Stories of God at work in and through the ministries of Presbyterian Church of the Master in Mission Viejo, California. Cover art photo provided by: https://unsplash.com/@christopher__burns
Jeff got sick and couldn't put his socks on. Can we find not just humor, but deep joy and gratitude right there in our pain and loneliness? Socks or no socks, let's explore together.
Pastor Courtney puts on her former professor's hat and talks all things media literacy, including three questions we can ask ourselves before repeating, sharing, or taking something as fact.
Dan is working on this show as an earthquake hits, and it makes him stop and consider an earthquake that took place during the original Holy Week and the events surrounding it
Pastor Courtney shares an episode of her birds-and-hope podcast, The Thing with Feathers, as she celebrates the launch of her audiobook for Looking Up.
Pastor Courtney reads a hard book, climbs laundry mountain, and reflects on the ways God meets us in the struggle.
Dan reflects on a verse from Lamentations and on conversion and conversions in his own life.
A favorite seminary professor used to ask Pastor Courtney this question before she was Pastor Courtney. She finds it returning to her every Lent.This week: a story of God messing with Courtney, and a question: how is God messing with you?
A quote from the North African early church father, Saint Augustine.
Pastor Courtney goes over important dates, the meaning behind the spiritual practices, and how to keep a holy Lent.
Dan talks about Spiritual Formation at PCOM and in our own lives
Pastor Courtney tackles the thorny topic of how to bear with others when they aren't as right as we are about everything. (We kid.) Plus: wisdom from 1 Corinthians 8.
Jeff offers a simple prayer, to be deployed when deep sea diving, or grounded on land.
Dan talks about his trip with the Youth and re-tells the story from camp of the "Happy Hypocrite"
What we're doing to love and serve our neighbors just to the north.
Jeff poses the question: What if everyday life is like snorkeling, but a life of prayer is like SCUBA diving? What if it's all there, available for us to explore? What if we don't have to conjure it up, but instead are invited to just dive in?
What gentle spiritual practice might you want to add to your 2025?
Prayers for a happy, holy, restful holiday.
Dan digs into an old tradition that takes Christians up to Christmas and is the origin of our hymn "O Come O Come Emmanuel."
How Thomas the Train brought her to tears ten years ago.
Jeff shares about grief and loss and failing to return purchased items on time.
How might we let go of the grumbling and lean into the delights God has placed before us? Pastor Courtney leads this episode on the spiritual practice of gratitude.
A call for education and formation amongst all ages!
Loving our neighbors: the red and the blue.
This episode first aired four years ago during the last presidential election. May it continue to be a balm, an encouragement, a lifting or settling of spirits. Morning by morning, new mercies we see.
What is it like to be a pastor's kid? What about a kid to TWO pastors (a pastors' kid!)? Lincoln Ellis joins us on the show today to talk about life, faith, and knowing where all the good snacks are. P.S. Go Eagles!
Join us this upcoming Saturday for a day of encouragement, challenge, worship, and joy. Register online at the main church website or by calling the church. (Free for youth!)
Join us as we wish Carol Marleau well on her retirement, say goodbye to Ellie Youngblood, and hear what's next for Care Ministries here at PCOM.
When a simple desire for a good book to read somehow robs us of our peace, what do we do?
Pastor Courtney shares her strategy for beginning a day quietly with the Lord before letting all the noise in.
Pastor Courtney shares David Wright's Poem: Notes on Retirement After Reading Lear. Plus: what's next in Care Ministries and we prepare to say a warm farewell to Carol Marleau upon her retirement at the month's end.
Jeff invites us to read through Psalm 116 on behalf of three different people in our lives.
Roots to Fruits classes, the Parent Well Community, Creative Roots Arts and Music, GriefShare, our Spiritual Formation Saturday and MORE! Get in the know with all that autumn holds for the people of PCOM.
Dan talks about upcoming events at church and his project on "the Varieties of Christian Experience"
It's back-to-school season! How are the Ellises handling a year of big change? How does God meet us in the midst of change?
Jeff shares about a recent family trip to the city and mountains of Oaxaca — the Christ-like people they encountered, the food they ate, the pine trees they walked among and the sunsets that left them breathless.
Pastor Courtney describes nonfiction books she's loved and asks - what are you reading?
Pastor Courtney's favorite reads (so far!) from the warmer months.
Pastor Courtney shares an essay, "Wings Smacking Windows," recently published in Ekstasis Magazine.
Jeff dives into miracles and wonders, the joy of VBS at PCOM, and chats with his son about liquids and solids.
Pastor Courtney offers us three ways to pray for this important week. Plus: a reminder to rest deeply for all those who are volunteering and serving.
He went to all of them. Three colleges in three semesters, with a fourth down the road. This wasn't the plan. This wasn't the "right" path. Thank God.
The life of David has it all. Friendship, intrigue, faithfulness, unfaithfulness, murder, worship, poetry... Truly it's a tale for the ages, which is why we're spending all summer with David. Join Pastor Courtney for an inside look on some resources we can dive into as we learn about this fabulous, brilliant, broken, forgiven man.
Practical suggestions for summer travelers on not losing sight of Jesus.
Dan talks about teaching, learning and how to balance our spiritual life
A reminder to fill up our cups with rest, connections with God, and play when seasons get extra busy.
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