Podcasts about church life

Hope Church - Life's Big Questions - Who am I? - 9_21_25 by Hope Church Utah

Year C – 15th Sunday after Pentecost; Lectionary 25 – September 21, 2025 Pastor Megan Floyd Luke 16:1-13   Grace and peace to you from God and the Holy Spirit, and from Jesus Christ, who, together, offer liberation through reorientation. Amen. *** Jesus says… we cannot serve both God and wealth. …and yet, it is as true today as it was then… that both God and wealth, or Mammon, demand to be our top priority. These words from Jesus are convicting… we cannot serve both God and wealth… they are convicting… because we know in our heart… they are true. …and Jesus… well… he tends to be right. That's why we're here, yes? I actually prefer the old translation… instead of wealth, the original Greek uses the Aramaic word, Mammon. Mammon is a personification for the acquisition of wealth… something Martin Luther called in the Large Catechism, the “most common god on earth.” So, it isn't so much wealth or money alone… that demands our dedication… Jesus doesn't criticize wealthy people just for being wealthy… and money is a tool we all must use. But it's the pursuit of money for the sake of getting richer that Jesus condemns… it's the drive to store up more and more at the expense of others, the persistent need to acquire more and more that takes over our lives. To build bigger barns while others are starving… and then to rationalize our greed and overabundance… this is the Mammon that Jesus warns us against. To worship Mammon is to prioritize the accumulation of wealth… while disregarding the suffering and needs of others. Mammon demands that we look only to our own wants and desires, acquiring only for ourselves alone. Mammon is… isolating. God… on the other hand… demands that we put God above all else, and then look to our neighbor… God invites us to look through the lens of God's love… and look to the needs of our neighbor first… so that we may flourish together… through relationship and in community. We cannot serve both God and Mammon. So… to illustrate this point… Jesus offers a rather strange parable. And all the authors I've read seem to agree that this one is just weird and challenging. It helps, I think, to dig into the context… and recall the economics of Roman-occupied Galilee in the first century. Remember… that the Roman Empire exploited the people's resources and labor through crippling taxation, which was often more than the average peasant could pay. And the rich landlords and rulers were basically loan sharks who got richer by exploiting peasants… offering loans to pay their taxes, but with exorbitant interest rates, something that was in direct violation of biblical covenantal law. So, when the peasants couldn't pay back the loans, the rich would take ownership of their farm, disinheriting the peasant farmers of their family land… But they would “graciously” allow the peasants to stay on as tenant farmers… who now had to pay both taxes to the Roman government AND a high percentage of their yield to the rich new landowner. So… the rich got richer… and the poor got poorer. It was… an unjust system. Furthermore, the rich tended to live in the south, around Judea… while the peasant farmers lived in the north, around Galilee. The rich landowners wouldn't go back and forth themselves… that could be dangerous, so they utilized middle managers to collect their spoils. These managers would also add to the debt that the farmers owed, because that's how they got paid… and the more they added, the more money they made for themselves. It was the manager's prerogative to squeeze these poor farmers out of as much of their crops… as much of their wheat, wine, and olive oil as possible. The farmers were, after all, expendable… all that mattered was gaining more wealth. Mammon. And so now here we are… Jesus' teaching… his words for us today continue on from the gospel from last week. Last week's scene opened with the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, grumbling because this man, Jesus, welcomes sinners and eats with them. Jesus put people over and above social order and expectations. So, he tells the grumbling Pharisees these parables… There was a lost sheep… there was a lost coin… there was a lost son. And then comes our text for today… “There was a rich man who had a manager…” “There was a rich man… who had a manager.” Does it ring a little differently now? This manager is about to get fired for squandering his boss' property… he's in trouble for not delivering as much as the rich man thought he should have. He's about to be tossed out on his butt with nothing… so what does he do? What does he do? Once the hold of Mammon is broken… he has clarity! He realizes… that what he needs in his life are people. Mammon… the pursuit of wealth… drives people away. But for true flourishing… we need community. Money isn't the ultimate measure of things… not in God's economy! Our neighbor… our relationships and our community… this is where true riches are found. But… this guy… this middle-manager… he's still locked in an unjust system… he's still trapped by it, just as much as the poor farmers are still trapped… but he realizes… he realizes that generosity is the best investment. He uses that ill-gotten wealth, gained from exploiting others, to ease the debt burden on his neighbors, and gain social capital in the process. It's very possible that the amounts he reduced each person's debt by was the amount of his portion, and the interest that was added onto it. Because… after all, the rich man is ultimately impressed. His manager chose to forego wealth… for the riches of relationships. He used the last remaining shreds of power he had to disrupt the unjust system… and revive the community by reviving biblical, covenantal economic life. He revives the community and gives them hope… by reorienting himself back to God's command to love God above everything else… and to love our neighbor. He is liberated from Mammon… set free from the addictive nature of chasing after wealth and hoarding resources at the expense of his neighbors' well-being. And he is transformed… restored into community when he realizes that people matter so much more than money. Because in God's economy… your neighbor's needs are bound up with your own. (x 2) Our own true flourishing and riches can only be achieved by working for the well-being of others. We cannot serve both God and Mammon. And that's that. Jesus leaves some loose ends in this parable… there's no epilogue… no discourse where Jesus fully explains its meaning to his disciples, who never seem to understand anyway. We are simply left with the wondering… left with the open question of “how much more…” If even this dishonest manager can realize that relationships and people are more important than chasing after money… then… how much more… should the children of light realize that “true riches” have to do with relationships rather than wealth or possessions. How much more? You see… Jesus never says that having money is bad… or criticizes wealthy people for being wealthy. What matters for Jesus… is what you do with that wealth. What Jesus says… is that when we reorient ourselves back to God and God's commandments… when we love God above all else, and love our neighbor as ourselves… Then it changes our relationships. Our relationships with our neighbors are transformed when we realize that we are all connected… and every person is valuable to the community, and that every person is loved by God. And… reorienting ourselves back to God… changes our relationship with money. Rather than allowing money to become an idol… we understand that money is a tool, and we can use it to help others, so that together, we are blessed. Here's a beautiful example… in my old church, the men's group met monthly on a Saturday to make homemade bread and have breakfast together. …No agenda, other than spending time together and making delicious bread. Then they'd offer that fresh, homemade bread to the congregation and collect a free-will offering… and… I know they always held back a few loaves for the single mom who was getting by on pennies. Finally, they used the money they raised to fund microloans through a non-profit program called Kiva, which offers very low—or no-interest loans for entrepreneurs in underserved communities worldwide. As the loans were paid back, which they always were, the men reinvested the funds in other people, giving more and more people the boost they needed to help themselves and their communities. The more they gave away, the more they found they were richly blessed, and they always seemed to have more to give… more to invest in people. And so, out of their abundance, they also regularly gave to our youth program, and to our food ministry… and to so many other ministries. These men were quietly committed to sharing as much as they could, and they delighted in watching how their investments in people always brought returns. Blessing others and investing their money in helping to heal unjust economic systems… was a true joy for them… and their joy was our joy! And this gospel today… this challenging piece of good news… is also a source of joy. Because Jesus came to bring good news to the poor… to set the oppressed free, to restore us to each other… and to liberate us from the bondage of our sin… and Mammon… Mammon is a big one. But Jesus does not leave us to the destruction of our sin… Jesus calls us back, time and time again… back to God and to the source of our salvation. Jesus reminds us that we are commanded to serve only one God, who is above all other gods. A God who loves us and has given us the way of everlasting life… who liberates us… and points us toward the true richness found in relationships and community. So, love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, and all your mind… and love your neighbor as yourself. Trust in the good news of Jesus and in God's commands. Do this… and you will be richly blessed. Amen. _________________________________________________________________________ Notes: www.kiva.org Commentary on Luke 16:1-13, by Barbara Rossing, on www.WorkingPreacher.org Commentary on Luke 16:1-13, by Mary Schertz, September 2007 issue of Christian Century  

