Stories Along the Journey

Enjoy this conversation with peacemaker Diana Oestreich.  Diana is a lovely person with a powerful story who is a soldier turned activist fro peace.  She talks with Lory Beth and Joel Simpson about how her life changed because of the courage of an Iraqi muslim woman who offered her hospitality.  Listen to us wrestle with the importance, necessity and even the biblical mandate to act for social justice like Jesus did.   Link to Diana's Website: https://www.dianaoestreich.com

In honor of Black History month we recorded a podcast on Martin Luther King, Jr. day with my colleague, the Rev. Dr. Sam Moore and his wife Marva Moore.  Listen to this story of pioneering ministry, wisdom from the seat of the minority voice at the table, and faithfulness that is inspiring.  Please turn your sound up, we apologize this was a first time using a hand held recorder on location and we didn't realize that Sam's Mic was off. Lory Beth's voice is louder than Sam, but we promise it is worth the glitches!

We talk once again with Greg Huffman, Conference Chancellor for WNCC (and husband of Lory Beth) about a topic he has researched and written about through the years and is appropriate as we turn our attention towards Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.  Growing up visiting Civil and Revolutionary War Battlegrounds prepared him to recognize the misinformation and propaganda used to rewrite history through the years.  Hear his thoughts about why it matters that the public understand the historical push to reframe history in order to recognize what is happening today.  Greg reflects on how this has influenced our churches and contributed to where we find ourselves politically and theologically within our own church walls.   Check out the articles Greg wrote about southern monuments and about propaganda in southern schoolbooks as well as other articles about accelerationists and the Lost Cause movement. https://www.facingsouth.org/search/node?keys=greg+huffman

Our third Christmas Podcast! This year we bring you a few more of our holiday stories from the past and took a moment to reflect on some of our favorite memories with Gloria as she enters into retirement. We hope you enjoy this podcast and laugh as much as we did! Merry Christmas and Happy New Years from us to you!

  Today we have a conversation with Greg Huffman the Conference Chancellor for WNCC (and husband of Lory Beth) about his view on the past year of disaffilaiton and what led up to this threshold moment.  Greg helped process over 300 churches leaving the WNCC and represented the Bishop and the Conference in a precedent setting lawsuit.  He shares his take on how we got here and how he navigated the past year.  

We decided to air an episode we aired back in July 2023 of Dr. Peacock after we found out he unexpectedly passed. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.   We had the gift of sitting with Dr. Ken Peacock, former Chancellor of Appalachian State University, as he shared his faith story. Ken shared the people, early on in life that influenced his faith and how his eyes were opened to sacred value of each person. If you haven't heard the story of 100 children, you will want to hear this. It is a beautiful story and one that he carries throughout his life.   Here is Dr. Peacock's Obituary https://www.hayworth-miller.com/obituaries/kenneth-ken-peacock    This is the bottle he talked about in his story.  

Gloria Hughes and her husband, Chris had a conversation around the Dinning Room table about life with Chris' brother, Bill Hughes. Billy shared the people in his life that helped him see the good in others that eventually shaped his own care for others. Thank you for joining us in this conversation and allowing me to share a glimpse into the heart of our brother, Billy.

Gloria Hughes and her husband Chris sit down with Chris' sister Dr. Sylvia Rockwell and discuss how her faith journey continues to evolve. Excellent time together. 

Gloria had the opportunity to sit down with Mable Harrington on her 92nd birthday. Her story is as precious as Mable is and our hope that you enjoy listening to a few of her stories along her journey. They are priceless. Pictured: Mable's Grandsons Patrick and Kevin with Mable in the middle  

We had the gift of sitting with Dr. Ken Peacock, former Chancellor of Appalachian State University, as he shared his faith story. Ken shared the people, early on in life that influenced his faith and how his eyes were opened to sacred value of each person. If you haven't heard the story of 100 children, you will want to hear this. It is a beautiful story and one that he carries throughout his life.

