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The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast: Lead Like Never Before
Six months into 2026, four church trends deserve a closer look. Algorithms are discipling your congregation 49 hours a week. AI's biggest threat isn't prompts—it's disruption on a scale the church isn't ready for. Women are still leaving, and now we know why. And a new kind of megachurch pastor is quietly emerging. Here's what's changing and what to do about it.
1 Timothy 3:14-16 (ESV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin discuss the church as God's household and the mission of God's household to uphold the truth.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/?p=25954The 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/
Ephesians 4:30-32 Sermon Outline: 6-21-26 Sermon audio: 6-21-26
What happens when a place built on faith, trust, and giving faces serious questions about accountability?In this episode of MX3 Podcast, we discuss church accountability, the responsibility of leadership, tax-exempt trust, offering plate transparency, and why people expect higher standards from institutions that claim moral authority. This conversation is not about attacking faith. It is about asking whether churches, pastors, deacons, and congregations should be willing to answer hard questions when money, trust, and leadership are involved.Our mission at MX3 Podcast is discussing money, motivation, and relevant events. This episode brings all three together through a difficult but important conversation about integrity, accountability, and public trust.Do you believe churches should handle internal financial concerns privately, or should outside authorities be involved when serious allegations arise? Drop your thoughts in the comments.Visit us at www.mx3.vipLike, comment, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who cares about faith, accountability, and doing the right thing.
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.
Sunday sermons from Chewelah Evangelical Free Church
Today pastor John Randall resumes his series in Revelation, as we conclude our look at the Lord's letter to the church in Pergamum. This particular church was like many churches today. What started as a small drip of false teaching has turned into a flood of deceit. They were compromising. The solution to this problem hasn't changed over the last two thousand years. Let's find out what God's word has to say on the matter! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1368/29?v=20251111
Characteristics of a Congregation That Belong to Jesus1 Peter 3:8-9Sunday (6-14-26) night Bible Study
We hope you like spaghetti, CONgregation, because today we're joined by Grant & Ash (A Twink and a Redhead), to dig into this week's scampilation. The squad discusses the scam of Spencer Pratt running for LA mayor, a Georgia mayor who fired the entire police force for petty reasons, the CEO of United Airlines flying American, Dua Lipa versus Samsung, and a thief who returned Lego sets filled with pasta. Plus, Laci asks: Are towing companies, TV subscriptions, and celebrity skincare a scam, a scheme, or the real thing? Stay schemin'! Keep the scams coming and snitch on your friends by emailing us at ScamGoddessPod@gmail.com. Follow on Instagram: Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod Laci Mosley: @divalaci Grant & Ash: @a_twink_and_a_redhead Research by Kathryn Doyle SOURCES https://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/small-town-georgia-mayor-resigns-weeks-after-firing-entire-police-department/ https://newschannel9.com/news/local/cohutta-mayor-sends-resignation-letter-to-council-friday-amid-ongoing-controversy-attorney-cohutta-georgia-police-department https://newschannel9.com/news/local/moving-forward-town-of-cohutta-considers-next-steps-after-police-department-reinstated https://www.thedailybeast.com/mayor-fires-entire-police-department-over-facebook-comments-about-his-wife/ https://nypost.com/2026/05/10/us-news/united-airlines-ceo-caught-flying-first-class-on-american-airlines/ https://tech.yahoo.com/videos/dua-lipa-sues-samsung-15-132348263.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAIwADEcUY9qM8gaeyUSJ-KgjbBgeOCeWkNtnjXdbFXDDf101h9-IAWhf2bYsRC1gjfEdZDknxU0fPTZhMr6AdAq1obsfW3v9NuXo_hUQINbod5SQG-94ZXB7ta-KX27UB1NnbyHDqHB3NIc26CFQvUr-wVflw9QMt83SNY4Yx10Z https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9pvp210zdo https://www.thedailybeast.com/star-maga-candidate-spencer-pratt-busted-lying-about-trailer-home/ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/spencer-pratt-los-angeles-mayor-voter-fraud-maga-social-media-trend_n_6a0ce7d8e4b0ceb40d480efe https://www.vice.com/en/article/how-a-guy-used-pasta-to-steal-34000-in-lego-sets/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnWDFiMTT28 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ephesians 4:28-30 Sermon Outline: 6-14-26 Sermon audio: 6-14-26
