Podcasts about Congregation

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.

Welcome to the First Presbyterian Church, New Bern Podcast! Join us weekly for our Sermon and Benediction. The full service can be found on our Youtube channel (link below). See more on our website!First Presbyterian Church, New Bern, North Carolina, established in 1817. A Congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Building community, transforming lives, engaging the world.See more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.firstpresnb.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on social media at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/firstpresnb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our streaming service each week at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCKw0GnheJfOUlVv_g5bBrEw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Permission to podcast/stream live music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License A-701790 and CCLI 3202763. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast/stream recorded music from artist.io.

In this week's Fraud Friday, Laci is joined by Adam Conover (Adam Ruins Everything) to discuss amateur British archeologist Charles Dawson, who committed one of the greatest frauds in all of archaeological history. Plus, “Yellowstone” actress Q'orianka Kilcher has been charged with two felony counts of workers' compensation fraud. Stay Schemin'! (Originally Released 09/19/2022) CONgregation, catch Laci's TV Show, Scam Goddess, now on Freeform and Hulu!Did you miss out on a custom signed Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes book? Look no more, nab your copy here on PODSWAG Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciAdam Conover: @adamconover Research by Kaelyn Brandt SOURCES:https://www.livescience.com/56327-piltdown-man-hoax.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/science/2012/feb/05/piltdown-man-archaeologys-greatest-hoaxhttps://people.com/tv/qorianka-kilcher-insurance-fraud-case-everything-to-know/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Scam Goddess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Shepherd Executive Director Jay Height and McKenzie Scott Lewis, senior director of Congregations with Communities, discuss how churches can engage with their communities in ways that make a lasting difference.

Cody Christian is a country music singing man from The Commonwealth of Virginia. He is a 31-time recipient of the CCA award which has helped propel his infectious melodies to the masses. He has several songs that have gone triple turquoise and a music catalog that is thick with songs that beautifully narrate the everyday life. Cody has shared stage with lots of Red Barn alums including Tyler Childers, Charles Wesley Godwin, Cole Chaney and The Local Honeys. He's with his band "The Congregation"

Have we traded true revival for transfer growth?

Laci welcomes comedian Chris Powell, a.k.a. Comedian CP (How to Die Alone), to sip on the CONgregation's tea. Yup, it's another listener letter compilation, and the CONgregation is spilling all their tea. From wild experiences at the Bridgerton Ball fiasco, to roommates scamming landlords, faking deaths to dodge child support, and CP's cunning way of paying for college. Keep the scams coming and snitch on your friends by emailing us at ScamGoddessPod@gmail.com. Stay schemin'! CON-gregation, catch Laci's TV Show Scam Goddess, now on Freeform and Hulu!Did you miss out on a custom-signed Scam Goddess book? Look no more, nab your copy on PODSWAG Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciCP: @comediancp Curated by Jessica Cisneros   Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Scam Goddess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

St. Jane Frances De Chantal - Wife, Mother, Widow and Foundress of the Visitation Order (August 12). While married, Jane ably managed her husband's estate to provide for the care of the poor and the disenfranchised. After the untimely death of her husband of nine years who was accidentally shot in a hunting accident, she retreated into prayer and an austere life. She met Francis de Sales in Dijon, France (in 1604) and together, they founded the Congregation of the Visitation, a Religious Order that welcomed women who were unable to join existing Orders because of their age or infirmity. By the time of her death in 1641, Jane Frances De Chantal had founded over 85 convents of Visitation Sisters.

St. Jane Frances De Chantal - Wife, Mother, Widow and Foundress of the Visitation Order (August 12). While married, Jane ably managed her husband's estate to provide for the care of the poor and the disenfranchised. After the untimely death of her husband of nine years who was accidentally shot in a hunting accident, she retreated into prayer and an austere life. She met Francis de Sales in Dijon, France (in 1604) and together, they founded the Congregation of the Visitation, a Religious Order that welcomed women who were unable to join existing Orders because of their age or infirmity. By the time of her death in 1641, Jane Frances De Chantal had founded over 85 convents of Visitation Sisters.

Psalm 149 (ESV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin talk about praising God and worshiping as a congregation.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/2025/08/25/psalm-149-praise-in-the-assembly-of-the-godly/The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Psalm 25 Printable Outline:    8-24-25     Sermon audio:    8-24-25   To see this week’s video, find us on Facebook!

Welcome to the First Presbyterian Church, New Bern Podcast! Join us weekly for our Sermon and Benediction. The full service can be found on our Youtube channel (link below). See more on our website!First Presbyterian Church, New Bern, North Carolina, established in 1817. A Congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Building community, transforming lives, engaging the world.See more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.firstpresnb.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on social media at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/firstpresnb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our streaming service each week at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCKw0GnheJfOUlVv_g5bBrEw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Permission to podcast/stream live music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License A-701790 and CCLI 3202763. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast/stream recorded music from artist.io.

Dennis Shaw offers a short reflection on a guiding principle and is the start of a series on more personal observations on church leadership.   The session is a reflective leadership discussion, centered on a core guiding principle: love your congregation where they are. The discussion challenges the notion of “fixing” a congregation, emphasizes the plurality of community, trust-building, and leadership as presence and listening rather than control. Dennis can be reached at dennis at mantuan dot org (for the Apple users) or HERE for others.  Smile.   Richard Rohr website is HERE and is excellent.  There is a daily meditation available and the comments on this podcast were drawn from the meditation for August 25, 2025. Dennis apologizes for having "been away" but he is back.  The podcast is still a work in progress.  Peace.   