In this episode, Made for Community, Pastor Jacob explores Acts 4:32–37 and the powerful vision of gospel-centered community. From the unity of “one heart and soul” to the radical generosity of open hands, this message shows how our identity in Christ transforms the way we live with one another. With real-life examples and biblical insight, you'll discover how grace builds, consumerism destroys, and why strengthening each other is central to God's design for His people. Whether you've longed for deeper connection or wrestled with individualism, this conversation will help you see that in Christ, community is not optional—it's who we are.

Sunday AM ServiceActs 6:1-7I. The Limitation FactorII. The Clarification FactorIII. The Organization FactorIV. The Multiplication FactorSupport the show

Have you ever considered the divine plan for your emotions? We might think God's plan would be for us to get rid of our emotions or ignore them, but the wisdom of the Christian tradition says otherwise. So, too, does the Son of God, who took on our human emotions when he took on our flesh. The key to the divine plan for our emotions lies in integration and alignment, working to direct all parts of ourselves toward the good God intends for us. But how do we do that? My guest today has spent a considerable amount of time thinking such things, practicing such things, even teaching and preaching on such things. He is Abbot Austin Murphy, a Benedictine monk of St. Procopius Abbey in Lisle, Illinois, who holds a Ph.D. in theology from Notre Dame. His new book, Emotional Holiness: Discovering the Divine Plan for Your Human Emotions, offers guidance on how to reckon with and direct our emotions, into concord rather than discord with our mind and our will. It is a practical book that is filled with insight.Follow-up Resources:Emotional Holiness: Discovering the Divine Plan for Your Human Emotions, by Abbot Austin Murphy, OSB.“Monastic Life and Human Ecology, with Abbot Austin Murphy, OSB,” podcast episode via Church Life TodayChurch Life Today is a partnership between the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame and OSV Podcasts from Our Sunday Visitor. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Hope Church - Life's Big Questions - What do we do with Evil? - 9_14_25 by Hope Church Utah

This talk unpacks our church vision in light of wrapping up the Dear Church: Seven Letters to Seven Churches series.

