Bethlehem Backchat

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone ask an important question, "GOT HOPE?" Hope is something we all need. But, do you truly understand what hope is? Christian hope is different than being a positive thinker or trusting that it will all turn out alright. In trying or unstable times, we can gain great comfort in having hope...real hope. Join us for this important discussion.

NEW PODCAST! Imagine the controversy when a Monk (Martin Luther) and a Nun (Katharina Von Bora) walk into a church and get married! This love story didn't start out that way! Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone walk through the history of how Martin and Katie met, their family dynamics and tragedies, and the partnership that grew between them out of mutual stubbornness and strength. Luther Family Portrait https://praypsalms.org/martin-luther-the-psalms-96c4739d1891

In this 2nd part of the series, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss even more about the critical contribution of Martin's interaction with the Roman Empire and his impact on our beliefs and practices as Lutherans. We talk about the backstory of his final years and the human side of Luther as he and his wife, Katie, serve others. On the light side, we discuss "what's up with that hair?" or the tonsure style of haircut common within Luther's order. Video on the History of the Tonsure Haircut https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPgUILjfcB4

Did you know that Martin Luther's real last name was Luder!? What do you think that Luther's father's job was? You can join us in a little bit of trivia and find out! Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone share some history of Martin Luther's upbringing, the history of the Lutheran tradition, and Luther's intention of posting the 95 theses.

We aren't letting the virus keep us down! Bethlehem Backchat's newest podcast focuses on Jesus' Greatest Hits. Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone discuss a list of 7 very important pieces of scripture from the Gospels. Pastor Dan picked 2, of course, including Matthew 22:37-40 and John 19:29-30. Wendy picked Mark 8:34-36. The discussion also focuses on Matthew 19:14, 11:28-30, John 15:10-11, and Luke 4:18-21. You will recognize these passages of scripture! What are your favorite and most meaningful passages in scripture?

During uncertain times, it is easy to become fearful. Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the guidance that we are given in the Bible around fear. What are we to do with emotions during seasons of uncertainty and isolation? Give a listen and discover how.

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone talk a lot about shepherds and sheep! The 23rd Psalm is one of the best known and the meaning is very rich if you understand the metaphor. We walk through the Psalm to compare the love of God to that of a shepherd who loves, guides, and sometimes disciplines his flock. By the why, sheep do float!

How do you teach the Bible to young children when the concepts are very complex and some content is downright frightening! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail, Wendy Farone, and special guest, Pastor Ellen Lundie discuss how to teach young ones about faith and God's love. How do we ensure that the language isn't scary, but teaches about the love of God that is appropriate for each age.

What is faith? Hebrews 11: 1 states, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." In this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the meaning of faith, how to know if you have it, how much faith is enough, and what to do when you think you are losing your faith.

In this episode, Wendy Farone visits Central Portland Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon. Pastor Amanda Zenz-Alo and Dawn Miller, members at Central, lead a discussion of how our congregations are the same and different as Lutherans on the east coast meets those on the west coast. You will hear some familiar names and as we celebrate the leadership and members of Bethlehem! I think we may have sparked an interest in a "New Start" initiative in Portland!!

We live in a society and culture focused on money, but according to Luke 16:13 "You cannot serve God and wealth." In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the "love of money." According to 1 Timothy, "The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." The discussion centers us on the appropriate guidance we are given about money.

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone further their discussion about what happens when we die (see #20 Heaven Podcast) with a chat about hell. What are your present concepts of hell…or misconceptions? Discover the scriptural perspective of hell and leave the horns and pitchforks to the movies!

On this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss heaven. There are a lot of references to heaven in the Bible: 246 in the Old Testament and 248 in the New Testament (NRSV). But, what is heaven? Where is heaven? How do we get there? This episode is a little longer that some others but, my heavens!, we are talking about heaven after all! Thank you for listening!!

On this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the topic of confirmation--the affirmation of our baptism. Confirmation involves deep study in what it means to be a Lutheran. Join us in this important conversation and understanding.

Have you recently attended a worship service that started with a baptism? Do you have a true understanding of what you are experiencing? In this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss baptism and address many common questions on the topic including: What happens if I'm not baptized? Do I need to be baptized again if I switch churches? What does Jesus command us to do as it relates to baptism?