In this week's Fraud Friday, Laci is joined by Chelsea Devantez (The Problem with Jon Stewart) to discuss Inigo Philbrick, a young art dealer who took the fine arts world by storm with a few Ponzi schemes. Plus, an LA rapper who rapped about committing fraud has plead guilty! Stay Schemin'! (Originally Released 09/12/2022) CONgregation, catch Laci's TV Show, Scam Goddess, now on Freeform and Hulu!Did you miss out on a custom signed Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes book? Look no more, nab your copy here on PODSWAG Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciChelsea Devantez: @chelseadevantez Research by Kaelyn Brandt SOURCES:https://news.artnet.com/art-world/inigo-philbrick-intelligence-report-2020-1800972https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10819073/Made-Chelsea-star-led-lavish-life-Inigo-Philbrick-faces-years-jail.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2022/may/25/inigo-philbrick-jailed-art-fraudhttps://www.tatler.com/article/inigo-philbrick-art-dealer-arrested-vanuatu-south-pacific-art-fraudhttps://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-07-06/rapper-accused-of-fraud-agrees-to-plead-guilty-but-will-nuke-bizzles-career-fizzle Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Scam Goddess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Pr. Christopher Jackson of ChurchSEO.io ChurchSEO.io Pastor Jackson's X Profile The post Making Your Congregation Easier to Find on the Internet – Pr. Christopher Jackson, 8/22/25 (2342) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Gratitude is a natural response to God's goodness—but does it show up in the way we give?Many pastors wish their congregation knew that giving isn't just about meeting a church budget—it's a vital part of growing as a disciple of Jesus. Today, Leo Sabo joins us to unpack three things your pastor wishes you knew about giving.Leo Sabo is the President of the Christian Stewardship Network (CSN). He has spent the last 22 years working with couples, individuals, and church leaders, helping them understand and manage their finances according to biblical principles.Why Conversations About Giving MatterEffective conversations between church members and leadership aren't just about meeting financial goals. Because God owns everything and we are His stewards, money decisions are both practical and deeply spiritual. How we handle what God has entrusted to us reveals our hearts and our motives.1. The Spiritual Benefits of GivingPastors understand the connection between generosity and discipleship. Trusting God with our money is a significant part of our spiritual journey—and once we embrace that, giving becomes a joyful act of worship.Stewardship is holistic, involving our time, talents, and treasures. A love-inspired steward sees everything—not just what we give—as belonging to God. Pastors want you to know that giving isn't a “membership fee” to the church. It's an offering to God, through the church, out of gratitude and worship.2. Stewardship Is Part of DiscipleshipStewardship means responsibly managing the resources God has entrusted to us, including money. Many churches offer classes and programs to help members budget, save, avoid debt, and invest wisely—all grounded in biblical principles.Jesus spoke often about money and possessions because He knew our relationship with them reveals the condition of our hearts. Faithful stewardship naturally leads to generosity, reinforcing the spiritual benefits of giving.3. Transparency and Accountability Build TrustIn an era when people are increasingly concerned about financial transparency, pastors want to ensure that members understand that the responsible use of donations is a priority. Church leaders have both a responsibility and an opportunity to demonstrate accountability.When you give, you're funding ministry—teaching, worship, community support, and the staff who make it all possible. Every act of generosity fuels the church's mission to serve both its members and the surrounding community.If you'd like to learn more about starting or strengthening a stewardship ministry in your church, visit ChristianStewardshipNetwork.com.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My 22-year-old son is graduating from college and starting his first job next year. What retirement planning advice should I give him—especially when it comes to private investments outside of his workplace retirement plan?I'm concerned that the housing market may be headed for a downturn similar to 2008. Here in Indiana, I see many new houses being built that most people can't afford, along with more foreclosures and repossessions. Why isn't anyone sounding the alarm? Am I overreacting, or do you see the same risks?I'm 61 with $300,000 in a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and about a year from retirement. Should I adjust my investments, move my money, or make any other changes as I approach retirement?My wife and I want to relocate from Florida to Colorado, where we already own a piece of land. We currently have two Florida homes with mortgages and have invested $80,000 in a Christian women's network. We'd like to speed up our move and build our Colorado home, but I'm unsure how to align our finances to make it happen. What's the best way forward?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Christian Stewardship Network (CSN)The Sound Mind Investing Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Your Money From a Biblical Perspective by Austin Pryer with Mark BillerWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Full Text of ReadingsTuesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 420The Saint of the day is Saint John EudesSaint John Eudes’ Story How little we know where God's grace will lead. Born on a farm in northern France, John died at 78 in the next “county” or department. In that time, he was a religious, a parish missionary, founder of two religious communities, and a great promoter of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. John joined the religious community of the Oratorians and was ordained a priest at 24. During severe plagues in 1627 and 1631, he volunteered to care for the stricken in his own diocese. Lest he infect his fellow religious, during the plague he lived in a huge cask in the middle of a field. At age 32, John became a parish missionary. His gifts as a preacher and confessor won him great popularity. He preached over 100 parish missions, some lasting from several weeks to several months. In his concern with the spiritual improvement of the clergy, John realized that the greatest need was for seminaries. He had permission from his general superior, the bishop, and even Cardinal Richelieu to begin this work, but the succeeding general superior disapproved. After prayer and counsel, John decided it was best to leave the religious community. That same year John founded a new community, ultimately called the Eudists—the Congregation of Jesus and Mary–devoted to the formation of the clergy by conducting diocesan seminaries. The new venture, while approved by individual bishops, met with immediate opposition, especially from Jansenists and some of his former associates. John founded several seminaries in Normandy, but was unable to get approval from Rome—partly, it was said, because he did not use the most tactful approach. In his parish mission work, John was disturbed by the sad condition of prostitutes who sought to escape their miserable life. Temporary shelters were found, but arrangements were not satisfactory. A certain Madeleine Lamy, who had cared for several of the women, one day said to him, “Where are you off to now? To some church, I suppose, where you'll gaze at the images and think yourself pious. And all the time what is really wanted of you is a decent house for these poor creatures.” The words, and the laughter of those present, struck deeply within him. The result was another new religious community, called the Sisters of Charity of the Refuge. John Eudes is probably best known for the central theme of his writings: Jesus as the source of holiness; Mary as the model of the Christian life. His devotion to the Sacred Heart and to the Immaculate Heart led Pope Pius XI to declare him the father of the liturgical cult of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Reflection Holiness is the wholehearted openness to the love of God. It is visibly expressed in many ways, but the variety of expression has one common quality: concern for the needs of others. In John's case, those who were in need were plague-stricken people, ordinary parishioners, those preparing for the priesthood, prostitutes, and all Christians called to imitate the love of Jesus and his mother. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Optional Memorial of St. John Eudes, 1601-1680; founded the Eudists--the Congregation of Jesus and Mary--devoted to the formation of the clergy by conducting diocesan seminaries; in his parish mission work, John was disturbed by the condition of prostitutes seeking to get out of that life; shelters were found, but it was insufficient; thus the birth of another religious community, the Sisters of Charity of the Refuge; John Eudes is probably best known for the central theme of his writings--Jesus as the source of holiness; Mary as the model of the Christian life Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 8/19/25 Gospel: Matthew 19:23-30

