Like Micah brings you stories about the intersection of Progressive Christianity, social justice, and lived experience. For those who have been hurt by the church, struggle with the church, still hold out hope for the church, or have no experience with the church at all; we welcome you to share in our journey of questioning, loving, and seeking wholeness in a fragmented world. This is the podcast of Downtown Disciples, an unapologetically progressive Disciples of Christ community in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. We are LGBTQ affirming and we proclaim #BlackLivesMatter. www.downtowndisciples.org
Pastor Debbie chats with Frank Cordaro of the Catholic Worker House about his inspiring faith background and the very important work they does in our Des Moines community in this episode of Like Micah.
In this episode of Like Micah, Pastor Debbie and Rabbi Jordan Parr talk about the joy of Judaism, Christian misconceptions about Judaism, and the prophet Micah! Be sure to check out his podcast “Torah for Christians” and the song they discuss: "Miriam's Song".
In this episode of Like Micah, listen in on the conversation with Pastor Debbie and member Bryant Siefken to learn about his faith background and journey, what brought him and his family to Downtown Disciples, and what he appreciates about this special faith community.
Today we bring you Part 2 of the 2 Part conversation between DD member Gabriel Dos Santos and Pastor Debbie. In this episode, Gabriel shares his liberating experience of connecting with Downtown Disciples. {Last week he shared the challenges of being a Queer Christian growing up in Brazil in Episode 106, Part 1 of the conversation.}
Just in time for Pride Month: Part 1 of this compelling 2 Part conversation between DD member Gabriel Dos Santos and Pastor Debbie. Gabriel shares the challenges of being a Queer Christian growing up in Brazil. Next week we share his liberating experience of connecting with Downtown Disciples.
In this episode of our Like Micah podcast, we get to know more about Downtown Disciples leader Ashley Muff: her faith background and journey, struggles with theological ideas like free will, predestination and atonement theory, as well as a meaningful exploration with Pastor Debbie into a complicated passage in the book of Romans that is challenging for all.
Listen in to learn from Connie Ryan about her faith background, passion for social justice and work with Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in today's episode of Like Micah.
Pastor Debbie continues her conversation with Leah Vanden Bosch in today's episode of Like Micah. Leah shares her personal history, struggles, and the abundant life she has found with her Planned Parenthood community.
In today's episode, we learn from Rabbi Esther Hugenholtz about her life and background, the Jewish approach to reproductive rights and so much more about Judaism.
What do people of faith believe about reproductive rights, abortion access and sexuality? In this compelling and important Like Micah episode, Pastor Debbie Griffin speaks about faith and reproductive rights with Rabbi Esther Hugenholtz, Rev. Brigit Stevens, Connie Ryan from Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, and Leah Vanden Bosch from Planned Parenthood. To access the People’s Forum mentioned in this podcast go here. For Pastor Debbie’s remarks at the recent Press Conference go here. For more information about the Iowa Poll For more information on the recent Iowa anti-abortion legislator’s attempts to limit and deny the rights of Iowans go here.
Pastor Debbie Griffin chats with Downtown Disciples member Jenni Losee about her faith background and exploration, parenting and dealing with addiction during a pandemic, and more in this episode of Like Micah.
Listen in as Linda Brundies and Pastor Debbie chat about Linda's unique childhood faith experiences and her spiritual approach to music and life in this episode of Like Micah.
If you've been wondering what Downtown Disciples is all about - THIS IS THE EPISODE FOR YOU! Pastor Debbie chats with Debbie & Megan Kushner, new(ish) DD members about their faith backgrounds, living in Des Moines and what it means to be a truly inclusive, affirming faith community. Come for the warm, inviting discussion between new friends and stay for the meaningful conversation about not separating ourselves and each other from the love of God.
Get to know Allison Garica, author of Vivir el Dream and "stories of love, hope, and faith for marginalized Christians, Queer Christian fiction and Latino Christian Fiction" in today's episode of Like Micah. Allison shares with Pastor Debbie how she struggled to find her place in Christianity after coming out and how she believes her stories can give hope to others. Read more about Allison here. Resources for Theological, Biblical and Pastoral Care and affirmation of Queer People: Queer Virtue by Rev. Elizabeth Erdman What the Bible Really Says about Homosexuality by Daniel A Helminiak, PhD Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality by Jack Rogers Un-Clobber by Colby Martin Additional resources can be found at http://disciplesallianceq.org/resources/
Listen in on the conversation as DD member Alicia Fisher interviews long-time DD member Nancy Thompson for today's episode of Like Micah. Nancy discusses her faith background, what brought her to Downtown Disciples five years ago, how she lives out her faith in her career and passions, and how this pandemic has affected her.
We're excited to welcome Caitlyn & Jorden Boyd, new DD members as well as newlyweds, in today's Like Micah episode! They share with Pastor Debbie their personal backgrounds & faith journeys as well as what it's like to live as newlyweds in this time of Covid.
Today's Like Micah episode finds us hearing from Downtown Disciples member Hugh Frisch about having faith while surviving childhood cancer, sharing our true selves, and standing firm in what you know God wants.
