Podcasts about Evangelical Lutheran Church

Lot fails to act on God's Word with urgency and needlessly delays leaving Sodom. The LORD remains merciful to Lot in his weakness, and the angels agree to Lot's requests. The LORD's destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is just and calls all to repent of their sins. At the same time that the LORD is destroying the wickedness of sin, He is also rescuing His people in faithfulness to His promise. After Lot's wife becomes a pillar of salt, Lot's daughters take advantage of their father in his grief. Even as this text shows the effects of sin, God's mercy does not fail.  Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 19:15-38.  To learn more about St. John's in Topeka, visit stjohnlcmstopeka.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God's entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy's head.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

In this episode of A Couple Takes on MS, we sit down with our pastor, Pastor Dana Hendershot, to talk about one of the biggest questions that can rise up after a diagnosis like MS (or cancer): Why did God let this happen? Dan reflects on 26 years since his MS diagnosis and how faith can change over time, not always through easy answers, but through presence, perspective, and community. Pastor Dana shares the moment her theology of suffering shifted, what she learned during her own cancer journey, and why it's okay to bring every emotion to God. Including anger. We talk about prayer as breath, the difference between “God caused this” and “God is with you in this,” why joy only exists in the present moment, and how hope sometimes looks like being carried by others when you can't carry yourself. In this episode, we get real with Pastor Dana about: • Where God is in diagnosis and suffering • Why it's OK to be angry with God (and why God can handle it) • Prayer as presence and the Spirit as the promise • Theology of the cross vs. theology of glory • Hope, community, and being carried when you're worn down • Finding joy right now and why singing can help shift your mind An open invitation for you, our listeners Where have you felt God's presence during a difficult season in your life? We'd love to hear from you at acoupletakesonms@gmail.com. About our guest: Pastor Dana Hendershot is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and has served as Senior Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, since 2011. Dana holds a degree in psychology with a focus in neuropsychology and a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, where her studies explored the intersection of science and faith. In addition to her congregational ministry, Dana serves as Chair of the Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science, and Technology, helping lead national conversations about how theology, scientific discovery, and human curiosity connect. Her writing has appeared in Working Preacher, The Lutheran, and Lutheran Partners, where she brings thoughtful theology into everyday lived experience. In 2023, Dana was diagnosed with Large Cell B Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and underwent extensive treatment. That experience deepened her understanding of the body, vulnerability, and what it means to show up for others with compassion and presence. Dana has also been deeply involved in community advocacy. She helped establish Mount Pleasant's first rotating homeless shelter—Isabella County Restoration House—serves on Central Michigan University's Institutional Review Board, and previously served on the Interfaith Action of Southwest Florida Board of Directors while advocating for farmworker justice alongside the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. *** Remember to rate, review and subscribe to A Couple Takes on MS Podcast for two insightful perspectives on this one multifaceted disease.