“12:35. Let your loins be girt and lamps burning in your hands. “12:36. And you yourselves like to men who wait for their lord, when heshall return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, theymay open to him immediately.12:37. Blessed are those servants whom the Lord, when he cometh, shallfind watching. Amen I say to you that he will gird himself and makethem sit down to meat and passing will minister unto them.12:38. And if he shall come in the second watch or come in the thirdwatch and find them so, blessed are those servants.12:39. But this know ye, that if the householder did know at what hourthe thief would come, he would surely watch and would not suffer hishouse to be broken open.12:40. Be you then also ready: for at what hour you think not the Sonof man will come.”Excerpt fromThe Bible, Douay-Rheims, CompleteAnonymoushttps://books.apple.com/us/book/the-bible-douay-rheims-complete/id955129088This material may be protected by copyright.John Eudes was a zealous preacher, of missions in French towns and villages, and was equally zealous in the confessional. In 1643, he founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, called the Eudists, an institute combining the work of parochial missions, with that of training and reform of the clergy; and a year later the Congregation of Sisters of the Good Shepard. In his widely read writings, he was first to urge public devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Order of Service: - Prelude - Hymn 2 - Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord: vv. 1 - 3 - Versicles & Gloria Patri - Anthem: O God, Beyond All Praising: Choir: vv. 1, 2; Congregation: v. 3 - Colossians 2:6-10: As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. - Hymn 24 - Lord, Open Thou My Heart To Hear: vv. 1 - 3; Choir sings between verses - President's Address: Dr. Gene Pfeifer, President of Bethany - Installation of New Faculty and Staff - Presentation of Scholarships - Hymn 35 - All Glory Be To God On High: v. 1 - Kyrie, Lord's Prayer - Collect - Announcement: Opening of the Academic Year - The Benedicamus and Benediction (p. 127) - Hymn 82 - With the Lord Begin Thy Task: vv. 1 - 5 - Postlude Service Participants: (Preacher), Rev. Prof. Mark DeGarmeaux (Organist), BLC Concert Choir (Choral Group), Prof. David Paulson (Choir Director), Chaplain Don Moldstad (Liturgist)

Full Text of ReadingsTwentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 120The Saint of the day is Saint Joan of the CrossSaint Joan of the Cross’ Story An encounter with a shabby old woman many dismissed as insane prompted Saint Joan to dedicate her life to the poor. For Joan, who had a reputation as a businesswoman intent on monetary success, this was a significant conversion. Born in 1666, in Anjou, France, Joan worked in the family business—a small shop near a religious shrine—from an early age. After her parents' death she took over the shop. She quickly became known for her greediness and insensitivity to the beggars who often came seeking help. That was until she was touched by the strange woman who claimed she was on intimate terms with the deity. Joan, who had always been devout, even scrupulous, became a new person. She began caring for needy children. Then the poor, elderly, and sick came to her. Over time, she closed the family business so she could devote herself fully to good works and penance. She went on to found what came to be known as the Congregation of Saint Anne of Providence. It was then she took the religious name of Joan of the Cross. By the time of her death in 1736 she had founded 12 religious houses, hospices, and schools. Pope John Paul II canonized her in 1982. Reflection The downtown areas of most major cities hold a population of “street people.” Well-dressed folks usually avoid making eye contact, probably for fear of being asked for a handout. That was Joan's attitude until the day one of them touched her heart. Most people thought the old woman was crazy, but she put Joan on the road to sainthood. Who knows what the next beggar we meet might do for us? Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Welcome to the First Presbyterian Church, New Bern Podcast! Join us weekly for our Sermon and Benediction. The full service can be found on our Youtube channel (link below). See more on our website!First Presbyterian Church, New Bern, North Carolina, established in 1817. A Congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Building community, transforming lives, engaging the world.See more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.firstpresnb.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on social media at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/firstpresnb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our streaming service each week at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCKw0GnheJfOUlVv_g5bBrEw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Permission to podcast/stream live music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License A-701790 and CCLI 3202763. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast/stream recorded music from artist.io.