In this episode of Deacons Pod, we hear from Sr. Susan Francois, CSJP, about the witness and ministry taking place outside Delaney Hall, a facility used for immigrant detention in Newark, NJ. Delaney Hall is managed by the GEO Group under contract for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Deacon Mike Hayes, one of the Paulist Deacon Affiliates, asks Sr. Susan about conditions for the detainees inside the facility; the ministry of hospitality with family members outside the facility; the diverse coalition of people present outside the facility; and the Gospel challenge posed by this moment in U.S. history. Sr. Susan is a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. You may follow her short videos from outside Delaney Hall on TikTok and YouTube. Religion News Service recently produced a report and a video about her ministry. During her conversation with Deacon Mike, Sr. Susan also describes how she returned to the practice of her Catholic faith through Landings (a one-time Paulist reconciliation ministry) at St. Philip Neri Church in Portland, OR, and the ministry of Paulist Fr. Dick Chilson (1943 - 2026). She also recalls how Paulist Fr. Steve Bossi encouraged her to consider a vocation as a religious sister.
Last time we completed John's look at the Lord's letter to Smyrna, in Revelation chapter two. It was a letter of encouragement and praise. Today, as we begin a study of the letter to Pergamum, we see a very different tone from the Lord. Pergamum had fallen into the hands of false teaching. They were compromising. The Lord's response? Repent! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1368/29?v=20251111
Winston Batino was charged with wire fraud for sending money in 2025 through an electronic transfer from the church to an account he controlled, according to prosecutors. Batino also was charged with under-reporting his income on his tax return in 2022. Prosecutors say Batino took a total of $2 million from dozens of church members, telling them they were investing in a rehab facility that actually never existed.
Winston Batino was charged with wire fraud for sending money in 2025 through an electronic transfer from the church to an account he controlled, according to prosecutors. Batino also was charged with under-reporting his income on his tax return in 2022. Prosecutors say Batino took a total of $2 million from dozens of church members, telling them they were investing in a rehab facility that actually never existed.
Winston Batino was charged with wire fraud for sending money in 2025 through an electronic transfer from the church to an account he controlled, according to prosecutors. Batino also was charged with under-reporting his income on his tax return in 2022. Prosecutors say Batino took a total of $2 million from dozens of church members, telling them they were investing in a rehab facility that actually never existed.
In 1985, 67% of Americans rated pastors high in honesty and ethics. Today? Just 27% - and only 17% among those under 35. It's one of the steepest trust declines of any profession. The question isn't if this affects your church - it does. The question is what you do about it. ============================= Table of Contents: ============================= 0:00 - Intro 1:15 - The Numbers Are Worse Than You Think 3:38 - Why This Happened 13:18 - How to Rebuild Trust Through Communications THE 167 NEWSLETTER
CONgregation, Laci is joined today by producer and writing genius Justin Halpern (Abbott Elementary, Harley Quinn). Together, they listen to the music and dig into the story of this week's scammer, Mike Smith, a suburban dad and aspiring musician who made $10 million by creating thousands of fake listeners to stream his (also fake) music so he could rake in the royalties. Plus, in this dad-centric episode, Laci asks: Are love, credit, and tax accountants a scam, a scheme, or the real thing? Stay schemin'! Keep the scams coming and snitch on your friends by emailing us at ScamGoddessPod@gmail.com. Follow on Instagram: Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod Laci Mosley: @divalaci Justin Halpern: @justinshalpern Research by Kathryn Doyle SOURCES https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/streaming-fraud-fake-streams-mike-smith-1235500686/ https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/north-carolina-musician-charged-music-streaming-fraud-aided-artificial-intelligence https://www.wired.com/story/ai-bots-streaming-music/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RpxiEuGuUw 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ephesians 4:25-27 Sermon Outline: 6-7-26 Sermon audio: Track 1
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.
