t be anyone’s hero ... but is. ★ Support this podcast ★

The legend of Esther is about a Jewish queen in the Persian empire. It’s a story of imperial power, wise beauty, and devious plots. It’s got lavish banquets, rebel queens, and conniving court officials. The story of Queen Esther is found in the Hebrew Festival Scroll. The Book of Esther is tied to the Feast of Purim. It’s a feast that celebrates the near-miss of disaster. It celebrates all the times we are outnumbered but aren’t ruined, bullied but not overwhelmed, pushed to the sidelines only to find our voice needed at the centre of the story. In and amongst a great story is the human predicament of what we become when we are threatened. Will we rise to become greater than we thought we could be? Or will threat turn us against those we love and those we are meant to serve? The book of Esther isn’t explicit in its language of God. But you will find wisdom in the workings of relationships, in the challenge of power that abuses, and in the strength of a young woman who shouldn’t be anyone’s hero ... but is. ★ Support this podcast ★

The legend of Esther is about a Jewish queen in the Persian empire. It’s a story of imperial power, wise beauty, and devious plots. It’s got lavish banquets, rebel queens, and conniving court officials. The story of Queen Esther is found in the Hebrew Festival Scroll. The Book of Esther is tied to the Feast of Purim. It’s a feast that celebrates the near-miss of disaster. It celebrates all the times we are outnumbered but aren’t ruined, bullied but not overwhelmed, pushed to the sidelines only to find our voice needed at the centre of the story. In and amongst a great story is the human predicament of what we become when we are threatened. Will we rise to become greater than we thought we could be? Or will threat turn us against those we love and those we are meant to serve? The book of Esther isn’t explicit in its language of God. But you will find wisdom in the workings of relationships, in the challenge of power that abuses, and in the strength of a young woman who shouldn’t be anyone’s hero ... but is. ★ Support this podcast ★

The legend of Esther is about a Jewish queen in the Persian empire. It’s a story of imperial power, wise beauty, and devious plots. It’s got lavish banquets, rebel queens, and conniving court officials. The story of Queen Esther is found in the Hebrew Festival Scroll. The Book of Esther is tied to the Feast of Purim. It’s a feast that celebrates the near-miss of disaster. It celebrates all the times we are outnumbered but aren’t ruined, bullied but not overwhelmed, pushed to the sidelines only to find our voice needed at the centre of the story. In and amongst a great story is the human predicament of what we become when we are threatened. Will we rise to become greater than we thought we could be? Or will threat turn us against those we love and those we are meant to serve? The book of Esther isn’t explicit in its language of God. But you will find wisdom in the workings of relationships, in the challenge of power that abuses, and in the strength of a young woman who shouldn’t be anyone’s hero ... but is. ★ Support this podcast ★

The legend of Esther is about a Jewish queen in the Persian empire. It’s a story of imperial power, wise beauty, and devious plots. It’s got lavish banquets, rebel queens, and conniving court officials. The story of Queen Esther is found in the Hebrew Festival Scroll. The Book of Esther is tied to the Feast of Purim. It’s a feast that celebrates the near-miss of disaster. It celebrates all the times we are outnumbered but aren’t ruined, bullied but not overwhelmed, pushed to the sidelines only to find our voice needed at the centre of the story. In and amongst a great story is the human predicament of what we become when we are threatened. Will we rise to become greater than we thought we could be? Or will threat turn us against those we love and those we are meant to serve? The book of Esther isn’t explicit in its language of God. But you will find wisdom in the workings of relationships, in the challenge of power that abuses, and in the strength of a young woman who shouldn’t be anyone’s hero ... but is. ★ Support this podcast ★

Easter Sunday is here. We have arrived. This morning, we woke up knowing that this is not the end of the story. On Easter Sunday we hear this resounding response: “Love is always stronger than death, and unto love you have now returned.” So, welcome to Easter! To the Feast of Feasts! The joy of the resurrection renews the whole world. Feel it, savour it, allow it to renew you too. Hear God sing over you: “I order you, o sleeper, to awake! I did not create you to be held a prisoner in hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead. Rise up, work of my hands, you were created in my image. Rise, let us leave this place, for you are in me and I am in you. Together we form only one person and we cannot be separated!” ★ Support this podcast ★