In this week's Fraud Friday, Laci is joined by Sydnee Washington (Bridesman) to discuss how the social media platform Triller launched a series of partnerships to support Black creators, only to come up short on actually paying the content creators. Plus, a French physicist apologizes for passing off a piece of sausage as a star in the sky. Stay Schemin'! (Originally Released 08/29/2022) CONgregation, catch Laci's TV Show, Scam Goddess, now on Freeform and Hulu!Did you miss out on a custom signed Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes book? Look no more, nab your copy here on PODSWAG Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciSydnee Washington: @justsydbw Research by Kaelyn Brandt SOURCES:https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/08/01/triller-app-black-creators-pay/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/08/16/timbaland-triller-verzuz-lawsuit/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/09/president-donald-trump-commentate-evander-holyfield-comeback-vs-vitor-belfort-triller-fight-club-boxinghttps://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2021-05-20/triller-umg-reach-deal-ending-fight-over-payments-to-artistshttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/scientist-etienne-klein-posts-webb-telescope-image-star-actually-slice-chorizo-apology/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Scam Goddess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Shepherd Community Center Executive Director Jay Height and McKenzie Scott Lewis, senior director of Congregations with Communities, discuss how mentors helped to shape Lewis' call into ministry.

Send me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Learn how small, daring experiments from the edges can spark meaningful change in your church—without sending everyone into panic mode.Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Raymond Chang in Ep. 164, Building a Future-Focused Church."We recommend that people consider additional, and smaller experiments from the edges that are likely to move the congregation in the direction that it needs to go without being too disruptive."THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Leaders move congregations forward by initiating small experiments rather than launching large, disruptive initiatives.Congregations learn and adapt best when leaders guide them through a series of modest, incremental changes.Leaders invite trust and participation when they approach change as co-learners rather than as experts.Experimenting at the margins allows churches to discover real community needs before making significant shifts.Genuine experiments help congregations clarify their direction by focusing on questions and learning rather than predetermined outcomes.Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

At some point Christian ministers much look in the mirror and blame ourselves for the state of our various and former Christian nations.    What would be the result of a nation whose God is the Lord Jesus Chrsit? Let's walk through this for a moment. Pastors serve Jesus Christ, not the congregation. Christian Ministers are not to serve the people; they are to be Ministers (Servants) of the Gospel regardless of how “offended” the Congregation becomes. Fritz Berggren www.bloodandfaith.com https://a.co/d/ivU2UrJ  

Mark 3:13-35 Printable Outline:    8-10-25     Sermon audio:      8-10-25

Welcome to the First Presbyterian Church, New Bern Podcast! Join us weekly for our Sermon and Benediction. The full service can be found on our Youtube channel (link below). See more on our website!First Presbyterian Church, New Bern, North Carolina, established in 1817. A Congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Building community, transforming lives, engaging the world.See more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.firstpresnb.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on social media at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/firstpresnb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our streaming service each week at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCKw0GnheJfOUlVv_g5bBrEw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Permission to podcast/stream live music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License A-701790 and CCLI 3202763. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast/stream recorded music from artist.io.

First Timothy 3:1–2a issues a call for Christians and churches to pursue blamelessness—before God, before other Christians, and before the world—as a reflection of Christ's character, using the qualifications for church elders as a model for all believers. Every church member should pursue the Christlike character expected of leaders. When this happens corporately, the church becomes a powerful testimony that glorifies God and impacts the world.