Hope Church - Life's Big Questions - Are You Sure? - 9_7_25 by Hope Church Utah

God cares deeply for the church, since it is the body of Christ the Son. We too should think carefully about our own place in Christ's church. We should affirm the equal standing we share in Christ as well as the diverse parts which make up the body. Furthermore, Paul emphasizes the importance of each member exercising their gifts to the good of the body and to the glory of God.

Wednesday Series

Heather Foucault-Camm, Program Director of the Science & Religion Initiative at the McGrath Institute for Church Life, speaks with Bishop Caggiano about: space ethics, the implications of artificial intelligence, the question: "What do you believe more: science or theology?", and more. Email List: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Other shows The Tangent: https://thetangent.podbean.com/ Daily Gospel Reflections https://dailycatholicreflection.podbean.com/  The Frontline With Joe & Joe: https://thefrontlinewithjoeandjoe.podbean.com/ Restless Catholic Young Adults: https://restlesscatholicmedia.podbean.com/  

Hoops, Hope, and Holiness, with Fr. Pete McCormick, C.S.C. Everybody at Notre Dame knows Fr. Pete. He's the director of campus ministry, who's responsible for leading a team that cares for the spiritual needs of our student body. He lives in a Notre Dame residence hall, where about 250 young men share life – and pranks – together. He's the chaplain of the Notre Dame men's basketball team, where he helps guide student-athletes through the privilege and challenges of balancing very busy lives. He's even the sometimes-DJ for campus events, including live on College Game Day when the show visited campus a couple years ago. But at the heart of it all, he is a Holy Cross priest, dedicated to his prayer and ministry, and to his religious community in the Congregation of Holy Cross.Fr. Pete and I have been close friends for over 20 years. He joins me today to talk about ministry to our students, chaplaincy to the basketball team, his own vocation, and being fully alive.Follow-up Resources:Story about “Fr. Pete” in the Notre Dame Magazine.Learn more about Campus Ministry at Notre Dame.Church Life Today is a partnership between the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame and OSV Podcasts from Our Sunday Visitor. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

[Acts 20:7-12] We need the revelation of Gods word and relation with Gods people

Church Life “Trial Separation” (Acts 15:36-41) Next Journey (v.36)Next Conflict (vv. 37-41)1 Cor. 7:5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.1 Cor. 13:4-7 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[a] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.2 Tim. 4:10-11 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia,[a] Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.  Three Warning Signs - that you're not loving and not interested in peacemaking:Number one: When the issue becomes a controlling passion of your life. Number two: When you start thinking about revenge against those who have hurt you. Number three: When you begin to attack the person and not the problem.2 Tim. 2:23-26a 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant[e] must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil

Sunday AM ServiceSelected ScripturesI. The Promise of God's PresenceII. The Purpose for God's PresenceIII. The Power of God's PresenceIV. The Pleasure of God's PresenceSupport the show

IntroMy name is Travis Aicklen, and we're concluding our "Summer of Wisdom" series on Proverbs next week. Today, I'm delivering our annual "State of the Union" address. This is not a typical sermon, but an important one as we set the course for the new year. I want to talk about three things: the realities of being a sending church, our Sunday rhythms, and our readiness and responsiveness as a community.Scripture ReferencesJohn 2:1-11, John 20:21, Acts 1:8Key PointsRealities of a Sending Church:We were planted in 2005 with a vision to be a constellation of churches. We know church planting is a highly effective way to reach the unchurched; research shows 40% of church plant attendees were unchurched.This vision is a mix of gratitude for what God has done and a desire to heal from past pain.Planting churches is difficult. It means sending our best people and resources, but it's a huge win for the kingdom. We celebrate the 53 people and $100,000/year that have moved to Radiant Exeter. This requires new pillars to emerge, as the burden shifts.God is a sending God. He sent the Son, who sent the Spirit, who now sends us (John 20:21). The church's nature is to be generous and to give, just as our God is generous and gave dearly.Rhythms of Our Year:Bible Teaching: This fall, we'll begin a study of the book of Exodus. It's foundational to understanding the rest of the Bible, including Jesus's ministry and our own story of redemption.Worship: Kids (K-6th grade) will continue to join us for worship for the first few songs. This models worship and gives them a sense of belonging.Service Length: Our service will be 90 minutes. We're shortening announcements to allow for more time to respond in worship and at the communion table.Readiness and Responsiveness:The church is not an audience, but an orchestra. Your presence and participation are essential.We're asking for consistency. The average churchgoer misses 75% of what happens. Make attending the rule, not the exception.We're asking for punctuality. Being on time communicates that what we do here matters. It honors the people who serve and the Lord we've come to worship.The servants who helped Jesus turn water into wine were the only ones who saw the miracle; the guests only got the wine. Those who serve get a special glimpse into what Jesus is doing.God wants us to overcome our fear and risk of commitment and participate in His work.ConclusionWhen we wonder why we do this—sending our friends and money, taking on new burdens—we must remember our God is a sending God. He sends us, as He was sent by the Father. He gives generously, and so do we.Calls to ActionServe: Consider joining a ministry team and becoming part of the "orchestra."Commit: If you're connected, commit to consistent attendance and punctuality.Communion: The table is open for all who believe Jesus died for their sins. Come and remember what He has done, and how He is raising up an army from dry bones in our valley. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