In the narrative of Palm Sunday, the crowds surround Jesus as he enters Jerusalem. There’s so much enthusiasm for a new kind of king. Could it be that their liberator is finally here? The crowd shouts, “Hosanna! Hosanna!” It’s a cry for salvation from Psalm 118. It’s a cry to be saved. The Palm Sunday celebration is an ancient tradition. Just a few centuries after Jesus’ death and resurrection, pilgrims made their way to Jerusalem to rehearse Jesus’ entry into the city. The Palm procession meant a lot to these ancient worshippers of Jesus. Thousands of years later, we enact the story of Jesus’ provocative entrance into the city all over again. We wave palm branches, we welcome the children to lead us, we cry out from our own lives, “Save us! Never stop saving us.” May Palm Sunday welcome you into the holiest of weeks. May you not fear your suffering, but sense God’s desire to confront and transform your pain. ★ Support this podcast ★

A travelogue is an account of a journey. It can be written with either factual details or as a narrative story but the interplay between the movement through the world and the transformation within the writer presents a unique opportunity. The writer of Luke takes full advantage of this in his Gospel as Jesus sets his face to Jerusalem and begins his journey. And Jesus walked. He wandered hills, traveled highways, strode across fields, and meandered streets of towns and cities. And as he walked he encountered people, asking them to join him. Once, making his way along the shore of the Galilee, he found some fishermen by the names of Peter and Andrew. He called them to follow him as he walked. They did. That small beginning carried repercussions far beyond whatever they could have initially guessed. To follow Jesus down the road will lead you to a place you cannot see or know now. As we begin our journey to Easter this Lent, we follow Jesus along the road less traveled. And trust that this will make all the difference. ★ Support this podcast ★

A travelogue is an account of a journey. It can be written with either factual details or as a narrative story but the interplay between the movement through the world and the transformation within the writer presents a unique opportunity. The writer of Luke takes full advantage of this in his Gospel as Jesus sets his face to Jerusalem and begins his journey. And Jesus walked. He wandered hills, traveled highways, strode across fields, and meandered streets of towns and cities. And as he walked he encountered people, asking them to join him. Once, making his way along the shore of the Galilee, he found some fishermen by the names of Peter and Andrew. He called them to follow him as he walked. They did. That small beginning carried repercussions far beyond whatever they could have initially guessed. To follow Jesus down the road will lead you to a place you cannot see or know now. As we begin our journey to Easter this Lent, we follow Jesus along the road less traveled. And trust that this will make all the difference. ★ Support this podcast ★

A travelogue is an account of a journey. It can be written with either factual details or as a narrative story but the interplay between the movement through the world and the transformation within the writer presents a unique opportunity.The writer of Luke takes full advantage of this in his Gospel as Jesus sets his face to Jerusalem and begins his journey.And Jesus walked. He wandered hills, travelled highways, strode across fields, and meandered streets of towns and cities. And as he walked he encountered people, asking them to join him. Once, making his way along the shore of the Galilee, he found some fishermen by the names of Peter and Andrew. He called them to follow him as he walked. They did. That small beginning carried repercussions far beyond whatever they could have initially guessed. To follow Jesus down the road will lead you to a place you cannot see or know now.As we begin our journey to Easter this Lent, we follow Jesus along the road less traveled. And trust that this will make all the difference. ★ Support this podcast ★

A travelogue is an account of a journey. It can be written with either factual details or as a narrative story but the interplay between the movement through the world and the transformation within the writer presents a unique opportunity.The writer of Luke takes full advantage of this in his Gospel as Jesus sets his face to Jerusalem and begins his journey.And Jesus walked. He wandered hills, travelled highways, strode across fields, and meandered streets of towns and cities. And as he walked he encountered people, asking them to join him. Once, making his way along the shore of the Galilee, he found some fishermen by the names of Peter and Andrew. He called them to follow him as he walked. They did. That small beginning carried repercussions far beyond whatever they could have initially guessed. To follow Jesus down the road will lead you to a place you cannot see or know now.As we begin our journey to Easter this Lent, we follow Jesus along the road less traveled. And trust that this will make all the difference. ★ Support this podcast ★

A travelogue is an account of a journey. It can be written with either factual details or as a narrative story but the interplay between the movement through the world and the transformation within the writer presents a unique opportunity.The writer of Luke takes full advantage of this in his Gospel as Jesus sets his face to Jerusalem and begins his journey.And Jesus walked. He wandered hills, travelled highways, strode across fields, and meandered streets of towns and cities. And as he walked he encountered people, asking them to join him. Once, making his way along the shore of the Galilee, he found some fishermen by the names of Peter and Andrew. He called them to follow him as he walked. They did. That small beginning carried repercussions far beyond whatever they could have initially guessed. To follow Jesus down the road will lead you to a place you cannot see or know now.As we begin our journey to Easter this Lent, we follow Jesus along the road less traveled. And trust that this will make all the difference. ★ Support this podcast ★