In this week's Fraud Friday, Laci is joined by Amy Aniobi and Grace Edwards (Insecure) to discuss Dr. Ruja Ignatova, the once-famed crypto genius known for her new currency, OneCoin, who ended up stealing nearly $4 billion before disappearing in 2017. Plus, a woman has been writing fake Russian history on Wikipedia for over ten years. Stay Schemin'! (Originally Released 08/08/2022) CONgregation, catch Laci's TV Show, Scam Goddess, now on Freeform and Hulu!Did you miss out on a custom signed Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes book? Look no more, nab your copy here on PODSWAG Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciAmy Aniobi: @amyaniobi  Grace Edwards: @gracyact Research by Kaelyn Brandt SOURCES:https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1010653/she-spent-a-decade-writing-fake-russian-history.-wikipedia-just-noticedhttps://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3185141/inside-ruja-ignatovas-crazy-rich-life-missing-cryptoqueenhttps://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-4bn-onecoin-scam-how-crypto-queen-dr-ruja-ignatova-duped-ordinary-people-out-of-billions-then-went-missing-trqpr52pqhttps://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3184333/missing-crypto-queen-ruja-ignatova-new-anna-sorokin-shes?module=inline&pgtype=articlehttps://www.bbc.com/news/stories-50435014 Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Scam Goddess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Congregations of faith all around the world use the word amen. Although many people use it in the right context, not everyone knows what this word means.“Amen” is an ancient Hebrew word, and Scripture uses this word in three primary ways:·      At the beginning of a sermon or important statement, the word “amen” often means “verily,” or “truly.”·      The Old Testament uses the word “amen” to describe God's character as true and faithful.·      The most common placement of “amen” is at the end of a prayer, sermon, or statement, and is used to show agreement. It could then be translated as ‘so be it,' ‘so it is,' or ‘may it be fulfilled.'In fact, the very last word in the Bible is amen!That last verse in the New Testament, Revelation 22:20–21 says, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”Consider then, the powerful history of this simple word as an ending to our prayers. We speak directly with our Heavenly Father, praising His name, sharing our gratitude and our concerns, and we often end with amen...so be it. So, it is. May it be fulfilled.1 Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us to “Pray continually.” Can we get an amen for this encouraging reminder to keep the lines of communication with the Lord open on a daily basis? Let's pray.Father God, your Word, the Bible, shares powerful truths for living from beginning to end. Thank you for teaching us when and how to pray. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Send me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!What do you do when the tried-and-true ways of doing church just aren't working anymore? When everything you once relied on—Sunday services, eye-catching signage, the best coffee in the foyer—still leaves your church feeling disconnected from your community?In this episode, Shannon Kiser, author of Opening Space: A Vision for Fresh Expressions of Church and Creative Mission, shares about what “fresh expressions” of church means, why the old attractional models are no longer enough, and how ministry leaders can begin to reimagine church for a spiritually curious but institutionally wary world.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Markus Watson shares statistics that reveal most American churches are plateaued or declining, and the majority of major denominations are aging.Shannon Kiser urges church leaders to rethink how they engage with a spiritually curious culture that may be wary of traditional church settings.Many people possess spiritual curiosity even if they are hesitant or unwilling to attend church gatherings.Markus Watson describes how even the physical space of a church building can feel intimidating and unfamiliar to outsiders.Shannon Kiser explains that Fresh Expressions seeks to equip leaders to start new forms of Christian community tailored to their local context.Fresh Expressions focuses on innovative gatherings—like dinner churches, hiking groups, or park meetups—rather than just worship services.Markus Watson asks Shannon Kiser to define Fresh Expressions and how they originated from creative responses to declining church attendance in the UK.Shannon Kiser describes Fresh Expressions as new forms of church that often look very different from traditional Sunday morning gatherings.Healthy churches should diversify their ministry approaches and embrace what Shannon Kiser calls a "blended ecology."Focusing solely on Sunday attendance and budgets is unlikely to reverse church decline.Markus Watson highlights the impact stories from the church's outreach—such as coffee shops and lunch ministries—can have on the congregation's spiritual vitality.Congregations can raise their spiritual temperature and feel more alive by engaging in mission outside their traditional gatherings.Shannon Kiser recommends listening to the community and beginning with simple, small experiments that fit the church's context and resources.Forming Fresh Expressions requires different types of people: pioneers who connect and lead, permission givers who open doors, and supporters who help behind the scenes.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Fresh Expressions websiteBooks mentioned:Opening Space, by Shannon KiserRelated episodes:177. Exploring New Forms of Church, with Shannon Kiser264. Building a Future-Focused church, with Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Raymond Chang272. Beyond Church Revitalization, with Josh HaydenGet Becoming Leaders of Shalom for free HERE.Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

Dan and Jordan come to the end of their discussion on healthy youth ministry practices by talking about vocation.Practice #1 - Congregations have warmth, challenge, and gracePractice #2 - Congregations have supportive adultsPractice #3 - Congregations have engaged parentsPractice #4 - Congregations have opportunities to serve and leadPractice #5 - Congregations help young people deeply understand their baptismal faithPractice #6 - Congregations help young people develop a resilient identity in ChristPractice #7 - Congregations help young people live out their unique vocations

Psalm 22 Printable Outline:    8-3-25     Sermon audio:    8-3-25     Sermon video: not available this week – sorry!

Note: The time signatures [00:00] below indicate the approximate start of a question if you'd like to skip to a particular one of interest in the audio file.Family / Kids:[02:15] - Q: How can Christians help transgender family members fit into a family structure without alienating them?Creation / End Times:[07:28] - Q: Why did Adam live so long on the earth when we can't now?[10:30] - Q: Buckle up, this is a doosey! :) How are scientists using Carbon Dating to find rocks that are millions of years old? Carbon Dating works by using the Half-Life of Carbon (the amount of time for half of the carbon in something to decay (5,730 Years in Carbon-14, which is used for Carbon Dating)). If the Earth is only 6,000ish years old (which I believe it is), then I should be able to get my own doohickey that tells me how much carbon is decayed, and find that only about half-of the carbon is decayed. This would mean that the scientists were lying, but all the carbon dating says the Earth is millions of years old. Are the scientists lying? Or when God created the Earth did he create it with a lot of the carbon decayed? And if so, why would he do so? Wouldn't he want it to show that the Earth is only 6000ish years old? Is this whole Carbon Dating thing false and is a lie? Or does it have something to have to do with the fall, or something else entirely? Okay, that's your homework assignment for the next few weeks! Enjoy, and thank you![13:53] - Q: During the Millennium, where Christians reign with Jesus, people will sin, but I'm confused about who. 1. Will the Christians who have already died on the earth and received their glorified bodies sin? 2. Will the Christians who were raptured and did not receive their glorified bodies sin? 3. Will the children that the Christians in the millennium have sin? Thank you![15:43] - Q: Why aren't Christians talking about the Bible prophecies from thousands of years ago that are happening in our day and age? How is this not fascinating to every Christian? SOOO many Scriptures point to what is happening right now. How is it that Christians don't know or care? I actually do want an answer to this question.Miscellaneous / Potluck:[21:16] - Q: How long does somebody have to be dead before it's considered “archeology” instead of “grave robbing”? ***How is this Bible related? I'm not sure, but grave-robbing is definitely a sin!***[23:20] - Q: In 2 Sam 16:5-14 Shimei cursed David and David said, “it may be that the Lord will look on my affliction and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing this day”. What is going on here? Why did David accept this cursing?[26:02] - Q: What does the Bible say about cremation?Reprise (from Part 1):[31:01] - Q: What does the “gift of tongues” accurately look like in today's church? Since I've only seen the “crazy” – there must be a legit use for it since Paul spent so much time on it in 1 Corinthians 14. And if it is no longer valid, how do you determine what gifts are valid or not?[36:40] - Q: Do the leaders of this church like each other? If so, how do you show it to each other? Small Group Questions (Whole Group):Review the questions submitted above. Discuss any of these that stuck out to you, or that maybe your group finds particularly interesting.Breakout Questions:Pray for one another!

