All I Know Is This

In the final episode of season 3, Amy and Ryan continue to unpack the directives in Micah 6:8 to "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God."

In episode 3 of season 3, Amy and Ryan continue to unpack the directives in Micah 6:8 to "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God."

In episode 2 of season 3, Amy and Ryan dive deep into the biblical concept of justice.  How does God show us what justice look like? What is the role of empathy in doing justice? How do we do justice not just as individuals but as communities of faith?

All I Know Is This is back with a new season! In season 3, Amy will be joined by special guest Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio, the Assistant Professor in the Practice of Old Testament and Director of the Candler Foundry at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. For four episodes they will unpack the directives in Micah 6:8 to "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God." In episode 1, Amy and Ryan introduce this season by looking at the social, political, and theological moment in which Micah spoke these words and uncover some surprising similarities to today as we seek to get "back to basics" with this verse.

In our season 2 finale, Amy chats with Jamie Lynn Haskins, Chaplain for Spiritual Life at the University of Richmond. Jamie shares her approach to ministry and insights into how college students are having church. Amy and Jamie discuss this Sunday's scripture from Acts and what it tells us about showing up for people in crisis just how Paul and Silas showed up for the jailer who was about to take his life. As we head into the Advent season we hope that you will join us in our new sermon series God Comes to Us: How Will We Respond? Whether you are physically in Richmond, VA or not there are lots of ways for you to connect to our faith community as the majority of our offerings are still online. You can find out how to connect with us at fpcrichmond.org

Amy chats with Dr. Brian Blount, President of Union Presbyterian Seminary where he is also a professor of New Testament. Dr. Blount shares some of the history of the seminary and offers his wisdom on this Sunday's passage in Mark; which is quite fitting seeing as one of his areas of scholarship is the Gospel of Mark. 

Amy talks with Elizabeth Lynn, Founder of the Center for Civic Reflection and the Institute for Leadership and Service. Elizabeth is currently the Project Director of Shifting Ground, an initiative of Lake Institute. In this episode, Elizabeth shares her insights into the trends of philanthropic giving and how we can talk about giving in the church. Amy and Elizabeth share their reflections on the scripture passage of the Rich Young Ruler offering a perspective of Jesus toward the man that may be new to many of us. Center for civic reflectionhttps://civicreflection.org/Institute for Leadership and Service at Valparaiso University:  https://www.valpo.edu/institute-for-leadership-and-service/Lake Institute of Faith and Giving: https://philanthropy.iupui.edu/institutes/lake-institute/index.htmlShifting Ground by Elizabeth Lynn: https://philanthropy.iupui.edu/news-events/insights-newsletter/2020-issues/july-2020-issue-1.html

In this episode, Amy talks with Rev. Ben Campbell, a seventh generation Richmonder, founder of Richmond Hill, and current Pastoral Associate at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Campbell has devoted his life to seeking racial healing and to uncovering the history of Richmond. You can read about it in his book, Richmond's Unhealed History. Amy and Ben discuss the story of the Canaanite woman, and Ben offers an interpretation that is fitting for our time. You can watch Healing Richmond's Unhealed History, the three-part series The Rev. Ben Campbell taught as part of Trinity United Methodist's Dillard Forum here: http://www.trinityumc.net/Dillard-Forum/

Today Amy talks with The Rev. Jess Cook, Program and Communications Manager for More Light Presbyterians (mlp.org). More Light's mission has always been to empower and equip individuals and congregations to live into their welcome for LGBTQIA+ people. A graduate of Union Presbyterian Seminary here in Richmond, Rev. Cook reflects on their call to pastoral ministry. Amy and Jess discuss this coming Sunday's scripture from Numbers, a story of five sisters who dare to ask, "Why?"Join us on Sunday mornings at 10am for worship at youtube.com/fpcrichmondMore Light Virtual Pulpit Supply details can be found here: https://mlp.org/virtual-pulpit-supply/More information about Side by Side can be found here: https://www.sidebysideva.org/Non-Binary Gender Identities Fact Sheet

Get to know FPC's Minister of Music and Arts, Jason N. Brown. Jason joined the ministry team at FPC in September and we wanted to give you a chance to get to know him since we can't gather in person. Amy and Jason also share their insights to the story of Queen Esther, this Sunday's scripture passage in our sermon series, “Can We Talk? Biblical Conversations in Good Faith.” We hope you will join us on Sunday at 10am for worship online at youtube.com/fpcrichmond or catch up on past worship services at fpcrichmond.org/worship. 