Fr. Nate Wills has been the chaplain for the Notre Dame football team since 2018. He's been along for exhilarating triumphs and devastating losses. He's seen and felt the energy of packed stadiums and the nervous focus of the pregame rituals. He's watched young men try and fail, then recover and succeed. But through it all, maybe the most important thing of all is simply this: he's been there. He's been present. And because of that, he's witnessed the presence of God in unexpected and otherwise unseen places, and he's helped other people to take note, too.After collecting stories of these rich and humbling experiences, Fr. Nate has crafted these stories into short, illuminating reflections for the rest of us. His new book, Pray Like A Champion Today, opens up for us stories of the Notre Dame football program as seen in relation to the Gospel, with a call to prayer. Fr. Nate joins me today to talk about culture, character, and the presence of Christ as seen from the sidelines and beyond.Follow-up Resources:Pray Like a Champion Today, by Fr. Nate Wills, C.S.C.Follow ”Pray Like a Champion Today” on InstagramCheck out the hugely popular “Saturdays with the Saints” lecture series, where a public lecture on a saint is offered (in-person, plus available online) every Notre Dame home football Saturday.Church Life Today is a partnership between the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame and OSV Podcasts from Our Sunday Visitor. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Episode Topic: Called to be Woman: Mary's Genius and Ours “Called to be Woman: Mary's Genius and Ours,” presented by Sr. Ann Astell, took place at the McGrath Institute for Church Life conference True Genius: The Mission of Women in Church and Culture at the University of Notre Dame in March 2025, developed by Abigail Favale, Ph.D., Professor of the Practice, Theology & Literature, at the McGrath Institute for Church Life.Featured Speakers:-Sister Ann W. Astell, University of Notre DameRead this episode's recap over on the University of Notre Dame's open online learning community platform, ThinkND: https://go.nd.edu/07ad4b.This podcast is a part of the ThinkND Series titled True Genius: The Mission of Women in Church and Culture. Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career. Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu. Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.

On the show, we interview long time friend Dr. Artur Rosman, translator of the new book The Philosophy of Drama, by Józef Tischner. Artur is the Editor-In-Chief of the Church Life Journal, at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at Notre Dame University. On the one year anniversary of the publication of his translation of the book, Artur joins us to speak about Tischner's contribution to philosophy and theology through the lens of his philosophy of drama, his place in Polish Catholicism and the Solidarity movement, and what its like to translate such an intriguing, in depth work. You won't want to miss it! Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:Be Not Afraid with Fr. PJ McManusCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonMaking It Personal with Bishop William JoensenMan Up! with Joe StopulusThe Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo BonnerThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleWant to support your favorite show? Click Here

Topics: Recovery, Bipolar, Incarceration, Racism, Church Life, Adult Children Hosts: Brian Perez, Chris Williams, Dr. Jill Hubbard Caller Questions & More: Chris discusses four steps to focusing on your Internal State. I have bipolar disorder and I depended on my mom who died 2yrs ago; how can I keep working if I try to work but get filled with dread? My son is The post New Life Live: August 12, 2025 appeared first on New Life.

Episode Topic: The Sensory and Beyond (https://go.nd.edu/754c19)What do we and how can we know beyond what we can sense in the physical world? Contemplate Aquinas' thoughts on why the philosophical limit of our sensations is cause for optimism, whether slothfulness might actually be a virtue, and how suffering is foundational to the development of our moral lives.Featured Speakers:Janet Effron, Director of Online Learning, McGrath Institute for Church Life, University of Notre DameRoberto Zambiasi, Postdoctoral Researcher, De Wulf-Mansion Centre for Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy, Institute of Philosophy, KU LeuvenDerek McAllister, Instructor of Philosophy, Loyola University Maryland and Towson UniversityMelanie Susan Barrett, Professor of Moral Theology, University of St Mary of the Lake / Mundelein SeminaryRead this episode's recap over on the University of Notre Dame's open online learning community platform, ThinkND: https://go.nd.edu/e6b445.This podcast is a part of the ThinkND Series titled Aquinas at 800. (https://go.nd.edu/67b7c4)Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career. Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu. Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.

Many of us have learned to see the world differently because of C. S. Lewis. But how did Lewis learn to see the world the way he did? From whom did he learn to see the marriage of the spiritual and material, of heavenly things right along with scientific things? If we go in search of answers to such questions, we find ourselves plunged into the Medieval world and encountering, among others, Dante.In his book, The Medieval Mind of C. S. Lewis, Jason Baxter helps us uncover the influence of great books on Lewis's great mind. Dr. Baxter joins me to continue our conversation which began on his work of translating Dante, to move now from Dante to Lewis, who was himself a man who lived in modern times but was not of those times.Follow-up Resources:The Medieval Mind of C. S. Lewis: How Great Books Shaped a Great Mind, by Jason M. BaxterLearn more about Dr. Baxter's work at https://www.jasonmbaxter.com/Church Life Today is a partnership between the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame and OSV Podcasts from Our Sunday Visitor. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Acts 2:42-47