We’ve talked about ritual before—the rhythms of life, and faith, and practice that ground us in the Christian tradition.And one of the reasons we keep coming back to these conversations is because— well—that’s what ritual requires of us. We don’t ever outgrow the need for persistent daily patterns.We don’t ever get beyond having to build better habits for our good.We don’t ever discover the best of rituals by neglecting the care they require.So, we’re excited for how a return to old ideas and familiar practices might inspire us. Exploring how our struggle to sustain spiritual practices might be a symptom of our efforts to self-improve, to self-support, and self-sustain.Finding that—in looking at the scriptures, and the life and teachings of Jesus—the power of ritual might lie in the ways it pulls us beyond and outside ourselves. ★ Support this podcast ★

We’ve talked about ritual before—the rhythms of life, and faith, and practice that ground us in the Christian tradition.And one of the reasons we keep coming back to these conversations is because— well—that’s what ritual requires of us. We don’t ever outgrow the need for persistent daily patterns.We don’t ever get beyond having to build better habits for our good.We don’t ever discover the best of rituals by neglecting the care they require.So, we’re excited for how a return to old ideas and familiar practices might inspire us. Exploring how our struggle to sustain spiritual practices might be a symptom of our efforts to self-improve, to self-support, and self-sustain.Finding that—in looking at the scriptures, and the life and teachings of Jesus—the power of ritual might lie in the ways it pulls us beyond and outside ourselves. ★ Support this podcast ★

We’ve talked about ritual before—the rhythms of life, and faith, and practice that ground us in the Christian tradition.And one of the reasons we keep coming back to these conversations is because— well—that’s what ritual requires of us. We don’t ever outgrow the need for persistent daily patterns.We don’t ever get beyond having to build better habits for our good.We don’t ever discover the best of rituals by neglecting the care they require.So, we’re excited for how a return to old ideas and familiar practices might inspire us. Exploring how our struggle to sustain spiritual practices might be a symptom of our efforts to self-improve, to self-support, and self-sustain.Finding that—in looking at the scriptures, and the life and teachings of Jesus—the power of ritual might lie in the ways it pulls us beyond and outside ourselves. ★ Support this podcast ★

There’s no way around the challenging work of rebuilding and reconstructing relationships. Because most of us have been there— Needing to forgive.Wanting to lash out.Caught in the awkward middle ground of owning what’s happened and trying to move forward. Which is why—over the next few weeks—we want to reorient ourselves in this work. To consider the ways our broken hearts can be comforted. How broken connections are restored. But also, how the way of Jesus leads us into health in unexpected ways. Where we start to imagine that God’s renewal of all things might even include our friendships, families, and most intimate relationships. ***January 3: What’s ForgivenessJanuary 10: Practicing Forgiveness January 17: The Myth of Revenge January 24: Boundary Setting ★ Support this podcast ★

There’s no way around the challenging work of rebuilding and reconstructing relationships. Because most of us have been there— Needing to forgive.Wanting to lash out.Caught in the awkward middle ground of owning what’s happened and trying to move forward. Which is why—over the next few weeks—we want to reorient ourselves in this work. To consider the ways our broken hearts can be comforted. How broken connections are restored. But also, how the way of Jesus leads us into health in unexpected ways. Where we start to imagine that God’s renewal of all things might even include our friendships, families, and most intimate relationships. ***January 3: What’s ForgivenessJanuary 10: Practicing Forgiveness January 17: The Myth of Revenge January 24: Boundary Setting ★ Support this podcast ★

There’s no way around the challenging work of rebuilding and reconstructing relationships. Because most of us have been there— Needing to forgive.Wanting to lash out.Caught in the awkward middle ground of owning what’s happened and trying to move forward. Which is why—over the next few weeks—we want to reorient ourselves in this work. To consider the ways our broken hearts can be comforted. How broken connections are restored. But also, how the way of Jesus leads us into health in unexpected ways. Where we start to imagine that God’s renewal of all things might even include our friendships, families, and most intimate relationships. ***January 3: What’s ForgivenessJanuary 10: Practicing Forgiveness January 17: The Myth of RevengeJanuary 24: Boundary Setting ★ Support this podcast ★

