Nativity Podcast

This week Fr. Jason outlines the structure and genre of the epistle of James. He also reflects upon how the structure and genre inform our reading of it. Link to Luke Timothy Johnson's Commentary on James.

Fr. Jason kicks off a three-week series discussing the Epistle of St. James. The commentary Fr. Jason mentions is Luke Timothy Johnson's The Letter of James from the Anchor Bible Series. To support God's ministry through the Church of the Nativity go to www.nativityfto.org/donate

Fr. Jason finishes his conversation with pastors Joel and Aimee Pakan of the band Tangled Blue on Ephesians 6:10-20. You can check out TangledBlue's music at www.tangledblue.com. You can support God's ministry through Nativity at www.nativityfro.org/donate.

Fr. Jason talks with Lutheran pastors Joel and Aimee Pakan about Ephesians 6:10-20. We get to hear about 15 minutes of their conversation this week. Tune in next week for part 2 of this conversation. You can check out Joel and Aimee's music at www.tangledblue.com. You can support God's ministry through Nativity at www.NativityFTO.org/donate.

Fr. Jason explores how we find our Spiritual Style in order to be "filled with the fullness of God" as it says in Ephesians. To support all the ministries of God through the Church of the Nativity goto: www.nativityfto.org/donate

Fr. Jason explores rivalry, reconciliation, unity, and salvation in the third chapter of Ephesians.

Fr. Jason explores the second chapter of Ephesians in our August exploration of the letter.

Father Jason introduces the Letter to the Church in the Ephesus, the book of the Bible commonly known as Ephesians.

Fr. Jason continues discussing the catechism of the Episcopal Church turning to the section on God the Son. a.k.a. Jesus. Link to the Catechism Link to books by James Alison

There has been a lot of conversation, writing, research, analysis, hand-wringing, and anxiety about church decline in recent decades. There was a heyday of religiosity in America in the middle of the 20th century. We have receded from that high watermark, but it is yet to be determined if that's a problem or an opportunity. This week's episode is the second half of my conversation with Bp. Cole about Thomas Merton, and we get into peering at the current American religious landscape using Merton's writings and thought as a lens. Admittedly, the Bishop and I are both paid believers, and as such this kinda winds up being a professional church geek conversation. However, I found ut compelling and insightful; so I hope you enjoy it. We end the conversation with the Bishop reading one of Merton's poems that is both compelling and mystifying at the same time. So, stay with our professional church geek conversation to the end so you can hear that. You don't want to miss it.

Rt. Rev. Brian Cole, the 5th Bishop of the Diocese of East Tennessee, joins us to discuss Thomas Merton, the Trappist monk and writer from the mid-twentieth century. Of course, when two collar-wearing religious professionals who love books get to talking you can count on a lot of author and book references. Here are links to a few of the writers mentioned in the podcast: Thomas Merton James Baldwin Wright Thompson

Too much violence, especially gun violence, these days. We need a different story to live by. Fr. Jason reminds us that we have a different story we can live into and tell. Instead of the stories of violence, retribution, and revenge that the world wants us to live by, we can live into and tell the story of the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus, the story of Grace, Love, Forgiveness, and Peace.

Fr. Jason discusses the definition of sin from the catechism of The Book of Common Prayer. Hint: it's NOT a list of do's and don't's. To see the entire catechism go here.

Fr. Jason reflects on the power of Empathy and the prayers that Jesus prays in the Garden before he is betrayed. A Link to the Solemn Collects in the Book of Common Prayer

Father Jason reflects on the "new" commandment Jesus gives his disciples to "Love one another" for his Maundy Thursday at Home meditation.

Fr. Jason continues the discussion of Catechism, or outline of the faith, from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. Link the Catechism Online

Father Jason continues the discussion of the Catechism of the Episcopal Church in everyday terms. Link to the Catechism

Father Jason discusses what Episcopalians believe in down to earth, everyday terms. A link to the Catechism of the Episcopal Church A link to support all the ministries of God through the Church of the Nativity

For the fifth Sunday of Epiphany, Father Jason preaches about the importance of prayer in building and sustaining spiritual resilience.