Gloria, Katie, and Lory Beth sit down and recap their connections and experiences at Annual Conference 2023 at Lake Junaluska that just happened June 15, 2023-June 18, 2023. It was a wonderful time of Grace, Connection, and Holiness!  

Gloria, Katie and Lory Beth sit down and reflect on their time together at MerleFest. For those of you who don't know what MerleFest is, it is a 4 day long bluegrass festival created by Doc Watson that is held yearly on the grounds of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, NC. This year we decided to sponsor a booth, we called it The People of the United Methodist Church booth. You just have to listen to hear about all the amazing stories that happened over those 4 days, and WOW... they are heartwarming stories!

Re-release Gloria Hughes and Lory Beth Huffman had an engaging conversation with singer, songwriter, recording artist, and storyteller, Abbye West Pates. Abbye shared how her passion for making music connect with the listener has led her to growth in her musical gifting. She shared how she is still learning how to take the songs of old and make them relevant for people today. She is a master at her craft and we are excited to introduce to you this artist from Memphis TN if she isn't already on your radar. Website: Abbye West Pates May 11th at 11:00 Worship Leadership Workshop - Worship, followed by lunch, then a workshop led by Abbye West Pates, Singer, Songwriter, and Worship Leader from Memphis, TN. This will be held at First UMC in Lenoir. Invite anyone who helps lead worship, worship music, etc. Registrations are required for this event. Cost: $15 per person https://wnc-reg.brtapp.com/TheArtofWorshipMusicandSpiritledLeadership If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Rev. Gloria Hughes at ghughes@wnccumc.org

Gloria Hughes and Kim Burns, a teacher at Caldwell Early College High School, were joined by Elizabeth Sherwood and Nolan Wallace to discuss some of the challenges adolescents are currently facing. This authentic and engaging conversation is one everyone should hear. 1) They discuss present day challenges adolescents face 2) They share a deep desire for quality time with adults 3) They also talk about expectations to get it right the first time and how much this triggers anxiety and mental health issues, not to mention stress. It was an excellent conversation and we hope it blesses you as much as it blessed us!  

Gloria and Lory Beth were blessed to have Brett Loftis in the podcast studio recently. If you don't know Brett, he is the CEO of Crossnore Communities for Children and a co-founder of Trauma Resilient Communities. His passion and work to help others experience authentic care and compassion is life-giving. You won't want to miss this episode. If you would like to know more about Crossnore Communities for Children, follow the link: Crossnore Communities for Children | Foster Care | Clinical Services

Gloria and Lory Beth had an engaging conversation with Bishop Ken Carter around the people in his life that were his first spiritual mentors, helping him to catch the faith. We also asked him his why. It was a fun and engaging conversation.

Gloria and Lory Beth had a beautiful conversation with Mike Ragan, a faithful member and leader of FaithBridge UMC. In our time together, Mike shares his story of why he left the church and how he found his way back in the arms of a loving congregation. His love for God is undeniable.

Gloria sat down with Ian Julsrud a junior in High School, shares how a mission trip experience opened his eyes to see things very differently. This eye opening experience has begun to ignite an awareness of many of the other countless injustices happening in our world. His pastor at First UMC in Taylorsville, NC, Joel Simpson joins in the conversation and together their story is fun and inspiring. FUMC Taylorsville, NC

Gloria, Lory Beth, and Katie shared their experiences of belonging and being included. Some great insights came out of this conversation and hope it gets the wheels rolling in your head as well. As always, blessings along your journey.

Season 2 opener! Gloria and Lory Beth sat down with Joel Simpson, Pastor of First UMC in Taylorsville, to talk about the ways his faith was and continues to be influenced by others.

Lory Beth, Katie and Gloria sit around the table and tell their most interesting Christmas memories! Spoiler Alert!! We talk about Santa A LOT! DO NOT LISTEN AROUND CHILDREN.  In the Podcast you will hear a story form Gloria who tells about her Santa visit at her house at Christmas. Here is a photo from that day! Also, you will hear about Lory Beth's funny "Dirty Santa" gift exchange. Here is a photo of her mom receiving her gift! 