There’s no way around the challenging work of rebuilding and reconstructing relationships. Because most of us have been there— Needing to forgive.Wanting to lash out.Caught in the awkward middle ground of owning what’s happened and trying to move forward. Which is why—over the next few weeks—we want to reorient ourselves in this work. To consider the ways our broken hearts can be comforted. How broken connections are restored. But also, how the way of Jesus leads us into health in unexpected ways. Where we start to imagine that God’s renewal of all things might even include our friendships, families, and most intimate relationships. ***January 3: What’s ForgivenessJanuary 10: Forgiving January 17: RevengingJanuary 24: Boundary Setting ★ Support this podcast ★

Preparing for Christmas is often all about excess.Getting the Christmas presents. Preparing the splendid meals. Packing the tree with so many ornaments that the branches bend under the weightof them all. Excess can be beautiful. Party-worthy, even. But what about the years when you can’t afford Christmas extravagance? What if you just don’t have the energy for it all? What about the years when you don’t have enough?The cast of characters in the Christmas story invites us to see that God works with limitations. In fact, it seems to be God’s preferred way. Mary was not wealthy enough to be the Mother of God. Joseph was not informed enough to be the father who would raise this boy. The shepherds are not respected enough to be visited by angels. The Magi are not in the know enough to understand the gift this Messiah brings.And still, this is the season where we welcome limitation. Where enough sometimes really is enough. ★ Support this podcast ★

Preparing for Christmas is often all about excess.Getting the Christmas presents. Preparing the splendid meals. Packing the tree with so many ornaments that the branches bend under the weightof them all. Excess can be beautiful. Party-worthy, even. But what about the years when you can’t afford Christmas extravagance? What if you just don’t have the energy for it all? What about the years when you don’t have enough?The cast of characters in the Christmas story invites us to see that God works with limitations. In fact, it seems to be God’s preferred way. Mary was not wealthy enough to be the Mother of God. Joseph was not informed enough to be the father who would raise this boy. The shepherds are not respected enough to be visited by angels. The Magi are not in the know enough to understand the gift this Messiah brings.And still, this is the season where we welcome limitation. Where enough sometimes really is enough. ★ Support this podcast ★

Preparing for Christmas is often all about excess.Getting the Christmas presents. Preparing the splendid meals. Packing the tree with so many ornaments that the branches bend under the weightof them all. Excess can be beautiful. Party-worthy, even. But what about the years when you can’t afford Christmas extravagance? What if you just don’t have the energy for it all? What about the years when you don’t have enough?The cast of characters in the Christmas story invites us to see that God works with limitations. In fact, it seems to be God’s preferred way. Mary was not wealthy enough to be the Mother of God. Joseph was not informed enough to be the father who would raise this boy. The shepherds are not respected enough to be visited by angels. The Magi are not in the know enough to understand the gift this Messiah brings.And still, this is the season where we welcome limitation. Where enough sometimes really is enough. ★ Support this podcast ★

1. Don't try to stay busy2. Feel what you feel3. Don't be afriad ★ Support this podcast ★

Preparing for Christmas is often all about excess.Getting the Christmas presents. Preparing the splendid meals. Packing the tree with so many ornaments that the branches bend under the weightof them all. Excess can be beautiful. Party-worthy, even. But what about the years when you can’t afford Christmas extravagance? What if you just don’t have the energy for it all? What about the years when you don’t have enough?The cast of characters in the Christmas story invites us to see that God works with limitations. In fact, it seems to be God’s preferred way. Mary was not wealthy enough to be the Mother of God. Joseph was not informed enough to be the father who would raise this boy. The shepherds are not respected enough to be visited by angels. The Magi are not in the know enough to understand the gift this Messiah brings.And still, this is the season where we welcome limitation. Where enough sometimes really is enough. ★ Support this podcast ★

Preparing for Christmas is often all about excess.Getting the Christmas presents. Preparing the splendid meals. Packing the tree with so many ornaments that the branches bend under the weightof them all. Excess can be beautiful. Party-worthy, even. But what about the years when you can’t afford Christmas extravagance? What if you just don’t have the energy for it all? What about the years when you don’t have enough?The cast of characters in the Christmas story invites us to see that God works with limitations. In fact, it seems to be God’s preferred way. Mary was not wealthy enough to be the Mother of God. Joseph was not informed enough to be the father who would raise this boy. The shepherds are not respected enough to be visited by angels. The Magi are not in the know enough to understand the gift this Messiah brings.And still, this is the season where we welcome limitation. Where enough sometimes really is enough. ★ Support this podcast ★

