Be Still and Go

"Once the star in the sky is gone and the kings are back home, that is when the work of Christmas begins." -Howard ThurmanHow would you describe the work of Christmas?//Luke 2:8-20Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest heaven,and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them, and Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Adriene Thorne, the Senior Minister at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Silent Night by Elise Solberg.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"Every day I show up and every day I overcome my anger and my hopelessness and every day I perform my little toil of love. That, I deem, is large enough for me. "What is the "little toil of love" that you are called to?//I had no time for hate.The grave would hinder me.For life is not so ampleI could finish enmity.Nor had I time for love.But, since some industry must beMy little toil of love, I deemIs large enough for me.(Emily Dickinson)//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Evelyn by Goldmund.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"God doesn't seek the palaces of the privileged but God seeks to be in the dust and the dirt, the muck and the mire, the realness of humanity. God is not found in the holy and the sacred places but among the ordinary people and the ordinary moments of our lives."Where have you found God lately?//Luke 1:26-38In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Brandan Robertson. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Release Me by Corrina Repp.• Visit www.brandanrobertson.com to learn more about Rev. Brandan Robertson.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"You never get a second chance to make a first impression." -Will RogersWhat is the first impression you hope to give to others?//Romans 1:1-7Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the gentiles for the sake of his name, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.//This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Reflection by Moments.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"There is a wonder and beauty in hearing our voices rise, the diversity of harmonies, the unity of lyrics."What songs do you always find particularly moving and powerful?//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Benjamin Perry. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence played by Carl Stronach.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"After all the meditating is done, not forever, but for the moment—we are called to act—to follow Jesus into the world—doing the gospel."As you follow Jesus into the world, where is he leading you?//Luke 3:15-18As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Michael Livingston. This episode was originally published on December 21, 2018, as part of Season 2. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include RelinquishDowntown, We Make a Good Team, and Rain On Glass by Podington Bear.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"We need God-with-us to fight off systems of injustice, to learn how to love our neighbors, and to enjoy this beautiful world that God has given us."How does 'Immanuel' inspire and empower you to work for justice in this world?//Isaiah 7:10-16Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” Then Isaiah said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Dr. Nyle Fort, the Minister of Justice, Advocacy, and Change at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, O Come O Come Emmanuel by Andy Ellison, and Golden Light by Reveille.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"If the Lord is calling you to play a particular role, whether it is to birth a dream of your own or to support the birth of another person's dream, fear not."What dream is God inviting you to support or give birth to?//Matthew 1:18-25Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:“Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son,and they shall name him Emmanuel,”which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife but had no marital relations with her until she had given birth to a son, and he named him Jesus.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Dr. Debra Northern. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Canon in D as played by Amanda Welch.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"Hope is more than a birthday wish we make with our eyes closed. It is a declaration that we believe and embody and bring to life in the world around us."What's your definition of hope?//This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat, the Digital Minister at The Riverside Church. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, The Afterlife by Yacht, and The Tide by Alex Fitch.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.chat.openai.com to try out ChatGPT for yourself.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"Dear God, please enlarge our hearts to love each other, to love our neighbor, and to love our enemy as our friend."What would it look like for God to enlarge your heart?//Matthew 11:2-11When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with a skin disease are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What, then, did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What, then, did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,who will prepare your way before you.'“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Cameron Trimble, the CEO and Founder of Convergence. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, A Certain Silence by Holiday on the Moon, and Glasgow by Falls.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.CameronTrimble.com to find out more about Rev. Cameron Trimble and her books. Visit www.convergenceus.org to find out more about Convergence.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"Patience like a farmer recognizes that we aren't the only force working on whatever it is we are currently tending to."How would you describe your relationship with patience?//James 5:7-10Be patient, therefore, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Brothers and sisters, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Bethany Peerbolte, a Digital Minister and TikTok Pastor in the Denver, Colorado area. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Living For the Dead by Corrina Repp.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.rev-bethany.com to find out more about Rev. Bethany Peerbolte. Visit www.tiktok.com/@revbethany to follow her on TikTok. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"The subtle power of this song is that forces me to confront the reality that I am perfectly content singing joy to my world, or maybe even our world, so long as I like the people around me. But joy to the whole world?"If you're honest, who are the people that you do not want to have joy? What difference would it make if you prayer for “joy to the world” could extend to them as well?//Psalm 98: 4-6Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;break forth into joyous song and sing praises.Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,with the lyre and the sound of melody.With trumpets and the sound of the hornmake a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.Joy to the world; the Lord is come; let earth receive her King:Let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing.-Isaac Watts//This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat. It was originally published on December 16, 2018 as part of season 2. Background tracks include Relinquish and Slotcar by Podington Bear, Joy to the World by Amanda Meisenheimer, and Golden Light by Young Bay.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"God's best work is in the fray of humankind. God's story for us is that sorrow may last for the night but the dawn of redeeming grace is on the horizon."How would you describe God's story for us?//Psalm 146:5-10Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God,who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them;who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry.The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous.The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.The Lord will reign forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.Praise the Lord!//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Rob Lee, IV. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Threnody by Goldmund. • Visit www.roblee4.com to find out more about Rev. Rob Lee.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"The promise is not that we are going to be moved to a different place but rather the sight of our suffering and desolation will become the sight of incarnation and divine revelation."How can you find God in the midst of the suffering and desolation we encounter in this world?//Isaiah 35:1-10The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom;like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and shouting.The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.]]Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees.Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear!Here is your God. He will come with vengeance,with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.”Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be opened;then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.For waters shall break forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert;the burning sand shall become a pool and the thirsty ground springs of water;the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp; the grass shall become reeds and rushes.A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way;the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing;everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Ashley Dargai, the Senior Minister at Azle Christian Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, Lifting by Dream Tonic, and Angel by Goldmund.