Hang tight friends, we are working on a really good podcast to drop for the month of December! Plan to listen to this special Christmas podcast that will drop on December 22, 2022! 

Lory Beth, Gloria, and Katie talk about the countless ways we deal with grief and some of the cultural differences of grieving. They also discuss how to grieve in ways that honor your loved ones through their death, loss of job, hope, and the church. Join us for this hard yet important topic.

*Re-release* This is a podcast that we released in July. Gloria Hughes and Lory Beth Huffman had a conversation with author, activist, and speaker, Shane Claiborne about how he passionately lives out the gospel message of love. His advocacy has led him to spend time with Mother Teresa in Calcutta and founded The Simple Way in Philadelphia. Shane heads up Red Letter Christians which is a movement of folks who are committed to living “as if Jesus meant the things he said.” His passion to end the death penalty and help stop gun violence is providing a platform for the healing of the families who have lost a loved one to gun violence.   Shane's latest book: Beating Guns: Hope for People who are weary of violence can be found on Amazon or other book sellers.  Shane's website is shane claiborne  Follow Shane on Instagram: Shane.Claiborne

Lory Beth and Gloria sit down with Rev. Ken Anderson and talk disasters. Ken is appointed at Henson Chapel-Mabel charge as well as serving as the Appalachian District Disaster Response Coordinator. Ken has served as a Coordinator for other districts as well as the conference Coordinator. Ken brings years of knowledge and skills to this podcast as he talks about how to get involved and when. If you are feeling called to help please check out these resources:  www.wnccumc.org/disaster-response  www.wnccumc.org/mission-response-center  www.wnccumc.org/disaster-ministries  www.umcmission.org www.umvim.org   

Gloria Hughes and Lory Beth Huffman sat down with singer, songwriter, worship leader, and recording artist, Kyle Sigmon to discuss how his faith has affected his music and equally how his music is shaping his faith. Kyle also shares about writing his first song and how that process is transforming his faith. Check out Kyle Sigmon website and follow him on Spotify or any platform you get your music.  

Rev. Dr. Anne Conover shares her journey of connecting to a longing and passion for creativity. She shares with us that it has not been a journey of confidence and one that most people would not expect. Her own self criticism became louder than the voices encouraging her until a defining moment when she knew she was, in fact, called to create. Anne Conover can be reached through her website Anne Conover - About the Artist (anneconoverfineart.com) or on Facebook.

Gloria Hughes and Lory Beth Huffman had an engaging conversation with singer, songwriter, recording artist, and storyteller, Abbye West Pates. Abbye shared how her passion for making music connect with the listener has led her to growth in her musical gifting. She shared how she is still learning how to take the songs of old and make them relevant for people today. She is a master at her craft and we are excited to introduce to you this artist from Memphis TN if she isn't already on your radar.   Website: Abbye West Pates  

Lory Beth Huffman and Gloria Hughes spoke with Lora Henley, about how she stood up for what she believed I and put her faith into action, organizing a March for Our Lives event in June of 2022. Inspired by the most recent events at Uvalde High School, Lora's ability to organize peers, politicians, and others is inspirational.

In our Part 3 of A Part 4 Series on difficult conversations we talk with Rev. Dr. Chris Hughes about his book American Idols: Gods of the Region: An Open Letter to My Christian Kin about how easily we can start worshipping a variety of idols in our lives that aren't our trinitarian God.  How do we as Christians prevent losing our Christian identity and voices in this complicated world we live in.  No one is immune from idolatry, so let's reflect on how our faith journey is strengthened or weakened by pushing back against cultural norms. Order Rev. Dr. Chris Hughes book here