Do you belong to a Traumatized Church? Perhaps the trauma comes from the pulpit! Biblical scholar Scot McKnight & trauma specialist Adrienne Gibson warn it could happen in your congregation. #StarWorldwideNetworks #PrattMarketingAgency #PrattPodcasting
Segunda entrega dedicada a picotear en los 5 volúmenes de la colección “Black-a-Billy” (Sleazy Records). El coleccionista y estudioso del rock’n’roll, Little Victor (aka DJ Mojo Man) reune y documenta una serie de grabaciones de músicos negros aproximándose desde disttintos ángulos y momentos temporales a ese subgénero conocido como rockabilly.Playlist;MUDDY WATERS “Evan’s shuffle”J.B. HUTTO “Hip shakin’”LITTLE WALTER “It’s too late brother”BILLY WILLIAMS “The pied piper”STICK McGUEE and HIS BUDDIES “Drinkin’ wine spoo-Dee-O-Dee”THE BEES “Tough enough”ARHUT GUNTER “Baby let’s play house”ELER CURRY and CONGREGATION “Memphis flu”MAGIC SAM “21 days in jail”EDNA McGRIFF “The fool”SLIM HARPO “Don’t start cryin’ now”BUNKER HILL “You can’t make me doubt my baby”THE GOSPELAIRES “You can’t make me doubtJERRY McCAIN and HIS UPSTARTS “My next door neighbor”STEVE GIBSON “Big game hunter”BO DIDDLEY “I am looking for a woman”PIANO RED “Rockin’ with red”LITTLE GEORGE SMITH “Oopin Doopin Oopin”BIG JOE WILLIAMS “I’m getting wild about her”Escuchar audio
Get excited, CONgregation! Laci is joined by bestie babes Sydnee Washington and Marie Faustin (Mess Podcast) to dig into Emily Hart, a MAGA influencer who turned out to be an AI generated baddie created by a 22-year-old med student in India. The gals chat about sea otters, scamming hippos, lease agreements, Duolingo, and Waymos. Listen to Mess wherever you get your podcasts. Stay schemin'! Keep the scams coming and snitch on your friends by emailing us at ScamGoddessPod@gmail.com. Follow on Instagram: Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod Laci Mosley: @divalaci Sydnee Washington: @justsydbw Marie Faustin: @reeezy Research by Kathryn Doyle SOURCES https://www.wired.com/story/ai-generated-maga-girls/ https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/story/who-is-emily-hart-how-an-indian-medical-student-fooled-dumb-maga-fans-with-ai-526820-2026-04-22?utm_source=rssfeed https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-shares-fake-swifties-for-trump-images/ 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author Betsy Randolph. After years of working in radio broadcasting, law enforcement, the US Army Reserves, the military police, and more, Betsy has taken all of her experience - as well as a rich family background and a love of research - and brought it all to Roan & Weatherford Publishing Associates. She has already contributed to various anthologies featuring authors such as Reavis Worthing and CJ Box, and her first R&W book is the historical fiction novel The Congregation of the Dead, which is available this month. For more information, please visit Betsy's website HERE.Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.
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.
Audio only The Congregation, the Enemy,.. Andrew Farr Download
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.
Sermon, 05/31/2026: The Outreach of Our Congregation
Colossians 4:10-18 (NCV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin discuss lessons from NymphaRead 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/?p=25690The 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/
In this episode of The Hive Poetry Collective, Julie Murphy speaks with Bay Area poet Grayson Thompson in a powerful conversation on identity, embodiment, and the long arc of becoming. Drawing from his recent collection, A Congregation of Alligators, Thompson's work moves between the cosmic and the intimate—tracing gender, grief, survival, and self-love with striking imagery and emotional precision. The episode also features a moving reading of “Love Letter from the Afterlife” by Andrea Gibson, deepening the conversation's meditation on loss, presence, and enduring connection. Together, the conversation explores the tensions between naming and knowing, the body as both wound and home, and what it means to reclaim tenderness in a world that often demands erasure.