In this episode, Amy talks with Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio, Assistant Professor in the Practice of Old Testament and Director of The Candler Foundry at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. Dr. Bonfiglio shares the innovative work of The Candler Foundry (https://candlerfoundry.emory.edu/), bringing theological education to the church and community. Ryan shares some powerful insights into the story of the women who saved Moses, that can easily be missed when reading the English translation of scripture.Be sure to check out all the ways you can connect with First Presbyterian Church Richmond, VA at fpcrichmond.org. And join us in worship online on Sundays at 10am at youtube.com/fpcrichmond. 

Listen in as Danita Roundtree Green and Martha Rollins, founders of Coming to the Table RVA, tell the story of their friendship and the way Coming to the Table came to be. Hear them share their insights into the scripture passage, Genesis 45:1-15, when Joseph reconciles with his brothers. Coming to the Table provides leadership, resources, and a supportive environment for all who wish to acknowledge and heal wounds from racism that is rooted in the United States' history of slavery. Our approach to achieving our vision and mission involves four interrelated practices: Truth telling, Connection, Healing, and Taking Action. You can find many ways to participate at comingtothetable-rva.org Be sure to check out all the ways you can connect with First Presbyterian Church Richmond, VA at fpcrichmond.org. And join us in worship online on Sundays at 10am at youtube.com/fpcrichmond. 

Genesis 18:20-33, Abraham bargains with GodIn this episode, Amy speaks with Richmond Hill's co-pastors, The Rev. Joel Blunk and The Rev. Dr. Lisa Johnson. Richmond Hill is an organization committed to social justice and racial reconciliation with four areas of focus: prayer, spiritual development, racial reconciliation, and hospitality. Joel and Lisa share the history of Richmond Hill, the work they are focused on among the residents of Richmond Hill, and how they are living out their continued mission to the greater Richmond area. Richmond Hill has lots of opportunities to join in their work. Find out how you can participate at richmondhillva.org.

Amy speaks with the Pastor of East End Fellowship, Don Coleman. Pastor Coleman has over twenty-five years of urban ministry experience in Richmond and calls himself a son of Richmond having lived here his entire life. He has lent his wisdom to numerous Christian ministries making a difference in Richmond and is currently the chair of the board for Church Hill Activities and Tutoring. Amy and Don discuss Jeremiah's calling in Jeremiah 1:4-10.  Season 2 of the podcast follows along with FPC's sermon series, “Can We Talk? Biblical Conversations in Good Faith.” If you want to explore these scriptures further join us for worship on Sundays at 10am at youtube.com/fpcrichmond and check out all the ways to connect with us at fpcrichmond.org. 

John 14:15-17 & Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus sends the Advocate.In the first episode of season 2, Amy talks with Margaret Nimmo Holland, VP of External Relations for Lutheran Family Services of Virginia (lfsva.org) soon to be called enCircle. Margaret is a long time member of FPC and formerly worked as an advocate with Voices for Virginia's Children (vakids.org). Amy and Margaret talk about Jesus naming the Holy Spirit Advocate in our scripture passage today, what the role of an advocate should be and how to advocate in difficult conversations in relationships, whether professional or personal. 

In this season of the podcast we will hear from special guests who have wisdom to share about good faith conversations. In a season of intense polarization, political and otherwise, having an honest conversation can feel risky. Yet our biblical tradition is full of stories of people talking – to one another, to God, sometimes even to themselves! And many of these people are engaged in conversations across drastic differences and deep divisions. What can we learn from these conversations that might serve us as we seek to understand one another better and connect during a time when it is easier than ever to be disconnected? What does it look like to come to a conversation in good faith – Spirit-led, with an open mind and a listening heart? This podcast is a companion to our fall sermon series. You can join us on Sunday mornings at 10am on youtube.com/fpcrichmond. Visit fpcrichmond.org for more information on ways to connect with FPC. 