Pastor Debbie Griffin chats with Downtown Disciples member Alicia Fisher about her faith progression, being single (even during pandemic), adult friendship dynamics, finding community and more in this episode of Like Micah.
Do not miss this important episode with social justice leader, Pascha Morgan who speaks truth with with Pastor Debbie Griffin about racial justice, Black Lives Matter, privilege, and solutions.
We are so excited to bring y’all a special two-part series with local social justice activist and leader, Pascha Morgan, as he chats with Pastor Debbie Griffin about his faith background, the evolution of personal spirituality, ancient wisdom, and the word of God.
Make sure you don't miss today's episode of Like Micah as Pastor Debbie Griffin talks about faith, social justice, and the fight for racial equality with Courtney Rife who shares with us some powerful spoken word poetry.
On today's episode of Like Micah, we chat with Downtown Disciples member Mariah Himes about her faith background, social justice, and the Black Lives Matter movement.
We are SO excited to bring you our special 5 year anniversary podcast featuring the favorite memories from many of our Downtown Disciples member! Thanks for being part of the change we need!
We are so blessed at Downtown Disciples to be able to feature local artists during our worship and today we are excited to bring you a beautiful mashup featuring Harper and Lee, Marguerite Dowling, The High Crest, Rhonda Mickelson, and Guitarras!
Downtown Disciples member Jennifer Theis chats with Pastor Debbie Griffin about a meaningful verse, becoming unchurched, and finding her place at Downtown Disciples.
Today's episode of Like Micah is part one of a two-part series with Downtown Disciples member Jennifer Theis. On today’s episode Producer Sheri Rosendahl talks with Jennifer about how she found Downtown Disciples, her faith background, and some positive things she’s seen during this quarantined world.
On today’s episode of Like Micah, Producer Sheri Rosendahl chats with Downtown Disciple member GL Clague who shares some of his faith background, the tremendous rock the community of Downtown Disciples has been, as well as some stories about what he has experienced during the Covid crisis.
During this chaotic time in history, Pastor Debbie Griffin discusses John 9, the Corona virus, and how the ways of Jesus fit into this time.
Today we are excited to get to know Downtown Disciples member and new Administrative Assistant, Cari Christian as she shares the evolution of her faith with Pastor Debbie Griffin!
On today's episode of Like Micah, Producer Sheri Faye Rosendahl talks faith and deconstruction with Meg Calvin - Amazon Best Selling Author, Wife, Mom, Speaker, Podcaster, and Coach who helps her fellow Spiritually-Attuned Go-Getters find confidence and certainty in who they were meant to be. Make sure to check out Meg's new book, I Am My Own Sanctuary: How A Recovering Holy-Roller Found Healing and Power, on her website to get the first 50 pages free!
On today's episode we are excited to bring you Shane Claiborne - a prominent speaker, activist and best-selling author - to talk faith, politics, and Jesus with producer, Sheri Rosendahl. Shane worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, and founded The Simple Way in Philadelphia. He heads up Red Letter Christians, a movement of folks who are committed to living "as if Jesus meant the things he said." Shane is a champion for grace which has led him to jail advocating for the homeless, and to places like Iraq and Afghanistan to stand against war. Now grace fuels his passion to end the death penalty and help stop gun violence.
For the final episode in our Faith and Politics series, we took to the streets of Des Moines and ask everyday people how their faith or spirituality influence their politics, and some of the answers will surprise you.
Make sure to check out today's fantastic episode in our Faith and Politics series highlighting the powerful Genesis Be, Sister Simone Cambell, Rev. Dr, Jacqui Lewis, and amazing music from Rev. Vince Anderson and Meah Pace at the recent Vote Common Good Summit in Des Moines. Check out all the amazing work VCG is doing at www.votecommongood.com and don’t forget to caucus February 3rd!
Make sure you check out this exciting and insightful new episode in our Faith and Politics series, as Pastor Debbie Griffin chats with presidential candidate Marianne Williamson on the reality of running for president, her passion for children and all of humanity, and important issues in our nation and world including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Today on another special episode in our Faith and Politics series, Pastor Debbie Griffin has a conversation with Iowa Politician Matt McCoy, a member of the Board of Supervisors of Polk County, Iowa, representing the fifth district. A member of the Iowa Democratic Party, Matt also served in the Iowa Senate from 1997-2019 and the Iowa House of Representatives from 1993-1997.
Don't miss today's special episode in our Faith and Politics series as Pastor Debbie Griffin sits down and chats with the inspirational Jacquie Easley, who is running for Des Moines City Council At-Large, and shares with us her passion for serving the community.
You won't want to miss today's special episode of our Faith and Politics series as Pastor Debbie Griffin talks the big issues with Presidential hopeful Tom Steyer, including how his faith has impacted his passion to protect the earth as well as the most vulnerable among us, and lays out his position regarding the LGBTQIA+ community, healthcare, women's rights and more!
Today on another special episode in our Faith and Politics series, Pastor Debbie Griffin has a conversation with 2020 Presidential Candidate John Delaney on how his Catholic faith has contributed to his views and policies.