Translating Dante is not a matter of rendering words in one language for words in another language. Indeed, no act of translation is so direct or basic. But as with Dante's Comedy when the style itself is part of the art – the sound of the thing, the movement, the embodiment – the translator needs to feel as much as think, relying on sense along with knowledge. Why? Because the hope of giving us – the readers of a translation – an encounter with the great good found in the art depends on the more holistic, more full-bodied work of scholarship and personality, at once.Jason Baxter has studied Dante for years and written on him before, including with his marvelous and illuminating book, A Beginner's Guide to Dante's Divine Comedy. Now he is completing the work of translating the master's poem for English readers that brings us into not just what the poem says, but what it feels like. Follow-up Resources:Inferno, A New Translation by Jason M. BaxterPurgatorio, A New Translation by Jason M. BaxterA Beginner's Guide to Dante's Divine Comedy, by Jason M. BaxterLearn more about Dr. Baxter's work at https://www.jasonmbaxter.com/Church Life Today is a partnership between the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame and OSV Podcasts from Our Sunday Visitor. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

The post Virtues for Church Life appeared first on Bethel Mennonite Church - Gladys VA.

Year C – 6th Sunday after Pentecost; Lectionary 16 – July 20, 2025 Pastor Megan Floyd Luke 10:38-42 Colossians 1:15-28 Grace and peace to you from our Lord, Jesus Christ, who is our center and our focus. Amen. *** Martha… Martha… Martha… Poor Martha gets a bad rap from this story… but I understand her, and I bet you do too… especially if you're an older sister or sibling. The text doesn't explicitly say who is the older sister… but I think anyone who knows sisters knows… that she's the older one. She has welcomed the traveling Jesus into her home and is bustling away at all the many tasks of hosting, while her sister sits at his feet, not lifting a finger… just listening… ugh!! Oh Martha… You know the stories that make us cringe… this is one of them for me… which tells me there is something in here that I need to pay attention to. Before we get into it, though, there are some interesting things I'd like to point out… The first is that we tend to harmonize our four gospels… and what I mean… is that in our remembering, we tend to blend the information between them, rather than remember the specifics between each of the gospel authors. There's nothing wrong with that… after all, that's how we tell the full story of Jesus' birth! But it also means that when we hear a story about Martha and Mary, we might immediately remember that Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, had two sisters… Martha and Mary… and they lived in Bethany. Except that Luke never mentions Lazarus… nor does Luke write that Jesus is passing through Bethany. What he writes is… “Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. If they were sisters to Lazarus, or any other male, it would have been his home… but no… this is Martha's house. And that right there is something to notice… Jesus could have chosen nearly any other home in this certain village, where the host of the home would have been a man. That would have been expected and proper… but Jesus chooses to honor the home of two single women. And then… we hear that sister Mary is sitting at Jesus' feet, listening to what he was saying and learning from him. She is wholly focused on Jesus. But women weren't usually given this preferred place of discipleship… and yet, Jesus chose her… he teaches her. And Martha… poor Martha… Martha was doing what anyone at that time would have expected of her… she was busy in the kitchen and distracted by all the tasks of entertaining company. We've talked about hospitality in the ancient world before… Martha was offering hospitality to these travelers who had come to her home. So even with these seemingly small details, we can take note… Jesus is, once again, turning things upside down and breaking down barriers. So given the entirety of this situation… when I read his rebuke of Martha… I hear him speaking to her in a loving and warm tone. He may be telling her that Mary has made the better choice, but I hear him speaking in a loving way… inviting her to consider that he's not your typical guest. He tells her… she is worried and distracted by many things, but right in that moment… with Jesus in her home… there is need of only one thing… Him. I so… resonate with this story. I find it so easy to get caught up in details and plans that I can forget what the goal was at the start. And I know faith communities are not immune to this… we gather here in the name of Christ, but how often do congregations get wrapped up in unnecessary details? We've only just begun our time together… you and me… but I know at some point, this will come up because it's a completely human thing to have happen… We'll get sidetracked and distracted by details, and we will need to remember that Jesus is why we gather for worship and study, Jesus is why we give of our time and our treasure, and Jesus is why we serve. The focus of our mission here… is simple… it's Jesus. So… as you all know, we just concluded a very fun week of VBS. We had a small group of kids… and a wonderfully large group of older youth and adults who showed up to volunteer. They busied themselves in the kitchen, preparing our dinner and cleaning up afterward, and they planned bible lessons, crafts, and games. All so that our small group of little kids would feel surrounded by love and support as they learned about Jesus! …Jesus was our mission. By those counts, it was a very successful week! These folks all showed up ready to serve… just like Martha served… except their focus was on Jesus… just like Mary. You see… I don't think Jesus was telling Martha that her tasks were bad… I think he was telling her that her focus was off. She was focused on her tasks instead of being focused on him. Jesus doesn't say that serving others is bad… keep in mind that immediately before he comes to Martha and Mary's home, he has just told a lawyer that serving your neighbor in love is how we serve and honor God. Serving is good… and learning is good… So it's not what you are doing… It's why you are doing it. Why do you serve… study… sing… worship? What is your motivation? I do these things… and I think you do too… because we follow Jesus, and we know that giving time and space in our lives for Jesus changes the way we interact with the world. Love… changes how we interact. When we remember that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, and through him, all things on heaven and earth were created… and that in him, all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and that through him, God was pleased to reconcile all things back to God. When we remember all this… and that the great mystery of it all… is that Jesus Christ dwells in each of us… because of love… we are changed… transformed! Jesus is calling us to himself, and Jesus is the better part of anything we can do… because Jesus knows that if we allow the love of Christ to be central in our lives… then the world will never be the same. And so, we rejoice! We rejoice with Martha and Mary… with Peter, James, and John… With Pheobe and Lydia… with Paul and Barnabas… We rejoice with all those who have come before us in the faith, and all who will come to Christ after… We rejoice that Jesus Christ is our focus… no matter the shape of our ministry in this world… be it cooking, nursing, driving, feeding, cleaning, studying, praying, singing silly songs with kids… or any number of other ways we can show love in this world… We rejoice that Christ is at the center of it all… the truest source of love, and our reason for being. Amen.

