ASCENDS at Boston Avenue Church

This podcast is to accompany the Boston Avenue Drive-through Living Nativity, hosted on December

Spiritual practices are tools that help us deepen and enrich our spiritual lives. As we've prepared for Lent, Boston Avenue has offered a six-part ‘Experiencing Lent' series, looking at six different practices that might nourish your faith life. We have been exploring these practices on our podcast, in addition to offering live classes over these practices (visit our website or social media to learn more). In this, the final episode in this series, Philip and Caitlin are joined by Jacques Cunningham to discuss the spiritual practice of prayer.

Spiritual practices are tools that help us deepen and enrich our spiritual lives. As we prepare for Lent, Boston Avenue is offering a six-part ‘Experiencing Lent' series, looking at six different practices that might nourish your faith life. We'll be exploring these practices on our podcast, in addition to offering live classes over these practices (visit our website or social media to learn more). In this episode, Philip and Caitlin are joined by Megan Linn to discuss simplicity.

Spiritual practices are tools that help us deepen and enrich our spiritual lives. As we prepare for Lent, Boston Avenue is offering a six-part ‘Experiencing Lent' series, looking at six different practices that might nourish your faith life. We'll be exploring these practices on our podcast, in addition to offering live classes over these practices (visit our website or social media to learn more). In this fourth episode of a six part series, Philip and Caitlin are joined by Michelle Reagor to discuss service and mission as a spiritual practice.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by the 2022 Barton Clinton Gordey speaker, Rabbi Michael Zedek.

Spiritual practices are tools that help us deepen and enrich our spiritual lives. As we prepare for Lent, Boston Avenue is offering a six-part ‘Experiencing Lent' series, looking at six different practices that might nourish your faith life. We'll be exploring these practices on our podcast, in addition to offering live classes over these practices (visit our website or social media to learn more). In this episode, Philip and Caitlin are joined by Linda Alegria to discuss RAIN: growing in self-compassion.

Spiritual practices are tools that help us deepen and enrich our spiritual lives. As we prepare for Lent, Boston Avenue is offering a six-part ‘Experiencing Lent' series, looking at six different practices that might nourish your faith life. We'll be exploring these practices on our podcast, in addition to offering live classes over these practices (visit our website or social media to learn more). In this episode, Philip and Caitlin are joined by Melanie Linsky and Carol Maus to discuss contemplative prayer.

From the Archives; Last year's Barton-Clinton-Gordey speaker was Dr. Robert P. Jones. He helped us better understand the history of race relations in the U.S. and, in particular, in the Christian church and how we can chart a healthier path forward. This was one of a three part series. If you are interested in listening to the other two parts, they can be found on this podcast feed from February 2021.

Spiritual practices are tools that help us deepen and enrich our spiritual lives. As we prepare for Lent, Boston Avenue is offering a six-part ‘Experiencing Lent' series, looking at six different practices that might nourish your faith life. We'll be exploring these practices on our podcast, in addition to offering live classes over these practices (visit our website or social media to learn more). In the first episode of this series, Philip and Caitlin are joined by Ed Payton to discuss the spiritual practice of fasting.

From the Archives: This episode is a specially recorded reading of the full text of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail". This reading is a collaboration featuring the voices of 17 faith leaders representing over a dozen faith communities from across Oklahoma. We hope this reading invites us to grapple with the work that is still left to do and to consider the role our faith communities can play in the ongoing struggle with racial justice.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Rev. David Wiggs and Rev. Dr. Gary Peluso-Verden to discuss how Christians might respond on the anniversary of the January 6 violence at the U.S. Capitol.

Boston Avenue UMC is putting on a Living Nativity on December 19th from 2-3:30 and from 5:30-7 in the West Parking Lot. This podcast will go together with the Living Nativity. Sit back and enjoy this retelling of the Nativity Story followed by some wonderful Christmas music performed by the Boston Avenue choirs. We hope that everybody has a wonderful Christmas!

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Hannah Phillips as they discuss and debate Christmas movies. We hope that you enjoy this festive discussion.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Rev. David Wiggs to discuss the season of Advent

In light of the Julius Jones case, Philip and Catilin are joined by Rev. David Wiggs to discuss the death penalty and how we, as Christians, can apply a lens of faith to this issue.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Rev. David Wiggs to discuss the future of the United Methodist denomination and the vision for a progressive and inclusive coalition of Methodist churches.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Rev. David Wiggs, Rev. April Coates, and Blaire Hines to discuss 13th Street Worship and why it's important to have a contemporary worship service.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Rev. Kathy Morris to discuss grief and how we can respond to it.