Note: The time signatures [00:00] below indicate the approximate start time of a question if you'd like to skip to a particular one of interest in the audio file.Prayer:[02:25] - Q: Prayers of believers vs. unbelievers – when a person that has belief but doesn't have a daily walk says, “I'll pray for you,” “Sending prayers,” are they heard the same? How should I respond to them?[07:10] - Q: What is the biblical response to proclamation prayer or prayer where people pray with the authority to command things? How should we respond to believers who pray or want to pray for us in this way?[11:45] - Q: How should we view or even practice the “listening prayer”, in which we listen for God's speaking or answer to us? Is that charismatic Christianity?The Church:[16:45] - Q: Do the leaders of this church like each other? If so, how do you show it to each other?[20:40] - Q: What is this church's strategy concerning choosing worship songs that overuse the repeat button? I am unable to see the benefit of singing the same words over and over?[22:18] - Q: What does the “gift of tongues” accurately look like in today's church? Since I've only seen the “crazy” – there must be a legit use for it since Paul spent so much time on it in 1 Corinthians 14. And if it is no longer valid, how do you determine what gifts are valid or not?[27:48] - Q: Can Christian women baptize new believers?Family/Kids:[29:27] - Q: Do babies go to heaven if they die? Similar Question: “The age of accountability” being made up – or not found in the Bible, what biblical basis is there for understanding what will happen to young children or the disabled when they die unexpectedly or if Jesus returns?[34:36] - Q: Is it okay for a Christian couple to decide that they do not want to have children or to prevent conception? Also, is it okay for a Christian couple to decide what size of a family they would prefer, or should we let those decisions up to God? Small Group Questions (Whole Group):Review the questions submitted above. Discuss any of these that stuck out to you, or that maybe your group finds particularly interesting.Breakout Questions:Pray for one another!

Full Text of ReadingsEighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 114The Saint of the day is Saint Peter Julian EymardSaint Peter Julian Eymard’s Story Born in La Mure d'Isère in southeastern France, Peter Julian's faith journey drew him from being a priest in the Diocese of Grenoble in 1834, to joining the Marists in 1839, to founding the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in 1856. In addition to those changes, Peter Julian coped with poverty, his father's initial opposition to Peter's vocation, serious illness, a Jansenistic overemphasis on sin, and the difficulties of getting diocesan and later papal approval for his new religious community. His years as a Marist, including service as a provincial leader, saw the deepening of his Eucharistic devotion, especially through his preaching of Forty Hours in many parishes. Inspired at first by the idea of reparation for indifference to the Eucharist, Peter Julian was eventually attracted to a more positive spirituality of Christ-centered love. Members of the men's community which Peter founded alternated between an active apostolic life and contemplating Jesus in the Eucharist. He and Marguerite Guillot founded the women’s Congregation of the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament. Peter Julian Eymard was beatified in 1925 and canonized in 1962, one day after Vatican II's first session ended. Reflection In every century, sin has been painfully real in the life of the Church. It is easy to give in to despair, to speak so strongly of human failings that people may forget the immense and self-sacrificing love of Jesus, as his death on the cross and his gift of the Eucharist make evident. Peter Julian knew that the Eucharist was key to helping Catholics live out their baptism and preach by word and example the Good News of Jesus Christ. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Welcome to the First Presbyterian Church, New Bern Podcast! Join us weekly for our Sermon and Benediction. The full service can be found on our Youtube channel (link below). See more on our website!First Presbyterian Church, New Bern, North Carolina, established in 1817. A Congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Building community, transforming lives, engaging the world.See more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.firstpresnb.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on social media at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/firstpresnb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our streaming service each week at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCKw0GnheJfOUlVv_g5bBrEw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Permission to podcast/stream live music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License A-701790 and CCLI 3202763. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast/stream recorded music from artist.io.

 1 And after these things the Lord appointed also other seventy-two: and he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come.Post haec autem designavit Dominus et alios septuaginta duos : et misit illos binos ante faciem suam in omnem civitatem et locum, quo erat ipse venturus. 2 And he said to them: The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send labourers into his harvest.Et dicebat illis : Messis quidem multa, operarii autem pauci. Rogate ergo dominum messis ut mittat operarios in messem suam. 3 Go: Behold I send you as lambs among wolves.Ite : ecce ego mitto vos sicut agnos inter lupos. 4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes; and salute no man by the way.Nolite portare sacculum, neque peram, neque calceamenta, et neminem per viam salutaveritis. 5 Into whatsoever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house.In quamcumque domum intraveritis, primum dicite : Pax huic domui : 6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you.et si ibi fuerit filius pacis, requiescet super illum pax vestra : sin autem, ad vos revertetur. 7 And in the same house, remain, eating and drinking such things as they have: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house.In eadem autem domo manete, edentes et bibentes quae apud illos sunt : dignus est enim operarius mercede sua. Nolite transire de domo in domum. 8 And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you.Et in quamcumque civitatem intraveritis, et susceperint vos, manducate quae apponuntur vobis :9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say to them: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.et curate infirmos, qui in illa sunt, et dicite illis : Appropinquavit in vos regnum Dei.This Neopolitan nobleman renounced all earthly things. He established the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) to preach the Gospel to the poor. Illustrious by his preaching and writings, he was made to accept the bisopric of St Agatha in Southern Italy. He returned to his congregation and died A.D. 1787.