Gloria Hughes and Lory Beth Huffman had a conversation with author, activist, and speaker, Shane Claiborne about how he passionately lives out the gospel message of love. His advocacy has led him to spend time with Mother Teresa in Calcutta and founded The Simple Way in Philadelphia. Shane heads up Red Letter Christians which is a movement of folks who are committed to living “as if Jesus meant the things he said.” His passion to end the death penalty and help stop gun violence is providing a platform for the healing of the families who have lost a loved one to gun violence.   Shane's latest book: Beating Guns: Hope for People who are weary of violence can be found on Amazon or other book sellers.  Shane's website is shane claiborne  Follow Shane on Instagram: Shane.Claiborne

Lory Beth Huffman and Gloria Hughes had a conversation with Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Coppedge-Henley about the challenges of being a Prophetic Voice in this day and time – especially from the pulpit. Elizabeth shares how she has built trust with her congregation, allowing her to tackle hard issues facing the world right now.

Gloria Hughes, Lory Beth Huffman sat down with Ted Henry to discuss how his life's journey has equipped and prepared him for ministry. Ted serves as the pastor of Banner Elk UMC, as well as the chaplain of Lees McRae College and the campus minister of the Wesley Foundation at the college.   During our conversation, Ted made reference to John Pavlovich's book: If God is Love, Don't Be a Jerk: Finding a Faith that Makes Us Better Humans and Gloria quoted Henri Nouwen from his book, The Wounded Healer. Ted spoke about the impact of his experience of Cursillo and Walk to Emmaus. If you would like to know more, follow the links to learn more about opportunities to participate.   Thank you for joining us for this conversation.

Gloria Hughes sat down with Laura Byrch, Pastor of Community Engagement & Pastor of Blackburn's Chapel in Todd NC. Laura shares with us the people in her life that influenced her awareness of other and how that has transformed her life and ministry. Laura's spirit is contagious and fun. We hope you enjoy her story and ponder who those persons are in your own life.

Lory Beth, Gloria and Katie sat down and shared with one another the people in their lives who have helped them "Catch the Faith" using the dreamcatcher as a metaphor. We hope these stories inspire you to think about the people in your life who have helped you "Catch the Faith".

Today we hear a story from Rev. Kirsty Burnette and Beth Talley from Friendship UMC in Iredell County that reminds us how churches in rural areas can use their assets and giftedness to make a Kingdom difference for the children in their community.  And how participating in serving the Kingdom, is an act of personal discipleship along the way.  

Gloria Hughes, Appalachian District Vitality Associate sat down with Anita Sain, pastor of Jefferson UMC along with Ashley Church and Sophia Kiser to hear their story of how their entire congregation got caught up in the movement of the Holy Spirit to host a prom for Ashe County High School, in the midst of Covid-19. Their story is exciting, inspirational, and filled with holy outcomes! We hope this conversation blesses you as much as it blessed us.

Lory Beth Huffman, Appalachian District Superintendent, Gloria Hughes, Appalachian District Vitality Associate sit down with Rev. Joseph Kesserling who is appointed at Nathan's Creek United Methodist Church and is from India.  He is able to see Kingdom opportunites all around him and apply what he learned in India to his pastoral leadership of Nathan's Creek and with the community of Crumpler. 

Gloria Hughes sat down with Ben Gatton, one of the pastors at Sparta United Methodist Church and Hope Fellowship, along with Elizabeth Barricklow, a member of Hope Fellowship, to discuss their faith journeys and what drives their passion to connect to the community, especially those who have been disconnected with the church.

Lory Beth, Gloria, and Katie share their most memorable Advent and Christmas memories and how they have played an important role in shaping their lives and faith. #storiesalongthejourney A special thank you to Chris Hughes for Music (I Will Follow Jesus), and Kyle Sigmon for voiceover and teaching us podcast editing skills! Email address storiesalongthejourney@wnccumc.org Website: appalachiandistrict.org   

Coming Soon: Stories Along the Journey, a podcast produced quarterly by the Appalachian District of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.