Caitlin and Philip are joined by Rev. David Wiggs and Belynda Clanton to discuss reopening Boston Avenue UMC and what that has looked like

Back in 2019, Philip and Caitlin did an "LGBTQ+ People of Faith" series beginning with Spencer Brown. We are revisiting this episode today. All of our listeners are more than welcome to go back and listen to any of our episodes that might be of some interest to you.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Rev. Jen Logsdon Kellogg and Rev. Sara Pugh Montgomery to discuss itinerancy within the United Methodist Church.

As we remember those killed in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, we reflect on our role in racial justice, repair, and reconciliation. This 2020 conversation with our friend, Rev. Robert Turner (pastor of Historic Vernon AME Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma) feels particularly relevant, and we invite our listeners to revisit this podcast episode. Original episode description: In this special collaborative edition of "ASCENDS", Philip and Caitlin are joined by co-host, Dr. Gary Peluso-Verdend from the "Committing Faith in Public" podcast. The guests are Rev. Robert Turner and Rev. David Wiggs to discuss the relationship between Historic Vernon AME and Boston Avenue UMC and why talking reconciliation is not enough

This episode is a specially recorded reading of the full text of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail". This reading is a collaboration featuring the voices of 17 faith leaders representing over a dozen faith communities from across Oklahoma. We hope this reading invites us to grapple with the work that is still left to do and to consider the role our faith communities can play in the ongoing struggle with racial justice.

Usually held during the first weekend of Lent, Boston Avenue's Barton-Clinton-Gordey lecture series features a distinguished religious speaker or scholar. Our guest this year was Dr. Robert P. Jones, whose lectures will hopefully help us better understand the history of race relations in the U.S. and in particular, in the Christian church and how we chart a healthier path forward. The following conversation was recorded as part of this series, and is now being offered through our ASCENDS podcast. This is the final lecture in a three part series. Robert P. Jones is the CEO and founder of Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and the author of "White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity". Jones writes regularly on politics, culture, and religion for The Atlantic online, NBC Think, and other outlets. He is frequently featured in major national media, such as CNN, MSNBC, NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and others. He holds a Ph.D. in religion from Emory University and a M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of "The End of White Christian America", which won the 2019 Grawemeyer Award in Religion.

Usually held during the first weekend of Lent, Boston Avenue's Barton-Clinton-Gordey lecture series features a distinguished religious speaker or scholar. Our guest this year was Dr. Robert P. Jones, whose lectures will hopefully help us better understand the history of race relations in the U.S. and in particular, in the Christian church and how we chart a healthier path forward. The following conversation was recorded as part of this series, and is now being offered through our ASCENDS podcast. This is the second lecture in a three part series. Robert P. Jones is the CEO and founder of Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and the author of "White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity". Jones writes regularly on politics, culture, and religion for The Atlantic online, NBC Think, and other outlets. He is frequently featured in major national media, such as CNN, MSNBC, NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and others. He holds a Ph.D. in religion from Emory University and a M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of "The End of White Christian America", which won the 2019 Grawemeyer Award in Religion.

Usually held during the first weekend of Lent, Boston Avenue's Barton-Clinton-Gordey lecture series features a distinguished religious speaker or scholar. Our guest this year was Dr. Robert P. Jones, whose lectures will hopefully help us better understand the history of race relations in the U.S. and in particular, in the Christian church and how we chart a healthier path forward. The following conversation was recorded as part of this series, and is now being offered through our ASCENDS podcast. This is the first lecture in a three part series. Robert P. Jones is the CEO and founder of Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and the author of "White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity". Jones writes regularly on politics, culture, and religion for The Atlantic online, NBC Think, and other outlets. He is frequently featured in major national media, such as CNN, MSNBC, NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and others. He holds a Ph.D. in religion from Emory University and a M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of "The End of White Christian America", which won the 2019 Grawemeyer Award in Religion.

Rev. David Wiggs presents the "State of the Church".

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Rev. Amy Venable to discuss how we can make our New Year's Resolutions in regard to our spiritual health. This is the third part in a three part series.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Tracy Walker to discuss how we can make our New Year's Resolutions in regard to our physical health. This is the second part in a three part series.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Linda Alegria to discuss how we can make our New Year's Resolutions in regards to our mental health. This is the first part in a three part series.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Rev. Sara Pugh Montgomery and Chris McMurry to discuss the new Blessing Box and the 12 Days of Kindness.