• Visit www.tiktok.com/@reverendashley to follow Rev. Ashley Dargai on TikTok.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"When Jesus comes to town, the bullies tremble whether they are wearing a badge, a robe, or a bandana."What would Jesus say or do if he came to your town?//Isaiah 42:1-9Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights;I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.He will not cry out or lift up his voice or make it heard in the street;a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth, and the coastlands wait for his teaching.Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it,who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it:I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I have taken you by the hand and kept you;I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind,to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols.See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare;before they spring forth, I tell you of them.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Amanda Meisenheimer. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish, Arctic, and Sauter by Podington Bear.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"Advent reminds us that no matter where we are in life or what circumstances we are experiencing, our horizons are filled with promise."What promises do you see on the horizon?//Bring me all of your dreams,You dreamers,Bring me all of yourHeart melodiesThat I may wrap themIn a blue cloud-clothAway from the too-rough fingersOf the world.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Charlene WIngate. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Angels We Have Heard On High by Tide Electric.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"We already have exactly what we need for this potluck Christmas feast – our hearts. We just have to thaw them out."What are the ways that you can "thaw your heart" this Advent season?//In the bleak midwinterFrosty wind made moanEarth stood hard as ironWater like a stoneSnow had fallenSnow on snow on snowIn the bleak midwinterLong, long agoAngels and Arc AngelsMay have traveled thereCherubim and SeraphimThronged the airBut only his MotherIn her maiden blissWorshiped the belovedWith a kissWhat can I give him?Poor as I amIf I were a shepherdI would give a lambIf I were a wise manI would do my partBut what I can I give himGive him my heart//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Molly Baskette. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, In the Bleak Midwinter by The Many, and Dark Cloud by Ian Kelosky.• Visit www.mollybaskette.com to find out more about Rev. Molly Baskette and her book.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"I came to see the stories of the virgin birth less as facts to be debated in a literal sense and more as signs or mysteries to be pondered in a literary sense. Their greatest value isn't in proving something but in meaning something. And what could that meaning be?"In your opinion, what is the meaning of the virgin birth?//Luke 1:26-35In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.”//This episode was written and recorded by Brian McLaren. It was produced by Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relenquish, Skeptic, and Rude Boy by Podington Bear and I'll Miss You by Will Bangs.• Visit www.brianmclaren.net to learn more about Brian McLaren and his work.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"God has hands – they're attached to your wrists. And so when we show up, that is the embodiment of God-with-us."How will you embody God in the world around you today?//Isaiah 11:1-10A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.He shall not judge by what his eyes see or decide by what his ears hear,but with righteousness he shall judge for the poor and decide with equity for the oppressed of the earth;he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist and faithfulness the belt around his loins.The wolf shall live with the lamb; the leopard shall lie down with the kid;the calf and the lion will feed together, and a little child shall lead them.The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den.They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain,for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.//This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and My Neighborhood by Goldmund.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"Ask God to expand our capacity for love and kindness, to reveal our blindspots, and to help us ponder what could be holding us back for how Christ shows up in the world today."What's holding you back?//Romans 15:4-13For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the ancestors and that the gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,“Therefore I will confess you among the gentiles and sing praises to your name”;and again he says,“Rejoice, O gentiles, with his people”;and again,“Praise the Lord, all you gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him”;and again Isaiah says,“The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the gentiles;in him the gentiles shall hope.”May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.//This episode was written and recorded by Minister Derrick Jordan. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, and Home Inside and Back to the Center by Rest & Settle.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"Mary didn't rejoice because she was blissfully unaware of real-world danger; rather, she rejoices through it as a radical practice in faithfulness."What is one thing you can rejoice about today?//Luke 1:46My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Lynn Casteel Harper, the Minister of Older Adults at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, Redwood Hills by Heartland Nights and Joy to the World by Renderings.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"If you stay silent, where will the oppressed find their freedom? Who will bring truth to power?"In your own words, why is it so easy to stay silent, especially about the things that matter?//Esther 4:1-17When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes and went through the city, wailing with a loud and bitter cry; he went up to the entrance of the king's gate, for no one might enter the king's gate clothed with sackcloth. In every province, wherever the king's command and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and most of them lay in sackcloth and ashes.When Esther's maids and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed; she sent garments to clothe Mordecai, so that he might take off his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs who had been appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what was happening and why. Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king's gate, and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king's treasuries for the destruction of the Jews. Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and charge her to go to the king to make supplication to him and to entreat him for her people.Hathach went and told Esther what Mordecai had said. Then Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message for Mordecai: “All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that, if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law: to be put to death. Only if the king holds out the golden scepter to someone may that person live. I myself have not been called to come in to the king for thirty days.” When they told Mordecai what Esther had said, Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.” Then Esther said in reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After that I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Jonathan Favors-Grimes. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and I'll Miss You by Young Bay.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"As we walk with Jesus this Advent season, Christ gave us to each other so that we can remind each other of the promise that Christ is coming to make the world new."Where do you see Christ making the world new around you?//Matthew 24:36-44“But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so, too, will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken, and one will be left. Keep awake, therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Bruce Lamb, Riverside's Minister of Faith Formation. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, Sundown Motel by Rest & Settle, Out of Darkness by Moments, and I Want Jesus to Walk With Me by Marion Williams.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"Even though it went against every fact that surrounded her, Mary could see a world where the hungry would be filled and promises would be kept. Mary could see God's vision. She dreamt God's dream."In your own words, what is God's vision and dream for our world?//Luke 1:47-50My spirit celebrates God, my Liberator!For though I'm God's humble servant,God has noticed me.Now and forever,I will be considered blessed by all generations.For the Mighty One has done great things for me;holy is God's name!From generation to generation,God's lovingkindness endures.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Carol Howard Merritt. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Instrumental 2 Revisited by Gillicuddy.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.carolhowardmerritt.org to find out more about Rev. Carol Howard Merritt and her latest book, Healing Spiritual Wounds.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