A conversation with the Rev. Mark Ramsey, Executive Director of Macedonian Ministry, about discipleship, how the coronavirus pandemic offers the church the opportunity to “reintroduce ourselves to the culture," and the persistence of Easter hope in all that we do. See https://macedonianministry.org/blog/videos/

Amy is joined by Rev. Amy Miracle, Pastor of Broad Street Presbyterian Church in Columbus, OH. Rev. Miracle shares what it means to be a disciple in these times and they talk about all they know about love in this Holy Week episode of All I Know is This. 

Today, Amy welcomes back our Winter Gathering Lecturer, Rev. Pam Driesell, to share her thoughts on this Sundays topic of betrayal. They also discuss the current state of the world and how we can think theologically about it.

Amy and Mary Kay have a timely conversation about grief and how we experience it also in the midst of any change. Join us at fpcrichmond.org/worship at 10am on Sundays. And for more resources visit fpcrichmond.org/resources. 

Listen in while Amy and our guest today, Rev. Dr. Errol Rohr, as he shares what discipleship means to him as an apprentice of Jesus Christ. 

Do you have strategies for when your fear and anxiety rises? In my interview with the Rev. Janet Legro about trust, she offers some ideas for trusting even in moments of distress that I found very helpful, and I hope you will too. After all, we may not be wandering through the literal wilderness like the Israelites, but we all face seasons of uncertainty and challenge. Join the conversation, and thanks for listening!Find more details about Lent at FPC at fpcrichmond.org/lent. 

When Nicodemus comes to Jesus under cover of night the two get into a conversation that takes some surprising turns. What does it mean to be "born again from above...of water and the Spirit?" How does this story help us understand baptism and the love and grace of God? Join me and the Rev. Philip Martin of Epiphany Lutheran Church for a conversation about discipleship and rebirth. Subscribe to the podcast to ensure you don't miss an episode! 

Join me and the Rev. Dr. Jim Somerville of First Baptist Church in Richmond for a conversation about mortality and temptation as we prepare to begin the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Do you have the app We Croak? Listen in to hear the value of pondering your mortality every day!Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts! And join us on Sundays at 8:45am and 11:00am for worship. More information can be found at fpcrichmond.org/lent 

What are some of the promises you have made in your life? What promises have been made to you? How do we know when promises have been kept — or broken? In this week's episode of All I Know Is This, listen in on a conversation I had with the Rev. Derek Starr Redwine about what promises have to do with the story of Jesus's transfiguration at the top of a mountain. We reflect on promises, transfiguration, Lent, marriage, and the often-surprising and endlessly-challenging journey of faith we call discipleship. Join us on the podcast and on Sunday as we prepare to begin our Lenten journey.

On this episode, you will hear from the Rev. Pam Driesell about her understanding of God's love and it's connection to her calling to ministry and her passion for connecting the generations within the church. You'll also get a taste of what is to come for the Winter Gathering as we dive into John chapter 9 together. We are thrilled that Rev. Driesell will be at our Winter Gathering as our Carson Lecturer Keynote. Registration has been extended to February 7 for the Winter Gathering. You will find more details and can register at fpcrichmond.org/gathering. 

In this episode you will hear from Rev. Janet Legro who is serving FPC as a Covenant Pastor for Faith Formation and Outreach. Janet brings a wealth of experience as she celebrates 30 years of ordained ministry this year. Hear how learning the true definition of discipleship was a turning point in how she experiences it in your life. 

In this episode you will hear from FPC's Wilson Kennedy, Ministry Associate for Youth and Young Adults, on his prior ministry experiences and his involvement with the PC(USA) on the national level and how that has shaped his approach to Youth Ministry. Learn how Wilson's understanding of discipleship was informed by his own experience as a youth in the church and how vulnerability connects to discipleship. Register for the Winter Gathering, February 14-16, at fpcrichmond.org/gathering. 

In the first episode of All I Know Is This: Speaking From the Heart About Life's Big Questions, Rev. Amy Starr Redwine introduces our first series of conversations on discipleship and we hear from Rev. Mary Kay Collins, Associate Pastor for Congregational Life at First Presbyterian Church, about how she understands discipleship and who modeled it for her.And don't forget to join us at the Winter Gathering, February 14-16, 2020. Go to fpcrichmond.org/gathering for more information and to register.