You won't want to miss todays special episode in our Faith and Politics series as Pastor Debbie Griffin speaks with advocate Marlu Abarca who is the vice chair of the Iowa Commission of Latino Affairs and is currently running for Des Moines City Council at-large. Join us as Marlu shares a piece of her journey through spirituality, being a part of the LGBTQ+ community, her extensive social justice work, and drive to make sure she leaves Des Moines better than she found it.
Today on Like Micah's Faith and Politics edition, Pastor Debbie sits down and speaks with Carl Voss who is currently running for City Council At-Large in Des Moines, Iowa. Coming from a strong faith background, Carl shares with us how his faith played into his decision to run for public office, continuing his passion to work for all Des Moines' residents regardless of income or neighborhood.
On today's episode of Like Micah:Faith and Politics, Pastor Debbie Griffin speaks with Rev. Sarah Trone Garriott, an ELCA Lutheran Pastor who does interfaith work with the largest food pantry network in Des Moines and had recently announced that she will be running for Iowa State Senate District 22!! Join us today as they discuss the intersection of faith and politics as Sarah shares how she was moved to run for office.
Rev. Justo Gonzalez II, is a passionate activist on issues of immigrant rights, DACA, the Dream Act and TPS.He is the founder of two Sanctuary Congregations in New York and Michigan. He has defied ICE and the Federal government in taking a public stance against the forced separation of families and kidnapping of immigrant children. He has marched the picket line with workers in the Fight for $15 Campaign. He is a tireless advocate for women’s rights, pay equity, LGBTQIA rights, educational justice, and extravagant welcome for all of God’s creation. Rev. Justo embodies his progressive faith with political action. In this episode of our Faith and Politics series, our podcast producer, Sheri Faye Rosendahl interviews the energetic and dynamic Rev. Justo Gonzalez II.
Today we bring you the second part of our episode from the DoC General Assembly in Des Moines, featuring interviews with Rev. Dr. Dietra Baker, Rev. April Johnson, Rev. Dr. David Anderson Hooker, and Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley who share with us important insight on faith and politics.
This is part one of our two part Like Micah special featuring national social justice leaders from the Disciples of Christ. Today's episode includes speakers from the rally after the DoC's General Assembly in Des Moines, featuring a Church Confessing as well as a powerful message from Rev. Dr. William Barber of the Poor People's Campaign.
Music moves us! And we bet it will move you too! In this episode of Like Micah, you’ll be blessed with inspiring and empowering music from some of the most talented Iowa singer songwriters. Our mash up includes live recordings from our progressive worship featuring, Harper and Lee, Mary Beth Mardis Lecroy, The High Crest, Dang Felton, Lori Ancona, and Sharon Bousquet. What a gift! Find more about our featured musicians: Sharon Bousquet - https://www.sharonbousquet.com/ Lori Ancona - https://www.facebook.com/lori.ancona Dang Felton - https://www.dangfelton.com/ The High Crest - http://www.thehighcrest.com Mary Beth Mardis Lecroy - https://stpaulsuccchurch.com/pastor.html Harper and Lee - https://harperandleemusic.com/ downtowndisciples.org @DTdisciplesDSM
In this special Pride Fest Pentecost 2019 episode, you’ll here several Downtown Disciples share the stories of their 2019 Pride Fest experiences and Pastor Debbie Griffin’s liberating and powerful sermon from the Pride Fest Stage. Music by Harper and Lee https://harperandleemusic.com/
Pastor Debbie Griffin talks with musician and UCC Pastor Mary Beth Mardis-Lecroy about anti-racism, creativity, music and progressive faith - a lively conversation between friends about how new creativity will lead to new justice. Featured Songs: Good Anymore and We Wait by Mary Beth Mardis-Lecroy
In this episode of Like Micah, Pastor Debbie Griffin confesses and repents on behalf of the universal Church for the harm, spiritual abuse, and condemnation it has wrongfully inflicted upon LGBTQ+people. In honor of Pride Fest 2019, we are pleased to rebroadcast this episode recorded at Pride Fest 2017, featuring Pastor Debbie, Spivey Knapik, and Pride Fest attendees.
A conversation with Ryan Rohlf, a Downtown Disciples community member, brings you further into how the embodiment of Christ is lived through action and relationship. Taking the steps through the evolution of his faith, Ryan finds fellowship and peace in his personal relationship with faith. downtowndisciples.org @DTdisciplesDSM https://www.facebook.com/RyanCRohlfRE/
In February 2019 Pastor Debbie sat down with Jerry Crenshaw to record a full history of how Downtown Disciples came to be. This is the 3rd in a three part series from that conversation, wherein we learn about the community life of Downtown Disciples. downtowndisciples.org @DTdisciplesDSM
In February 2019, Pastor Debbie sat down with Jerry Crenshaw to record a full history of how Downtown Disciples came to be. This is the 2nd in a three part series from that conversation, wherein we learn about the many ways Downtown Disciples has been involved in the work of justice in the community. downtowndisciples.org @DTdisicplesDSM