Friends of the Rosary,Today, May 26, is the Memorial of St. Philip Neri (1515-1595), a gracious, cheerful saint, and Rome's apostle of the sixteenth century.Born in 1515 to a wealthy Florentine family, the young Filippo Neri was brought up with a classical education by the Dominicans of the Monastery of San Marco.His unique charism was his burning love of God, a love that he communicated to all. So ardently did this fire of divine love burn that in his twenty-ninth year, the beating of his heart broke two ribs. It was a wound that never healed.A great educator of youth, Philip Neri, often visited the seven principal churches of Rome. He spent entire nights at the catacombs, near the tombs of the martyrs, meditating on heavenly things. He had a great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and burned with an unbounded love for mankind.As a confessor, he was in great demand; among his penitents was St. Ignatius. To perpetuate his life's work, St. Philip founded the Congregation of the Oratory, a society of secular clergy without religious vows.The purpose was to kindle piety among the faithful through social gatherings that included entertainment and religious instruction.Goethe, who esteemed him highly, called him the "humorous saint."He died on the feast of Corpus Christi.Ave Maria!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• May 26, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
Today is day 146 and we are studying The Sacrament of Marriage. 146. What is Christian marriage? Christian marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, uniting them in self-giving love, joy, and faithfulness. It is ordained by God for the procreation and spiritual nurture of children, the sanctification of husband and wife, the mutual support of their common life, and the flourishing of family, church, and society. Husband and wife enter into this covenant by exchanging vows before God and in the presence of witnesses. (Genesis 2:18–25; Song of Solomon 4:7–10; Matthew 19:3–9; John 2:1–11; Romans 7:2–3; Hebrews 13:4; see questions 322–23) We will conclude today with the Address to the Congregation during Holy Matrimony on pages 201-202 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Ephesians 4:22-25 Sermon Outline: 5-24-26 Sermon audio: 5-24-26
Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time Memorial of St. Philip Neri, 1515-1595; the saint with the sense of humor; established large-scale social programs in Rome; co-founded the Congregation of the Oratory whose mission was to minister to the thousands of pilgrims flocking to Rome and to the convalesced; remembered for his polished social graces, cheery disposition, and his ability to lead others into a life a service Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 5/26/26 Gospel: Mark 10:28-31
What is the true mission of our Lord's Church? What are the mission requirements for the local church/Congregation?
CONgregation, we're back this week LIVE from Cobbs Comedy Club, where Laci was joined by comedian, actor, and host Jacquis Neal (Grand Crew, Crowd Control). Laci invited fans to steal merch and books, and together they pondered whether flight vouchers for giving up your seat on an overbooked plane are actually worth it. They discussed TikTok Shop and asked the age-old question: Are fathers a scam? Finally, they dug into the scam empire of the iconic Tyra Banks and listened to listener letters live in person! Stay schemin'! Keep the scams coming and snitch on your friends by emailing us at ScamGoddessPod@gmail.com. Follow on Instagram: Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod Laci Mosley: @divalaci Jacquis Neal: @jacquisneal Research by Kathryn Doyle 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
A pre-conference seminar from the 2026 Mockingbird Conference in NYC, Wow to the Deadness: Wonder for the Weary. April 23, 2026. Property of Mockingbird Ministries, all rights reserved (www.mbird.com).
Leading worship isn't just about singing songs—it's about engaging people with God.In this final episode of the season, Austin Ryan and Jaren Mooring talk about what it really means to lead a congregation in worship that connects, moves, and points people toward Jesus.You'll learn:-How to recognize real engagement in a congregation-Ways to prepare spiritually and practically for leading-Tools for connecting from the platform (speaking, prayer, Scripture)-How relationships off the platform impact leadership on it-The role of song selection in engagement-How to involve your team in the responsibility of leading peopleIf you want your worship leadership to go beyond performance and truly connect with people, this episode is for you.Watch the VIDEO Podcast HEREDid you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. The Worship Catalyst Podcast is produced by Worship Catalyst. A non-profit ministry that serves churches by training, mentoring and coaching worship leaders and their teams. For more information about Worship Catalyst or for more resources to help you become a better worship leader, visit worshipcatalyst.com.
Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter Saint of the Day: St. Maria Bernarda Butler, 1848-1924; Swiss saint who founded the Congregation of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary, Help of Christians and was a missionary in Ecuador; eventually, her congregation had houses in Colombia, Austria, and Brazil Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 5/19/26 Gospel: John 17:1-11a
Ephesians 4:17-21 Sermon Outline: 5-17-26 Sermon audio: 5-17-26
Penn's experience as a dishwasher comes in handy with current events, Matt cruises around Alaska and reflects on his time as a cruise ship magician, a letter from a Member of the Congregation sparks more introspection about the situation in Iran, career advice from Phyllis Diller, and lots more.
CONgregation, in today's episode, we're revisiting Episode 18, when Laci was joined for the first time by TV writer and podcaster Ira Madison III (Q-Force, YOU). Together, they uncover the “Fraud Prince,” Anthony Gignac, read some of your letters, and dive into JCPenney fooling influencers with a fake high-end store. Stay schemin'! (Originally Released 01/27/2020) Keep the scams coming and snitch on your friends by emailing us at ScamGoddessPod@gmail.com. Follow on Instagram: Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod Laci Mosley: @divalaci Ira Madison III: @irathethird Research by Sharilyn Vera SOURCES https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/10/how-the-fake-saudi-prince-anthony-gignac-was-exposed https://nypost.com/2019/06/01/fake-saudi-prince-who-flaunted-on-instagram-sentenced-in-fraud-scheme/ https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/10/he-actually-believes-he-is-khalid-the-odyssey-of-a-counterfeit-saudi-prince https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/29/business/payless-fake-store/index.html 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Full Text of Readings Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter Lectionary: 293 The Saint of the day is Our Lady of Fatima The Story of Our Lady of Fatima Between May 13 and October 13, 1917, three Portuguese children–Francisco and Jacinta Marto and their cousin Lucia dos Santos–received apparitions of Our Lady at Cova da Iria near Fatima, a city 110 miles north of Lisbon. Mary asked the children to pray the rosary for world peace, for the end of World War I, for sinners, and for the conversion of Russia. Mary gave the children three secrets. Following the deaths of Francisco and Jacinta in 1919 and 1920 respectively, Lucia revealed the first secret in 1927. It concerned devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The second secret was a vision of hell. When Lucia grew up she became a Carmelite nun and died in 2005 at the age of 97. Pope John Paul II directed the Holy See's Secretary of State to reveal the third secret in 2000; it spoke of a “bishop in white” who was shot by a group of soldiers who fired bullets and arrows into him. Many people linked this vision to the assassination attempt against Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square on May 13, 1981. The feast of Our Lady of Fatima was approved by the local bishop in 1930; it was added to the Church's worldwide calendar in 2002. Reflection The message of Fatima is simple: Pray. Unfortunately, some people—not Sister Lucia—have distorted these revelations, making them into an apocalyptic event for which they are now the only reliable interpreters. They have, for example, claimed that Mary's request that the world be consecrated to her has been ignored. Sister Lucia agreed that Pope John Paul II's public consecration in St. Peter's Square on March 25, 1984, fulfilled Mary's request. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith prepared a June 26, 2000, document explaining the “third secret.” Mary is perfectly honored when people generously imitate her response “Let it be done to me as you say” (Luke 1:38). Mary can never be seen as a rival to Jesus or to the Church's teaching authority, as exercised by the college of bishops united with the bishop of Rome.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
What does it really mean to be “called” to a ministry?In Pentecostal circles, pastors often testify that God specifically led them to a church, city, or ministry assignment. Congregations likewise take comfort in believing their pastor was divinely directed, not merely hired like someone applying for a job.But that raises an important question.After seeing a church advertise a pastoral opening on Facebook, a viewer asked: If ministry is truly a calling from God, is it appropriate to post pastor vacancies publicly like any other job opportunity? Does that diminish the sacred nature of pastoral ministry, or can churches faithfully combine spiritual discernment with practical processes?In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard examines the biblical concept of calling, the relationship between divine guidance and church decision-making, and how ministers and congregations can navigate pastoral transitions in a Spirit-led way.Whether you are a pastor, church leader, ministry student, or faithful church member, this conversation offers thoughtful insight into one of the most important aspects of church life and leadership.Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.