Many of the disruptions in local church life are widely known. For example, most congregants and church leaders can clearly see the impact of COVID several years ago. But there have been a number of “quiet” disruptions that don't get much attention. Thom and Sam look at ten of them over two episodes. The post Ten Quiet Disrupters in American Church Life (Part 2) appeared first on Church Answers.

In this week's episode, we spoke with Dr. Timothy O'Malley from the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame about the powerful connection between faith, family, and citizenship. Dr. O'Malley reflected on the family as the first school of virtue and a foundational space for forming responsible, engaged citizens. The conversation explored how Catholic social teaching can guide families in addressing cultural challenges with humility and courage. Dr. O'Malley emphasized the role of the domestic church in building a society rooted in love, service, and moral clarity.Check out the writings he mentioned in the podcast here: Gabriel Marcel and the Discovery of FatherhoodMotherhood: A Confession (by Natalie Carnes) Review Dr. O'Malley's current work on the liturgy and children HERE!

Many of the disruptions in local church life are widely known. For example, most congregants and church leaders can clearly see the impact of COVID several years ago. But there have been a number of “quiet” disruptions that don't get much attention. Thom and Sam look at ten of them over two episodes. The post Ten Quiet Disrupters in American Church Life (Part 1) appeared first on Church Answers.

This week, we talk about The Institute for the Study and Elimination of Jewish Influence on German Church Life and their new bible and hymnal and about Walter Grundmann.

Send us a text In this episode of the Healing the City podcast, Pastor Eric continues his conversation with Bob Lefevre. They talk about Bob's experience cooking for the Village, how much he enjoys it, and what he's learned about preparing meals for large groups. The conversation also turns to music—specifically Bob's deep love for worship. They close by reflecting on Bob's steady posture of prayer and the way it shapes his life and relationships. Support the show"Healing the City" is a profound and dynamic weekly podcast that dives into the complexities of creating healthier communities. Featuring the voices and perspectives of the esteemed members of the Village Church, each episode is thoughtfully crafted to address the challenges and opportunities for meaningful change in our cities. With a holistic approach to healing, the podcast explores a wide range of topics, from soul care and spiritual direction to mental health and community involvement. It provides listeners with insightful and thought-provoking perspectives on the issues facing our cities, as well as practical steps they can take to make a difference. Join hosts Corey Gilchrist, Eric Cepin, Ashley Cousineau, Jessica Dennes, Michael Cousineau, Mark Crawford, and Susan Cepin as they navigate the complexities of our communities with wisdom, grace, and a deep commitment to positive change. Through their engaging discussions, listeners will be inspired to become active participants in healing the city and creating a brighter, healthier future for all. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comThe Village Church meets at 10a and 5p on Sundays1926 N Cloverland Ave, Tucson AZ 85712Mail: PO Box 30790, Tucson AZ 85751

On our last episode, I welcomed two of our Sullivan Undergraduate Saints Fellows to talk about the pilgrimage through France that our cohort completed at the start of summer. The final destination on that pilgrimage was Lourdes. As follow up to that episode, I want to share with all of you a relatively short reflection on thirst. In particular, I want to talk about a pilgrim's thirst. But in the end, I really want to talk about the waters of Lourdes. Follow-up Resources:Read this episode in article form at OSV Magazine under “A thirsty American pilgrim drinks his fill at Lourdes” by Leonard J. DeLorenzoThe Song of Bernadette, by Franz WurfelLearn more about the Sullivan Undergraduate Saints Fellowship“Pilgrimage and the Urgent Question of Faith,” by Leonard J. DeLorenzo, essay in the Church Life Journal“A pilgrimage of sacred art,” by Leonard J. DeLorenzo, article in Our Sunday Visitor Newsweekly“Encountering Christ on Pilgrimage, with Joan Watson,” podcast episode via Church Life TodayChurch Life Today is a partnership between the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame and OSV Podcasts from Our Sunday Visitor. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Watch on YouTube Topics: Medications, Teens, Counseling, Church Life, Suicide, Siblings, Difficult Conversations, Borderline, Adult Children, Weddings Hosts: Brian Perez, Dr. Jill Hubbard, Dr. Jim Burns Caller Questions & More: Dr. Jill discusses the importance of evaluating medication over time because the risk may start to outweigh the benefit. My 17yo son is hanging out with guys who have threatened suicide; The post New Life Live: July 3, 2025 appeared first on New Life.