In this week's Fraud Friday, Laci is joined by Demi Adejuyigbe (Neon, The Good Place) to discuss Kane Gamble, a 15-year-old who wreaked havoc on several US government officials sometimes with just his phone. Plus, the Orlando Museum of Art is under fire after displaying 25 fake Jean-Michel Basquiat paintings. Stay Schemin'! (Originally Released 08/01/2022) CONgregation, catch Laci's TV Show, Scam Goddess, now on Freeform and Hulu!Did you miss out on a custom signed Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes book? Look no more, nab your copy here on PODSWAG Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciDemi Adejuyigbe: @electrolemon Research by Kaelyn Brandt SOURCES:https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fbi-investigating-claim-of-hack-on-cia-director-email/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cia-director-and-dhs-secretary-emails-hacked/https://www.vice.com/en/article/4xav5m/teen-who-hacked-cia-email-is-back-to-prank-us-spy-chiefhttps://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2018/01/22/hack-social-engineering/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-43840075https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/apr/20/two-years-detention-for-uk-teenager-who-cyberterrorised-us-officials-kane-gamblehttps://www.vice.com/en/article/z3ekk5/kane-gamble-cracka-back-online-after-a-two-year-internet-banhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/19/british-15-year-old-gained-access-intelligence-operations-afghanistan/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/06/30/orlando-museum-director-fired-fbi-raid-basquiat/7780681001/https://www.orlandoweekly.com/news/orlando-museum-of-art-director-told-art-expert-who-had-doubts-about-basquiat-exhibit-to-stay-in-her-limited-lane-31912843 Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Scam Goddess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Friends of the Rosary,Today, August 1, is the Memorial of St. Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787), bishop and doctor of the Church and founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, the Redemptorists, a congregation of priests and brothers.As our Lord did the Apostles, Alphonsus de Liguori sent the Redemptorists into the villages to announce the Kingdom of God and provide religious instruction.He suffered from the deception of an ambitious cleric. The Eucharist was his strength.He said, “If you desire to find him immediately, see—he is quite close to you. Tell him what you desire, for it is to console you and grant your prayer that he remains in the tabernacle.” Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠August 1, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

The last sermon series from Pastor Brandon will present his "last words" to Calvary Chapel Twin Peaks. These last words will put in one place his core teachings.

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus Lectionary: 402/607The Saint of the day is Saints Martha, Mary, and LazarusSaints Martha, Mary and Lazarus’ story Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus were evidently close friends of Jesus. He came to their home simply as a welcomed guest, rather than as one celebrating the conversion of a sinner like Zacchaeus or one unceremoniously received by a suspicious Pharisee. The sisters felt free to call on Jesus at their brother's death, even though a return to Judea at that time seemed to spell almost certain death. Martha's great glory is her simple and strong statement of faith in Jesus after her brother's death. “Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?' She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world'” (John 11:25-27). No doubt Martha was an active sort of person. On one occasion, she prepares the meal for Jesus and possibly his fellow guests and forthrightly states the obvious: All hands should pitch in to help with the dinner. The Lord recognizes that Martha is “worried about many things,” also noting that Mary, who has spent the preparation time at Jesus' feet listening to his words “has chosen the better part.” John 12:1-8 describes Mary's anointing of Jesus' feet at Bethany, an act which he praised highly. Immediately after we are told that the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus “because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.” Lazarus was the one of whom the Jews said, “See how much he loved him.” In their sight Jesus raised his friend Lazarus from the dead. Legends abound about the life of Lazarus after the death and resurrection of Jesus. He is supposed to have left a written account of what he saw in the next world before he was called back to life. Some say he followed Peter into Syria. Another story is that despite being put into a leaking boat by the Jews at Jaffa, he, his sisters, and others landed safely in Cyprus. There he died peacefully after serving as bishop for 30 years. It is certain there was early devotion to the saint. Around the year 390, the pilgrim lady Etheria talks of the procession that took place on the Saturday before Palm Sunday at the tomb where Lazarus had been raised from the dead. In the West, Passion Sunday was called Dominica de Lazaro, and Augustine tells us that in Africa the Gospel of the raising of Lazarus was read at the office of Palm Sunday. Reflection In its 2021 decree on combining veneration of Mary and Lazarus with Martha, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments said, “In the household of Bethany, the Lord Jesus experienced the family spirit and friendship of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and for this reason the Gospel of John states that he loved them. Martha generously offered him hospitality, Mary listened attentively to his words and Lazarus promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the one who humiliated death.” Saint Martha is a Patron Saint of: CooksHomemakersRestaurant servers Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus are Patron Saints of: Siblings Click here for more on Mary and Martha! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

John 15:1-11 Printable Outline:    7-27-25     Sermon audio:    7-27-25     Sermon video:

Read OnlineMany of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died]. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” John 11:19–22Today's memorial is relatively new within our Church. In the year 2021, Pope Francis replaced the Memorial of Saint Martha with this memorial in honor of all three siblings: Martha, Mary and Lazarus. In commenting on the reason for this new memorial, the Congregation for Divine Worship stated: “Martha generously offered him hospitality, Mary listened attentively to his words, and Lazarus promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the One who humiliated death.” Furthermore, these three siblings gave an evangelical witness to us all. They model for us how to be Christians within our imperfections. They did this by welcoming Jesus into their home, by listening to Him attentively, and by believing that He is the Resurrection and the Life. These three siblings each had their own unique personality and loved Jesus in their own way. Though not much is said about Lazarus' personal interactions with Jesus, we do have some helpful insights into both Martha and Mary. In one Gospel story, Martha complained to Jesus that her sister left her to do all the cooking. Jesus gently corrected her. Mary, on the other hand, gave a witness of deep prayer and love of Jesus by sitting at His feet listening to Him. However, in the story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead, there is a reversal of roles. Martha is the one who runs out to meet Jesus and expresses her deep faith in Him. Mary, on the other hand, heard that Jesus was coming and appeared to stay at home because she was upset. Perhaps the most helpful way to ponder these siblings is to acknowledge two things. First, they are now saints in Heaven enjoying eternal beatitude and glory. Second, on earth they were people of faith and love, but they were also very clearly imperfect. Therefore, the witness they give to us should be twofold. We hope to share in the glory in which they now share, and we trust this will happen if we also befriend our Lord and welcome Him into our homes, imperfect though we may be. Reflect, today, upon this holy but imperfect family. The imperfections and manifest weaknesses of these three siblings should encourage us to press on in our practice of the faith when things are not perfect in our lives either. There are many reasons why we might get discouraged or feel like doubting or giving up at times. Perhaps things are not perfect within the Church—or at the particular church you attend. Perhaps you are struggling with loving someone in your family. Perhaps you are struggling with an emotional issue. Perhaps there is some sin you seem to be incapable of overcoming. Perhaps you struggle with a physical ailment and wonder why God permitted it to happen. If you are able to relate to any of these, or any other forms of imperfection, then take inspiration from this family of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Invite Jesus into the home of your heart, your family home and everywhere you go. He will come, gently correct you when needed, and give you the gift of new life, raising you up from your sins and weaknesses. Lord, You befriended this ordinary family of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. You visited their home, received their hospitality, gently corrected them when needed and eventually raised them to the new life of eternal glory. May I also welcome You into the home of my soul, within my family and into every aspect of my life. Please come to me and raise me to the newness of the life of grace. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Jesus raises Lazarus by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Be motivated to be zealous to repent - if necessary - by the teaching ministry of Gregg Madden, as he declares the truth from Jesus' letter to a lukewarm congregation.

Preaching for the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sr. Theresa Hafner, CSJ offers a reflection on how helps to align us with God's vision for us and our world: "At times we may feel overwhelmed and helpless regarding the injustices taking place in the world today. The need for prayer may be flowing out of us all the time, waking and sleeping. Our prayers and conversations with God are what sustain and strengthen us, what allow us to hold on to hope, to be filled with the spirit and to continue to advocate for God's vision so beautifully voiced in the teachings of Jesus."Sr. Theresa Hafner is a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph living in Cleveland, Ohio. For the past 13 years, she has ministered in a local parish faith formation office, assisting parents with their children's religious education and sacramental preparation. Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/07272025 to learn more about Sr. Theresa, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

Dr. Jennifer McClure Haraway joins Shellie and Matt to talk about congregational collaboration. Dr. Haraway's new book, No Congregation is an Island, gives insights and research that will help you think about how to create partnerships in your context. Resources No Congregation Is An Island by Dr. Jennifer McClure Haraway (book) Network Power by Dr. David John Seel, Jr. (book)

An inspiring conversation with Reverend Jake Dell, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Woodbury, Connecticut, founded in 1659. Rev. Dell shares his journey to become an Episcopal priest, then to taking on leadership of a dying historic church in an attempt to revive a congregation with 355 year legacy. Also discover his bold vision for a donor intent litigation trust to hold mainline institutions accountable and revive America's Christian heritage. CHAPTERS:(00:00 Introduction)(01:04 Rev. Dell's Journey to Ministry)(05:02 The Need for Operation Reconquista)(08:51 What Is Operation Reconquista?)(12:29 Why Rev. Dell Is Optimistic About Revival)(14:31 Understanding Congregational Churches)(17:25 Reviving a 350-Year-Old Church)(27:52 Secrets to Growing a Congregation)(34:08 The Donor Intent Litigation Trust Idea)(47:58 Next Steps for the Litigation Trust)(50:01 Closing Thoughts)REV. DELL'S LINKS:

This week, Laci welcomes Gayle King (CBS Mornings, Oprah Daily) to dive into all your scams and stories, CONgregation! Together, they explore Gayle's experience traveling to space, the hype of the Chicago pope, a listener's letter about pregnancy fraud as revenge against multiple situational relationships, and how a fake Axl Rose conned a fan into committing tax fraud.Plus, in Scammer of the Week, a Portland couple is sentenced to five years in federal prison after stealing $34 million from two former clients through their chauffeur and limousine business, Astra Car Service, LLC. Stay schemin'!Did you miss out on a custom signed Scam Goddess book? Look no more, nab your copy on PODSWAG Keep the scams coming and snitch on your friends by emailing us at ScamGoddessPod@gmail.com.CON-gregation, catch Laci's TV Show Scam Goddess, now on Freeform and Hulu! Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciGayle King:@gayleking Curated by Jessica Cisneros   Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Scam Goddess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.