Full Text of Readings Sixth Sunday of Easter Lectionary: 55 The Saint of the day is Saint Damien de Veuster of Moloka'i Saint Damien de Veuster of Moloka'i's Story When Joseph de Veuster was born in Tremelo, Belgium, in 1840, few people in Europe had any firsthand knowledge of leprosy, Hansen's disease. By the time he died at the age of 49, people all over the world knew about this disease because of him. They knew that human compassion could soften the ravages of this disease. Forced to quit school at age 13 to work on the family farm, Joseph entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary six years later, taking the name of a fourth-century physician and martyr. When his brother Pamphile, a priest in the same congregation, fell ill and was unable to go to the Hawaiian Islands as assigned, Damien quickly volunteered in his place. In May 1864, two months after arriving in his new mission, Damien was ordained a priest in Honolulu and assigned to the island of Hawaii. In 1873, he went to the Hawaiian government's leper colony on the island of Moloka'i, set up seven years earlier. Part of a team of four chaplains taking that assignment for three months each year, Damien soon volunteered to remain permanently, caring for the people's physical, medical, and spiritual needs. In time, he became their most effective advocate to obtain promised government support. Soon the settlement had new houses and a new church, school and orphanage. Morale improved considerably. A few years later, he succeeded in getting the Franciscan Sisters of Syracuse, led by Mother Marianne Cope, to help staff this colony in Kalaupapa. Saint Damien contracted Hansen's disease and died of its complications. As requested, he was buried in Kalaupapa, but in 1936 the Belgian government succeeded in having his body moved to Belgium. Part of Damien's body was returned to his beloved Hawaiian brothers and sisters after his beatification in 1995. When Hawaii became a state in 1959, it selected Damien of Moloka'i as one of its two representatives in the Statuary Hall at the US Capitol. Damien was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 11, 2009. Reflection Some people thought Saint Damien was a hero for going to Moloka'i and others thought he was crazy. When a Protestant clergyman wrote that Damien was guilty of immoral behavior, Robert Louis Stevenson vigorously defended him in an “Open Letter to Dr. Hyde.”Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Penn visits Dr. Theater in Florida and has to take the long way home, a novel solution to Matt's resting grumpy face, a memorable interaction with a Member of the Congregation, and lots more.
Is it the worship? Politics? Programs? That's what we tend to blame. But new data from Pew and PRRI - covering 80,000+ respondents - points to a very different primary reason people leave. Today, we'll unpack what the data actually says, why common assumptions fall short, and what churches can do in response. ============================= Table of Contents: ============================= 0:00 - Intro 3:39 - The #1 Reason People Leave - They Stopped Believing 10:05 - The Quiet Exit - Drift, Not Drama 16:07 - Childhood Experience Is the Strongest Predictor of Whether Someone Stays 29:50 - Scandals and Institutional Distrust 36:49 - Big Takeaways IMPORTANT LINKS - The Gen Z Church Communication Playbook: https://youtu.be/zQnhOKlV91Q - People Complained Our Church Was Too Loud. So We Did This: https://youtu.be/4ij1tR-EMHE THE 167 NEWSLETTER
CONgregation, in today's Cinco de Mayo episode, we're revisiting Episode Five, where Laci was joined by comedian, Emmy-nominated writer, and podcaster Jamie Loftus (The Bechdel Cast, Robot Chicken). They dive into the many curious cons of Mark Olmsted, a man on the brink of death who became a death certificate–forging, credit card–stealing insurance fraudster. Stay schemin'! (Originally Released 10/28/2019) Keep the scams coming and snitch on your friends by emailing us at ScamGoddessPod@gmail.com. Follow on Instagram: Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod Laci Mosley: @divalaci Jamie Loftus: @jamiechristsuperstar Research by Sharilyn Vera SOURCES https://www.gq.com/story/the-man-who-wouldnt-die https://www.newser.com/story/275416/he-thought-hed-die-so-he-began-a-con-he-didnt-die.html 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