Join us as our Teaching Pastor, Adam Vinson, continues through our post-Acts study and discussion of the Gospel. Notes from today can be found at the link below. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wa3gWOiA_IDgkcqKLhQN7UMtQIgY1x0e/view

Send us a text We say God can have it all… but what about the parts we keep hidden? In this episode, Pastor Jason explores the story of King Azariah (also known as Uzziah) and the “surrender gap” that blocked the blessing of God—not just in his life, but in his community.With honesty, humor, and hope, this message challenges us to examine the “keep out” signs in our hearts. Whether it's pride, fear, or comfort, anything we withhold from God can hinder His work in us and through us.But surrender isn't about shame—it's about healing. And when we let go, God begins to bless others through the very places we once held back.

Pastor Jeff Cranston continues his conversation with Pastor Jason of Crossway Church as they dive deeper into what makes the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination distinct. They explore how the Alliance approaches communion and baptism, what a typical Sunday service looks like, and how its leadership structure supports both local autonomy and global mission.

In this insightful episode of "Father and Joe," Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks delve into the complex yet enriching journey of cultivating trust and fostering meaningful relationships with ourselves, others, and God. They explore the intricacies of trust—how it's built step-by-step through integrity, dependability, and consistency, and how it's intrinsically linked to vulnerability. The hosts candidly discuss the challenges around rebuilding trust, especially for those who have experienced trauma, and highlight the importance of being open to growth in relationships.Father Boniface provides a profound perspective on how our daily, seemingly simple interactions are rooted in unexpected levels of trust. Whether navigating a complex journey through a foreign market or simply shopping at a local store, trust silently governs many aspects of our lives. Joe emphasizes that understanding trust starts from within, analyzing our past interactions, and being conscious of the behaviors that foster or hinder relational growth.Listeners are invited to envision their relationships as a canvas, where the practice of mental preparation can be as impactful as the actions themselves. Drawing parallels from sports, Joe illustrates how champions attain mastery not only through physical prowess but through mental agility—foreshadowing their moves and understanding their counterparts' strategies. This analogy extends into relational dynamics, where understanding others' preferences can significantly enhance our interactions and emotional bonds.The conversation further deepens into self-reflection's role in improving relational and spiritual lives. It highlights Pope Francis's teachings on losing touch with our hearts due to societal distractions, advocating for a slower pace that allows for introspection. The two hosts reiterate the need for reflecting on questions of identity, purpose, and divine relationship to maintain a more fulfilled and engaged life.Father Boniface and Joe eloquently conclude that just as much—or even more—growth occurs through thoughtful reflection and genuine communication. They underline that life's challenges invite us to continuously learn, adapt, and nurture our relationships spiritually and interpersonally.This episode serves as a compelling reminder that opening our hearts and minds can transform relationships, weaving trust into the very fabric of our lives. By integrating these elements into our daily practices, we not only enrich our connections with others but also create more space for a profound union with God.Tags: Spiritual Direction, Relationship Building, Trust Development, Self-Reflection, God, Faith Journey, Mental Preparation, Personal Growth, Prayer Practice, Relationship Dynamics, Emotional Intelligence, Trust in Relationships, Vulnerability, Integrity, Dependability, Spiritual Growth, Building Trust, Emotional Connection, Mindfulness, Personal Relationships, Communication Skills, Trustworthiness, Self-Awareness, Reflection, Spirituality, Overcoming Trauma, Religious Guidance, Heartfelt Conversations, Everyday Trust, Relationship Skills, Emotional Growth, Connection with God, God's Will, Christian Faith, Relationship Analysis, Spiritual Practices, Church Life, Engaging Faith, God's Teachings, Podcast SeriesHashtags: #FatherAndJoe #SpiritualDirection #Trust #RelationshipBuilding #FaithJourney #SelfReflection #PersonalGrowth #Communication #EmotionalIntelligence #TrustInRelationships #Vulnerability #Integrity #Dependability #SpiritualGrowth #Mindfulness #PrayerPractice #ConnectionWithGod #ChristianFaith #EmotionalConnection #UnderstandingOthers #GodsWill #RelationalDynamics #ReligionAndFaith #HeartfeltConversations #PersonalRelationships #SpiritualPractice #EverydayTrust #RelationshipAnalysis #SelfAwareness #GodsTeachings #FaithAndLife #FaithPodcast #ReflectiveLiving #BuildingTrust #OvercomingTrauma #EmotionalGrowth #EngagingFa

Remember the first works and keep them fresh.