Boston Avenue UMC is putting on a Living Nativity on December 20th from 2-3:30 and from 5:30-7 in the West Parking Lot. This podcast will go together with the Living Nativity. Sit back and enjoy this retelling of the Nativity Story followed by some wonderful Christmas music performed by the Boston Avenue Choirs. We hope that everybody has a wonderful Christmas!!

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Rev. Jen Logsdon-Kellogg to discuss Amy-Jill Levine's book, "Light of the World".

Philip and Caitlin debate their favorite and least favorite Christmas songs and hymns. We hope that you enjoy this festive conversation! For a playlist of some of the Boston Avenue Staff's favorite Christmas songs: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4anMBnl2QGFx12pqLszBf4 For a playlist of some of the Boston Avenue Staff's least favorite Christmas songs: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4zyNzOGnW1CTcyqrir7CON

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Rev. David Wiggs and Rev. EvaMarie Campbell to discuss what Boston Avenue UMC is doing for Advent this year and tips for how churches can think creatively during this time.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Rev. Sara Pugh Montgomery and Larry Montgomery to discuss safety protocols to make in regards to Thanksgiving and Christmas and new traditions that could be started this year.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Dr. Gary Peluso-Verdend and Rev. David Wiggs. With all the anxiety, tension, and rhetoric within the election, they discuss where, as Christians, we go from here.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Rev. Sara Pugh Montgomery and Rev. Jen Logsdon-Kellogg. They discuss 13th Street worship and the benefits of a church having contemporary worship available.

From the archives: Philip and Caitlin are joined by Dr. Gary Peluso-Verdend to discuss the narratives surrounding Columbus Day and Thanksgiving. Original air date: 10-07-2019

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Jose Luis Hernandez, Alicia Urban, Rev. EvaMarie Campbell, and Rev. Jen Logsdon-Kellogg. They discuss how they have been able to adapt, innovate, and change ministry in this final part of a three part series.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Rev. David Wiggs to discuss stewardship as a spiritual practice.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Joel Panciera, Belynda Clanton, and Rev. Sara Pugh Montgomery. They discuss how they have been able to adapt, innovate, and change ministry in this second part of a three part series.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Angelyn Dale, Rev. Amy Venable, and Rev. David Wiggs. They discuss how they have been able to adapt, innovate, and change ministry in this first part of a three part series.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Rev. Sara Pugh Montgomery in this delayed release of our final episode in our "Christianity and Pop Culture" series.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by guest co-host, Dr. Gary Peluso-Verdend of Committing Faith In Public podcast. They interview key leadership of Boston Avenue UMC around the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan the church received, and explore tough topics like the separation of church and state, and how COVID-19 has impacted faith-based organizations

Caitlin and Philip are joined by Dr. Tiffany T. Crutcher as part of our series of conversations on Race and Religion. Dr. Crutcher was recently thrust into the national spotlight following the death of her twin brother, Terence Crutcher, who was shot by a police officer in Tulsa, Oklahoma, while holding his hands in the air. In our conversation we discuss her brother, the work of the Terence Crutcher Foundation, the role of faith in her life, and more.

Caitlin and Philip are joined by Laura Bellis, Executive Director of the Take Control Initiative, to discuss racial injustice and what we can do to create positive changes in Tulsa as part of a series of conversations on Race and Religion.

Caitlin and Philip are joined by Avery Marshall, Director of Programs for the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice (OCCJ), to discuss race, privilege, and ways to learn more as part of a series of conversations on Race and Religion

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Rev. Sara Pugh Montgomery in the fourth episode of our "Christianity and Pop Culture" series. Broadway shows discussed in this episode: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Godspell Les Miserables Wicked This podcast was recorded remotely in our efforts to social distance. This 5-part series is a great conversation starter for Sunday School classes, faith study groups, and others looking to ground discussion during this time of dispersed worship community.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Rev. Sara Pugh Montgomery in the third episode of our "Christianity and Pop Culture" series. Musical Artists discussed in this episode: Indigo Girls Mumford and Sons Kesha U2 This podcast was recorded remotely in our efforts to social distance. This 5-part series is a great conversation starter for Sunday School classes, faith study groups, and others looking to ground discussion during this time of dispersed worship community.

Philip and Caitlin are joined by Rev. Sara Pugh Montgomery in the second episode of our "Christianity and Pop Culture" series. Movies/Television Shows discussed in this episode and where they can be found: Bruce Almighty is on Hulu The Good Place is on Netflix Frozen and Frozen 2 are on Disney+ The Star Wars saga is on Disney+ This podcast was recorded remotely in our efforts to social distance. This 5-part series is a great conversation starter for Sunday School classes, faith study groups, and others looking to ground discussion during this time of dispersed worship community.