Debauchery is a part of militarism. It can't exist without the debasement that a person undergoes. But hopefully we can move beyond it and become a more peaceful people.In your opinion, what is one thing we should do to become a more peaceful people?//Romans 13:11-14Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is already the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone; the day is near. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light;let us walk decently as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in illicit sex and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.//This episode was written and recorded by Jeremiah Drake. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"I want to experience Jesus growing in me during Advent. I want to feel him moving in me and moving me to greater closeness with him."How do you experience Jesus growing in you during the season of Advent?//O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, that animals should see the newborn Lord, lying in a manger! Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear Christ the Lord. Alleluia!//This episode was written and recorded by Irene King, a member of the Riverside Church and a part of The Riverside Choir. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, O Magnum Mysterium as performed by The RIverside Choir, and Lull to Sleep by Cast of Characters.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"The birth of God-with-us is our orientation and the season of Advent is a perpetual invitation, to place one foot in front off the other as we discover God born in us, among us, in spite of us, again and again and again."How have you discovered God in us, among us, and in spite of us?//Psalm 122I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together.To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord,as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord.For there the thrones for judgment were set up, the thrones of the house of David.Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.Peace be within your walls and security within your towers.”For the sake of my relatives and friends I will say, “Peace be within you.”For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.//This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat, the Digital Minister at The Riverside Church. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and In the Dark You're More Colorful by Corrina Repp.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

