Everyone loves a good story. Storytelling captivates and captures the imagination when told well. Through storytelling, humans can connect with one another via shared experiences. Because storytelling connects us so powerfully, it only makes sense to use the power of good storytelling to share our faith stories. There are many kinds of faith stories. Some of them begin with our birth and bring the listeners to the present moment. Others relate a time of difficulty when the storyteller received God’s grace to walk through a hardship. Some faith stories tell of times of divine intervention in our lives. A well-crafted faith story has the power to rekindle the embers of listeners’ faith. That is the purpose of the Dove Faith Café. It is the fulfillment of a vision that was divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Dove Faith Café brings together storytellers and listeners who share their faith stories in an episode of hope. The Dove Faith Café answers the call to evangelism that we, as members of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana, of the wider Episcopal Church of the United States, and as brothers and sisters of our Savior are committed to embracing. We are reaching out to all of God’s children to help them to identify God’s voice or hand in their lives. We are purposely not interested in only Christians. Many of our brothers and sisters who are not Christians and those who are disaffected Christians should feel welcome. We reach out to Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Agnostics, Atheists, and to Christians as well. There are many who call themselves Christians but whose embers of faith have grown cold. We hope to stir up these embers and reignite their fire. Our goal is that those who experience a Dove Faith Café story will realize the work of God in the lives of others and recognize it in their own lives as they experience the power of others sharing their own faith stories. These stories illustrate that what unites us (God) is infinitely more powerful than what divides us.
Ed Little shares the story of how we came to faith by a journey of reading and friendship. Beginning in a household with no religious practices, he would eventually serve The Episcopal Church as the 7th Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Indiana. Joining co-hosts Marie and Jordan is Jon Adamson, director of Cedar Grove Cemetery at the University of Notre Dame. Jon served as Bishop Little's administrator before his retirement in 2016.
One question, asked in humble faith, can be answered in life changing ways. In this short-form, bonus episode, Marie Gambetta, founder of Dove Faith Cafe, shares one of the most important faith stories of her life. Visit our website (dovefaithcafe.org)
Deb shares a story many of us can relate to. It's an account of her trek away from church during the pandemic and how that impacted her, her family, and her community. Share her journey as she discovers how God is using this journey to deepen her walk with God. Hosts Marie Gambetta and Jordan Trendleman are joined by special guest Bishop Ed Little to converse about themes in Deb's story.
Elly is a young woman full of life, zest, and energy. She shares her story of loss: of freedom, loss of health; loss of independence. In that loss, God showed Elly how truly blessed she really is. Following Elly telling her story, special guest Dr. Julien Smith joins co-hosts Marie Gambetta and Jordan Trendleman for a refelective conversation on the themes of Elly's story. Learn more or support us at dovefaithcafe.org (dovefaithcafe.org)
Jessie finally discovers what her mother understood years before. She finds her greatest treasure. dovefaithcafe.org (dovefaithcafe.org)
In this story, Connie shares with us her journey into the unknown with all of the fear and uncertainty that it can bring. She triumphs and sees how God was preparing her for the journey even as a child. Listeners should know that Connie is a hearing person who does not speak and communicates through sign language. The voice you hear is Sandy's, her friend and interpreter. >>>If you would like to share your faith story, go to dovefaithcafe.org (dovefaithcafe.org)
Andrew finds God's grace and his own salvation in the unlikeliest of places. Through his disarming sense of humor, you will journey with Andrew as finds rest and redemption in God. Learn more and support us at dovefaithcafe.org (dovefaithcafe.org)
This story is one of our most difficult stories to listen to, so be aware of that. Don tells the story of discovering later in life that he is both a father and a grandfather, unbeknownst to him. This joyful news, however, hides a very dark truth. Don finds that only God can help him save his grandchildren. God gives him strength he needs at just the right time. He becomes convinced of his purpose. Remember, this story is difficult to hear. Please be aware.
John tells a story of rejection of who he is at his core, yet God reached out and showed him that he is a child of God. Period. After John's story, hosts Marie and Jordan are joined by Willis Foster, Canon for Diversity and Transformation in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia.
Melissa's story is a story within a story. Melissa recounts a harrowing experience while kayaking and how God gave her a visible sign that God was with her.
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