CONgregation, we're back this week with the game: Is It a Scam, a Scheme, or the Real Thing? In today's episode, Laci is joined by comedian and actress Hannah Pilkes (Leanne, The Woodsman) to jump into the case of Brooklyn daycare director Murielle Misczak, who stole nearly $3 million in tuition money, spending it on a variety of things, including (most notably) pro wrestling tickets. Plus, in Scammer of the Week, we bring you the KitKat Heist. Stay schemin'! CON-gregation, catch Scam Goddess LIVE in a city near you. Keep the scams coming and snitch on your friends by emailing us at ScamGoddessPod@gmail.com. Follow on Instagram: Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod Laci Mosley: @divalaci Hannah Pilkes: @hannahpilkes Research by Kathryn Doyle SOURCES https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/media/1432666/dl?inline https://abc7ny.com/post/former-kinderhaus-brooklyn-day-care-director-accused-money-laundering-fund-lavish-lifestyle/18782783/ https://nypost.com/2026/03/25/us-news/nyc-preschool-boss-embezzled-nearly-3m-to-buy-wwe-tickets-live-like-a-celebrity-feds/ https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-27/brooklyn-preschool-rocked-by-ex-director-s-alleged-embezzlement https://www.amny.com/law/park-slope-daycare-director-accused-of-siphoning-nearly-3m-from-tuition-payments/ https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/brooklyn-preschool-director-allegedly-stole-million-tuition-spent-350000-wwe-tickets/ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/28/kitkat-stolen-italy-f1-bar https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7154143/2026/03/28/f1-kitkat-bars-stolen-europe/ https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thieves-make-a-break-for-it-as-12-tonnes-of-kitkat-go-missing-302727467.html https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterlyon/2026/03/30/chocolate-grand-theft-auto-italys-missing-f1-kitkat-shipment/ 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
CONgregation, get excited for a fresh new episode featuring a brand-new game: Is It a Scam, a Scheme, or the Real Thing? In today's episode, Laci is joined by stand-up comedian and actor Frankie Quiñones (This Fool, Creeper's CholoFit) to unpack the drama between wealthy families in Maine after one allegedly poisoned an L.L. Bean heiress's trees just to snag a better waterfront view. Yes, really. And yes, it's tearing the community apart. Plus, in Scammer of the Week: Ghana's self-proclaimed prophet Ebo Noah has announced that the flood has been postponed indefinitely… but he's still very thankful for all the generous donations toward his “arks.” Stay schemin'! CON-gregation, catch Scam Goddess LIVE in a city near you. Keep the scams coming and snitch on your friends by emailing us at ScamGoddessPod@gmail.com. Follow on Instagram: Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod Laci Mosley: @divalaci Frankie Quiñones: @frankiequinones Research by Kathryn Doyle SOURCES https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/llbean-heiress-poisoned-trees-maine?srsltid=AfmBOoohFnIc_DuC6wg7zdUcmoDttxa4CTtiQTP6nPp5s53wCH20UzE8 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/11/us/trees-poison.html https://www.npr.org/2024/06/19/nx-s1-5011566/maine-poisoned-trees-killer-view-missouri-couple-bond https://www.espn.com/college-football/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=6132246 https://www.timesnownews.com/world/world-ending-on-december-25-viral-ghanaian-prophet-ebo-noah-builds-modern-noahs-ark-for-doomsday-article-153344658 https://theobserverzim.co.zw/2025/12/26/ghana-prophet-who-said-the-world-is-ending-on-25-december-2025-through-floods-buys-a-mercedes-benz-using-funds-which-were-donated-by-church-members-to-build-an-ark/ https://www.seattletimes.com/business/real-estate/did-a-couple-kill-a-neighbors-trees-for-a-better-view-in-maine/#:~:text=Dead%20trees%20dot%20the%20sightline,The%20New%20York%20Times)%20More 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.