Let us transform our weapons into garden tools.Let us study love and justice. Let us lay down our burdens, down by the Riverside.Where do you go and what resources do you turn to in order to study love and justice?//Isaiah 2:1-5The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.In days to come the mountain of the Lord's houseshall be established as the highest of the mountains and shall be raised above the hills;all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say,“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob,that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.”For out of Zion shall go forth instruction and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.He shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples;they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks;nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more.O house of Jacob, come, let us walkin the light of the Lord!//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Amanda Meisenheimer the Interim Minister of Worship and the Arts at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Riverside by the Middle Church Jerriese Johnson Gospel Choir.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit https://youtu.be/ZZyrNXTDxAI to watch the Jerriese Johnson Gospel Choir perform "Riverside" at Middle Collegiate Church.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"Justice is like the sun. Watch for it. If you're not paying attention you'll miss it's arrival. You'll overlook the little hints of light everywhere."Where do you see the "little hints of light" rising in our world?//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Adriene Thorne, the Senior Minister at The Riverside Church It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and The Tide by Alex Fitch.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"Advent gives us the lens and then we look through it all year long, always watching and waiting and anticipating and expecting Jesus to be born again and again and again, in us, through us, and sometimes even in spite of us."Where do you see Jesus in the world around you?//This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat, the Digital Minister at The Riverside Church. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, O Come O Come Emmanuel by Melinda Kathleen Reese, and Once In Royal David's City by Andy Ellison.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"The institutional church that arose in the 20th century is struggling to keeps its hold together and all Americans are disaffiliating from what is called 'organized religion.' Yet, in this moment, we can see as that there are those who hold on to the past like the Fundamentalist, or we can be brave enough to live into our faith for the future of the Gospel."In your own words, what does the good news of God look like in this moment?//This episode was written and recorded by Andrew Patty. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Trundle by Podington Bear and Opus 04 by Dexter Britain.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

Fundamentalism tells us that suffering is the cost of that changing and growing. Lovingkindness tells us that suffering is never acceptable where we can help it. //This episode was written and recorded by Abbey Smith. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Trundle by Podington Bear and Quiet and Safe by Silence is Sexy.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

“What a small thing it is to be right when we are called to be righteous. What a small thing it is to be winners when we are called to love.”//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Joseph Yoo. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Trundle by Podington Bear and Seeking Clarity by Alex Fitch.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

"Shall the fundamentalist win? Not if we have anything to say about it."In your opinion, what must the progressive and mainline church do to counter the fundamentalist movement we see in our world today?//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Rob Lee. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Trundle by Podington Bear and God of Grace and God of Glory as performed by The Riverside Church Choir.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

"For the last 100 years fundamentalists have fought as if they were losing and that led them to victory while mainliners have lived as if they were winning which led them to complacency, to a lack of creativity, to a lack of urgency."What is one thing the church must to do overcome complacency and reignite creativity?//This episode was written and recorded by Brian McLaren. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Trundle by Podington Bear and Threnody by Goldmund.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

"Alleluia is resurrection after crucifixion. It is the promise that outweighs disappointment, that triumphs over despair, that resolves lament."In your own words, how would you describe "Alleluia"?//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Michael Livingston, the Interim Senior Minister at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear and 'Hallelujah Chorus' from Handel's Messiah performed by the Royal Choral Society.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

“God is still speaking in the chaos. God is still speaking in spite of us. And God is still speaking in the created world around us."Where do you hear God in the world around you?//This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear. Soundscape locations include East Harlem, Union Square, Times Square, and Central Park. This episode was originally published on April 20, 2019 as part of season 3 of Be Still and Go: Meditations for the Movement.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

"What we believe in our heart and have found consistent with God's will becomes the blueprint for serving: caring for those who are most vulnerable, feeding the hungry, housing the unsheltered, treating people with equity."How would you describe your assignment?//John 19:30"It is finished."//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Dr. Debra Northern. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear and A Piece of You and Welcome Home by Alsever Lake.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