Originally part of an online interactive lecture. ★ Support this podcast ★

We believe in a God who wants us to know that we are welcome. The narrative arc of the gospel—from creation to a restored earth—keeps expanding to include individuals, families, tribes, kingdoms, and finally, the multitudes of nations. God never stops making more room. Last year we talked about different ways our hospitality reflects our room— making God. This year we want to build on that conversation and explore God’s vision for what we create as we gather. How we move from isolation into connectedness, from caring for some to caring for the whole. Peter Block writes that the hard part of building community is that it is always a custom job. It is born of local people, with unique gifts, deciding what to create together. How do we show up for each other, you and I? How do we build relatedness one room at a time? God, how can I make a bit more room? ★ Support this podcast ★

As I see it there are a number of options within Christianity:1. some people go to heaven, some people go to hell2. some people go to heaven, some people go to the grave3. some people go to heaven, some people go through hell0:00 Introduction07:10 Biblical Arguments for Universalism14:41 Biblical passages for Hell19:46 Theological Arguments for Universalism21:35 Theological Arguments Against Universalism25:25 Theological Arguments Against Hell29:02 Who is Most Moral? ★ Support this podcast ★

We believe in a God who wants us to know that we are welcome.The narrative arc of the gospel—from creation to a restored earth—keeps expanding to include individuals, families, tribes, kingdoms, and finally, the multitudes of nations. God never stops making more room. Last year we talked about different ways our hospitality reflects our room— making God. This year we want to build on that conversation and explore God’s vision for what we create as we gather. How we move from isolation into connectedness, from caring for some to caring for the whole. Peter Block writes that the hard part of building community is that it is always a custom job. It is born of local people, with unique gifts, deciding what to create together. How do we show up for each other, you and I? How do we build relatedness one room at a time? God, how can I make a bit more room? ★ Support this podcast ★

We believe in a God who wants us to know that we are welcome. The narrative arc of the gospel—from creation to a restored earth—keeps expanding to include individuals, families, tribes, kingdoms, and finally, the multitudes of nations. God never stops making more room. Last year we talked about different ways our hospitality reflects our room— making God. This year we want to build on that conversation and explore God’s vision for what we create as we gather. How we move from isolation into connectedness, from caring for some to caring for the whole. Peter Block writes that the hard part of building community is that it is always a custom job. It is born of local people, with unique gifts, deciding what to create together. How do we show up for each other, you and I? How do we build relatedness one room at a time? God, how can I make a bit more room? ★ Support this podcast ★

“It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.” –Eugene IonescoA good question is a superpower.So why don’t we ask more questions? Maybe we are a bit egocentric—eager to impress with our own thoughts and stories. Perhaps we are apathetic— thinking we might be bored by the response. Or perhaps we just worry that we’ll ask the wrong question and be viewed as rude or incompetent.But often the biggest challenge is that we simply don’t understand how beneficial good questioning can be. If we did,we might end far fewer sentences witha period—and more with a question mark.Jesus loved a good question.Sometimes they seemed pretty straightforward. Sometimes they seemed to come straight out of left field. But Jesus’ questions always seemed to find a way to open up new unexplored avenues to consider. ★ Support this podcast ★

Rather watch? Here's the youtube link https://youtu.be/3q_9qh0OV8I ★ Support this podcast ★

“It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.” –Eugene IonescoA good question is a superpower.So why don’t we ask more questions? Maybe we are a bit egocentric—eager to impress with our own thoughts and stories. Perhaps we are apathetic— thinking we might be bored by the response. Or perhaps we just worry that we’ll ask the wrong question and be viewed as rude or incompetent.But often the biggest challenge is that we simply don’t understand how beneficial good questioning can be. If we did,we might end far fewer sentences witha period—and more with a question mark.Jesus loved a good question.Sometimes they seemed pretty straightforward. Sometimes they seemed to come straight out of left field. But Jesus’ questions always seemed to find a way to open up new unexplored avenues to consider. ★ Support this podcast ★

“It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.” –Eugene IonescoA good question is a superpower.So why don’t we ask more questions? Maybe we are a bit egocentric—eager to impress with our own thoughts and stories. Perhaps we are apathetic— thinking we might be bored by the response. Or perhaps we just worry that we’ll ask the wrong question and be viewed as rude or incompetent.But often the biggest challenge is that we simply don’t understand how beneficial good questioning can be. If we did,we might end far fewer sentences witha period—and more with a question mark.Jesus loved a good question.Sometimes they seemed pretty straightforward. Sometimes they seemed to come straight out of left field. But Jesus’ questions always seemed to find a way to open up new unexplored avenues to consider. ★ Support this podcast ★