Fr. Jason discusses Isaiah 9:2-7, the Old Testament Lectionary Text for Christmas.

Fr. Jason does a deep dive into Isaiah 40:1-11 through the lens of Walter Brueggemann's Prophetic Imagination.

Fr. Jason gives us an introduction to the Prophetic Imagination and the work of Dr. Walter Brueggemann. This background is helpful in interpreting the book of Isaiah, a text that is a significant part of the season of Advent. The books by Prof. Brueggeman mentioned in this episode can be found here: The Prophetic Imagination Hope Within History

Father Jason discusses ways to read the Bible devotionally and for Bible Study.

Fr. Jason discusses why reading the bible is important and explores why it pairs well with coffee.

In the midst of all the craziness of life, how do we find time to show up with God, to plug into the ultimate source of life? Prayer is about attending to our relationship with God, and like all relationships, if neglected it will wither. Fr. Jason explores ways for us to attend to our relationship with God and gives us the basics of prayer. To support all the ministries of God through the Church of the Nativity, go to: http://www.dioet.naitivty.org and click on the 'donate online' button.

Father Jason reissues a sermon from December 2019 because Psalm 72 articulates the biblical standard of leadership. There is a dirth of leadership, much less righteous leadership, right now. Father Jason feels it is timely to reissue this sermon.

Father Jason reflects on a quote from Julian of Norwich and discusses what all will go into the decision to return on on site worship. That decision has NOT been made yet. This is just background information so everyone knows what Father Jason is asking the vestry to think about.

In his weekly sermon Father Jason explores John 10:10, "I have come to bring you life and more abundantly." What is this abundant life Jesus brings to us? Fr. Jason offers an easy acronym on the word L.I.F.E. to help us live into abundant life in Jesus.

The Nativity podcast returns with new theme music and a rant by Father Jason against snake oil salesmen proclaiming the Coronavirus is the end of the world. Links Support the mission of God through the Church of the Nativity Wynton Marsalis on Recording the CBS Sunday Morning Theme Walter Wink's books available on IndieBound

It's the Wednesday of Holy Week and it's gut check time. Fr. Jason challenges us to confront death before we get to the Great Vigil of Easter, to confront not only our own mortality, but also the deadly systems around us that are making this pandemic worse. There is no resurrection except through death and there is no forgiveness without honest confession. If we are to be an Easter people, then we have to confess our contributions to the system of domination and death in which we live.

Father Jason ponders the question of why we call Good Friday Good, meditating on the paradoxes and reversals of Jesus' ministry. Links: To support this ministry Holy Week at Home Liturgies

Father Jason explores the meaning behind practicing the Triduum, the great Three Days of Holy Week, in general. Then he discusses Maundy Thursday in particular. Of course he ends with a resoundingly horrible Dad Joke. Links To support the mission of God through the Church of the Nativity Holy Week at Home Liturgies

The 'HWW at Home' is a daily devotional to do with your kids of all ages during Holy Week. developed by Jodie Emerson. Fr. Jason and Jodie Emerson discuss the origins of the Holy Week Workshop (HWW). Jodie also describes how she transfromed the workshop for at home use during this pandemic. Each day covers the scripture story assigned in the lectionary for that day. We are offering this resource for anyone to use and for congregations to share with their faith communities. Please, do use this at home. Don't gather at the church for it. Stay safe, and PLEASE WASH YOUR HANDS. Link to download a PDF of the workshop. If you'd like an editable copy, email fatherjason@gmail.com

Father Jason unpacks the unsettling and untethering fact that our normal Holy Week and Easter Sunday traditions won't happen. While grieving that loss is important, he also invites us to reflect on the fact that God's love and presence persist in the world even if we aren't able to gather on Easter Sunday. The power of the Resurrection of Jesus comes not from us but from God. The Church of the Nativity is preparing resources to help us worship at home for Holy Week and Easter Sunday, which will be published on Wednesday April 2nd, 2020.

Fr. Jason shares his sermon from the Fifth Sunday of Lent delivered on the Nativity Livestream on March 29th, 2020. He also offers an update on the coronavirus and prayers for those affected. And of course he ends the podcast with the Dad Joke of the Day.