So...What is a Beatitude? During this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone walk through this critical piece of the Sermon on the Mount. A beatitude is a promise that's held forth to us, a word of hope for people who need to hear hope. They can also transform us by reorienting our priorities. They cause us to think about how we see the world around us and how we can use the gospel to address those needs. We welcome ideas for podcast topics! Send your ideas to media@belc.org Link directly to the podcast at http://www.belc.org/backchat-podcast

The Sermon on the Mount is known as one of the best sermons ever preached. It is a collection of sayings and teachings of Jesus Christ, which emphasizes his moral teaching found in the Gospel of Matthew (Chapters 5, 6, & 7). Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the parts of this important work including the Beatitudes and The Lord's Prayer. www.belc.org/backchat-podcast

We are called to be and make disciples (Matt 28:19). But, what does it mean to be a disciple? Further, how do we make disciples? Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone discuss what we are called to do...let's get started!

Luther's Small Catechism has served as the basic instruction book for the church for nearly 5 centuries! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the importance of this little book with a big message.

The Appalachia Service Project (ASP) brings volunteers and communities together through critical home repair and replacement. Each year, Bethlehem Lutheran Church gathers their tools and spends a week in the summer helping to make a family in need warmer, safer, and drier. Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone interview members of our congregation as they share the importance of engaging your time, talents, and treasures in being disciples of Christ.

What are saints? Why doesn't Lutheran tradition focus on saints like other traditions?

The Bible is a collection of sacred texts--66 books in all. But how is it designed, how was it put together? Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss this book of scripture sharing a little background and how to read it moving forward.

Are you ready to capture the fullness of our worship life together? Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone walk through the bulletin and the what's and why's of our Lutheran Worship Service. We take a deep dive into the nuances and meaning of the communal worshp service. You wil sing "Holy, Holy, Holy" with excitement and full voice because you "get" the true meaning of the worship experience. Further, having been fulfilled you are ready to carry this blessing into the world.

As an extension of the previous podcast on Forgiveness, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the topic of sin. What is it really? How does Jesus dying on the cross take away my sins? We discuss the 7 'deadly sins' but also the 7 virtues which are meant to counteract these negative forces in our lives. God is not setting us up for failure but giving us the tools to live a rich and meaningful life.

Ever had a tough time forgiving someone? Have you been hanging on to anger or bad feelings toward another person for far too long? In the Lord's Prayer, we ask the Lord to "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." During this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone examine this statement and how to forgive so we can be free of resentment and in closer relationship to God.

Do you find yourself reciting the Lord's Prayer without much thought? Do you know  the meaning of each line of the Lord's Prayer? Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone  share the meaning of each line of the Lord's Prayer so that you can be reminded of "Who you are and Whose you are".  Shared is the backstory of the design of the prayer and the gift that this prayer is for Christians alike. We are glad you joined us; now please share it with a friend!!

From North Park--Fit Church, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the topic "WE are the Church--Beyond Sunday" and that the church are the people of Christ not necessarily the building. Also discussed is Koinonia or the gathering and community of followers and the critical nature of being together. Koinonia is also the 2018 National Spelling Bee winning word!! Thanks for listening! Remember to offer topics and feedback to us at media@belc.org.

On this podcast, Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone discuss the Lutheran take on communion. We address questions such as 'What are all of those coverings that you use over the wine chalice?" and "Do we really eat his body and drink his blood?" or "How old do you have to be to participate in communion"? Pastor Dan explains the need to truly understand what is occurring while we participate in the taking of the Sacrament. 

In this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone chat about the requirements and complexity of writing a sermon. You may be surprised by the thought and time it takes to write a 10 minute sermon!!

In this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone chat with Katie Harley about Bible Journaling. Kate discusses how one can engage with Scripture by creating your own version of the age-old practice of illustration and lettering within the margins of your bible. It's for all (e.g. men, women, and kids) to become more engaged with the Word. 

In this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone, chat about the Lenten Season including the 3 disciplines of almsgiving, fasting, and prayer. You will find out where churches get the ashes for Ash Wednesday and whether giving up chocolate is the way to go!

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and member, Wendy Farone, discuss the ELCA view of what prayer is, why we pray, types of prayer and some common phrases used in Lutheran prayer.