Remember the first works and keep them fresh.

Watch on YouTube Topics: Age Diversity, Communication, Adoption, Adult Children, Church Life, Addictions, Enabling Hosts: Brian Perez, Dr. Jacqui Mack-Harris, Dr. Alice Benton Caller Questions & More: Dr. Jacqui shares from the book A New Kind of Diversity and instead of having conversations about our generational differences, we are becoming estranged. How should I respond when my husband gets The post New Life Live: June 18, 2025 appeared first on New Life.

Arising from the McGrath Institute for Church Life, the Sullivan Undergraduate Saints Fellowship forms Notre Dame students as leaders in the study and spirituality of the saints. We launched this fellowship in 2025 with an inaugural cohort of 12 students selected from a pool of many, many applicants. As part of their fellowship, our saints fellows completed a course this past semester (with yours truly) on praying with the saints. Next year they will become leaders of other undergraduate students, as they form groups of students who pray together and serve together in a manner common to a saint each fellow selects. But in between the course they complete and the year of leadership they undertake, the whole cohort of 12 fellows, along with me and a chaplain, make a pilgrimage to immerse ourselves in the cultures that gave rise to particular saints––cultures which, in turn, these saints renewed and enriched. This year's pilgrimage was to France, specifically: Paris, Chartres, Lisieux, LeMans, Tours, and Lourdes. Today, two of our Sullivan Undergraduate Saints Fellows join me to talk about the meaning and significance of this pilgrimage with the saints. Macy Vance is a rising junior and Kate Apelian is a rising senior at Notre Dame, but really I should let them introduce themselves.Follow-up Resources:Learn more about the Sullivan Undergraduate Saints FellowshipCheck out the wildly popular “Saturdays with the Saints” lecture series“Pilgrimage and the Urgent Question of Faith,” by Leonard J. DeLorenzo, essay in the Church Life Journal“A pilgrimage of sacred art,” by Leonard J. DeLorenzo, article in Our Sunday Visitor Newsweekly“Saints who flew, with Carlos Eire,” podcast episode via Church Life Today“Encountering Christ on Pilgrimage, with Joan Watson,” podcast episode via Church Life Today“Saints, for Real, with Meg Hunter-Kilmer,” podcast episode via Church Life Today“The Theology of the Saints, with Katie Cavadini and Leonard DeLorenzo,” podcast episode via Church Life TodayChurch Life Today is a partnership between the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame and OSV Podcasts from Our Sunday Visitor. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Father Dave welcomes back Timothy O'Malley to discuss how we can better relate to Mary as our Blessed Mother. O'Malley is associate director at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, and the author of the new book “A Fierce and Tender Love: 7 Meditations on Mary, Mother of God.”

It's the season of summer camps, vacations, and in Sean's case a time where he unplugs, prays, and listens to the Lord's direction for the next season. But if you're not out of town, then we'll see you on Sunday! But wait...do I have to go to church? Why is it important to physically attend? How does online church fit into modern worship, and what is the significance of spiritual community? Why go to church? "For the Bible tells me so."00:00  Invitation to River City Community Church01:07 Welcome to Reaching for Real Life01:34 Summer Sabbatical and Youth Camp02:24 Purpose of Sabbatical04:12 Summer in the Psalms Series04:41 Leading Worship and Coaching06:19 Importance of Church Attendance08:25 Defining Church and Community10:50 The Importance of Being Part of a Church Community12:10 New Testament Teachings on Church Attendance12:57 The Early Church: A Model of Commitment and Community16:21 Modern Challenges: Online Church and Community21:10 Encouragement to Engage in Church Life22:58 Invitation to River City Community Church24:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

It's the season of summer camps, vacations, and in Sean's case a time where he unplugs, prays, and listens to the Lord's direction for the next season. But if you're not out of town, then we'll see you on Sunday! But wait...do I have to go to church? Why is it important to physically attend? How does online church fit into modern worship, and what is the significance of spiritual community? Why go to church? "For the Bible tells me so."00:00  Invitation to River City Community Church01:07 Welcome to Reaching for Real Life01:34 Summer Sabbatical and Youth Camp02:24 Purpose of Sabbatical04:12 Summer in the Psalms Series04:41 Leading Worship and Coaching06:19 Importance of Church Attendance08:25 Defining Church and Community10:50 The Importance of Being Part of a Church Community12:10 New Testament Teachings on Church Attendance12:57 The Early Church: A Model of Commitment and Community16:21 Modern Challenges: Online Church and Community21:10 Encouragement to Engage in Church Life22:58 Invitation to River City Community Church24:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Watch on YouTube Topics: Anxiety, Church Life, Young Adults, Grief, Same-Sex Attraction, Teens, Stealing, GrandparentingHosts: Brian Perez, Dr. Sheri Denham Keffer, Dr. Jim BurnsCaller Questions & More:Dr. Sheri shares how worship music calms the vagus nerve if anxiety has fallen upon you. How do we handle our church being secretive about their finances and the names of the elders? I've The post New Life Live: May 30, 2025 appeared first on New Life.