"Maundy Thursday is the context, the prologue for the events that are about to take place on the cross and at the tomb."What comes to mind when you think of Maundy Thursday?//John 13:34-35I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.//This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

Isaiah 43:16-21This is what God says, the God who builds a road right through the ocean, who carves a path through pounding waves,The God who summons horses and chariots and armies— they lie down and then can't get up; they're snuffed out like so many candles:“Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history.Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it?There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.Wild animals will say ‘Thank you!' —the coyotes and the buzzards—Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sunbaked earth,Drinking water for the people I chose, the people I made especially for myself, a people custom-made to praise me.//This episode was written and recorded by Lee Sartain. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear and Endless Possibilities by Solitude.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

“When you are praying to Jesus you are praying to someone who understands you because he is human and has experienced all things."What difference does it make to know that Jesus understands your suffering?//Matthew 21:1-11When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,“Tell the daughter of Zion,Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!Hosanna in the highest heaven!”When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. James Martin. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. It was originally published on April 5, 2020 as part of Season 6 of Be Still and Go. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear and Seeking Clarity by Alex Fitch.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.Rev. James Martin, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, author and Editor at Large at America, the national Catholic magazine.

"When we come together in the face of loss, when we discover empathy in the midst of grief, resurrection is possible, new life in the midst of what might feel like endless death."How have you experienced hope in the midst of grief?//John 11:35Jesus wept.//This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear and Threnody by Goldmund.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

“Nothing will ever change unless we speak to the injustices in the world.”What power and privilege do you possess and how can you best use it to fight injustices?//For those of us who live at the shorelinestanding upon the constant edges of decisioncrucial and alonefor those of us who cannot indulgethe passing dreams of choicewho love in doorways coming and goingin the hours between dawnslooking inward and outwardat once before and afterseeking a now that can breedfutureslike bread in our children's mouthsso their dreams will not reflectthe death of ours;For those of uswho were imprinted with fearlike a faint line in the center of our foreheadslearning to be afraid with our mother's milkfor by this weaponthis illusion of some safety to be foundthe heavy-footed hoped to silence usFor all of usthis instant and this triumphWe were never meant to survive.And when the sun rises we are afraidit might not remainwhen the sun sets we are afraidit might not rise in the morningwhen our stomachs are full we are afraidof indigestionwhen our stomachs are empty we are afraidwe may never eat againwhen we are loved we are afraidlove will vanishwhen we are alone we are afraidlove will never returnand when we speak we are afraidour words will not be heardnor welcomedbut when we are silentwe are still afraidSo it is better to speakrememberingwe were never meant to survive.//This episode was written and recorded by Rachel Ricketts. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear and The Soft Glow of Christmas Lights and The First Person Awake by Will Bangs.Visit http://www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit http://www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.Rachel Ricketts is an activist, speaker, and writer. Visit http://www.RachelRicketts.com to find out more.

"We are thirsty for change."What changes do you want to see in our world?//“I am thirsty.” - John 19:28//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Bruce Lamb. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear and Aqueducts by Falls.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

Isaiah 50:4-9The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher,that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.Morning by morning he wakens— wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward.I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced;therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near.Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together.Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me.It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty?All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.//This episode was written and recorded by Phil Salmon. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear, Neo by Brent Wood, and The Voyage Home by Enoch Yang.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

"What is justice if we can't hear the judge? What is love without the voice of the lover?"These aren't rhetorical questions. Love and justice are essential to our humanity.//This episode was written and recorded by Amanda Meisenheimer and Rebecca Stevens-Walter. It was originally published on March 16, 2019 as part of Season 3 of Be Still and Go. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. The spoken word portions were written by Amanda Meisenheimer. Vocals by Amanda Meisenheimer. Background vocals and acoustic guitar by Rebecca Stevens-Walter. Say Something was originally written by A Great Big World. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

“We are sacred possibilities, the image of God always ready to manifest in our skin.”What does it look like for the image of God to manifest in your skin?//Matthew 27:46And about three o'clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. M. Barclay. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms, Chimera, and Burned by Podington Bear and Wanderlust by Cody Martin.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

"Lament is important because it reminds us to pay attention."What do you need to pay attention to today?//1 Corinthians 12:14, 20-21, 26Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many....there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Elle Dowd. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear and Seeking Clarity by Alex Fitch.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.