DOCKET ALERTS:Trump celebrated President's Day by filing a trademark for Donald J. Trump International Airport — just in time for Florida's move to rename Palm Beach International Airport in his honor. KA-CHING!In Colorado, a state judge ruled that throwing prisoners in solitary confinement as a penalty for refusing to work violates the state constitution's ban on involuntary servitude. It's a start!And in Philadelphia, Judge Cynthia Rufe ordered the Trump administration to restore an exhibit on the enslaved people who lived at President's House under George Washington: “Each person who visits the President's House and does not learn of the realities of founding-era slavery receives a false account of this country's history.”MAIN SHOW:In Minnesota, Judge Nancy Brasel ordered DHS to grant detainees in “holding rooms” at the Whipple Building in Minneapolis meaningful access to counsel. The ruling bars ICE from removing immigrants from the state for 72 hours after they are originally picked up. We'll discuss the cracks appearing between DHS, which ignores court orders, and DOJ, which has to show up in court and take the blame for it.In New York, Judge Lewis Kaplan issued a similar order in September with respect to temporary “holding rooms” on the 9th floor at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, with additional requirements that DHS provide for detainees' hygiene, nutrition, and medical needs. The plaintiffs say ICE has not complied and moved for contempt. The City reports that DHS opened up new temporary detention facilities on the 10th floor, but claims the injunction doesn't apply there for, uh, REASONS.And we break down all the ways Republicans are trying to suppress the vote with the SAVE America Act, which solves the nonexistent problem of noncitizens voting illegally by imposing a series of restrictions on citizens registering and voting.In the subscriber bonus, we discuss a district court's decision in Massachusetts enjoining the Trump administration from deploying ICE in and around churches. Trump's Private Company Files Trademark for ‘President Donald J. Trump International Airport'https://www.gerbenlaw.com/blog/trumps-private-company-files-trademark-for-president-donald-j-trump-international-airport/Buried in the budget: Mike Huckabee, Donald Trump and Newsmaxhttps://jasongarcia.substack.com/p/buried-in-the-budget-mike-huckabeeMortis v. Polis [Colorado Prison Labor]https://towardsjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Findings-of-Fact-and-Conclusions-of-Law.pdfPhiladelphia v. Burgum https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72178941/city-of-philadelphia-v-burgum/Advocates for Human Rights v. DHS [Whipple Building]https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72196538/the-advocates-for-human-rights-v-us-department-of-homeland-securitBarco Mercado v. Noem [26 Federal Plaza]https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71065570/barco-mercado-v-noemICE Moved Detainees to Previously Undisclosed Floor of 26 Federal Plazahttps://www.thecity.nyc/2026/02/09/26-federal-plaza-jail-conditions-ice-judge-kaplan-ruling/Text of S.1383, the “SAVE America” Acthttps://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20260209/RCP_S1383_xml.pdfNew England Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America v. DHShttps://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70939776/new-england-synod-evangelical-lutheran-church-in-america-v-department-of/Show Links:https://www.lawandchaospod.com/BlueSky: @LawAndChaosPodThreads: @LawAndChaosPodTwitter: @LawAndChaosPodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today's program, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has sued a small church in California for legal title to its property—but that small church is fighting back. We'll have details.  And, a hacker drained $85,000 from an Oklahoma church's bank account. Then in North Dakota, a woman was indicted for stealing over $600,000 from a church she worked at. Both cases highlight why ordinary access to church finances can equal extraordinary losses—and the need for tightening protocols. Also, six months ago, Barnabas Aid came under scrutiny for accusations of financial mismanagement. Now, under new leadership, the ministry is working hard to turn things around. Plus, Bible Study Fellowship prepares its new headquarters in Grapevine, Texas. But first, Agape Flights, a Christian aviation ministry, lost contact with one of its planes last Thursday. The next day, search and rescue teams found the plane crashed in the Haitian mountains. No one on board survived the crash. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Isaac Wood, Kim Roberts, Scott Barkley, Jessica Eturralde, Makella Knowles, and Christina Darnell. A special thanks to Baptist Press for contributing material for this week's podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.

Matthew 4:12-23; RIC Sunday; January 28, 2024 Rich Weingartner Grace to you and peace from God our parent, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Living in a world where politicians want more and more power. Minorities are treated as "others" and are not safe. Children aren't valued. The hungry are told to fend for themselves. Being judged by where you were born or grew up. Being condemned if you aren't the right religion. Dangerous to hang out with the "wrong crowd." Religious people who seek more power and control. A world where people cry "O God, How Long?!" Before we look more at that world - let's take a look at our readings for today. First, the people of Zebulun and Naphtali receive a message of promise and hope from the prophet Isiah. A promise that God will provide a glorious future. To learn more about this promise, if we read a bit further in chapter 9 of Isiah, we find a familiar text starting at verse 6: "For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This isn't just a message of promise and hope for the people of Zebulun and Naphtali, but for us as well. Our psalm today is considered a Trust Psalm.  There are different types of psalms, like songs of thanksgiving, hymns of praise, prayers for help, and trust psalms.  The Lutheran Study Bible says that the "trust psalms express faith and confidence in God amid great difficulties, threats, and dangers." (Lutheran Study Bible, page 776) The psalm is a story of the psalmist expressing desires to God and knowing that God will deliver on the promises. So far we've had a message of hope and promise, and then a reminder to trust in God.  I don't know about you, but these are certainly messages I need to be reminded of on a daily basis. Today's new testament reading was picked specifically to tie in with today's RIC Sunday's theme of "Celebrating Diversity as God's Children." Once a year we celebrate RIC Sunday to remind ourselves of the public promise and commitment we've made as a congregation through our public welcome statement. Just like God constantly reminds us of God's love, we need to be constantly reminded of our commitment to our LGBTQIA+ siblings, our black and brown siblings, people of every age, marital status, neurodivergent status, political leanings, and people of all abilities. It can be easy to get into a routine and forget about the work we do as a congregation of being radically welcoming and inclusive. I remember back to our Diversity Sunday service when we received official recognition as an RIC congregation. It was so wonderful to see everyone celebrating what makes them unique as a diverse child of God. To be featured as the lead story on the 6 o'clock news and, based on the comments on Facebook, see people get riled up about our radical message of inclusive love. So, in case you haven't heard it today or in a while, here is your reminder.  You, yes you, are a vital part of God's diversity - you are a beloved child of God - exactly as you are. You don't need to change to receive God's love - God loves you unconditionally. Through this love you will find yourself changing in ways that bring you closer to the fullness of God's vision for us and the cosmos - the vision of radical and inclusive love. While we may feel lost in the world and not seen as important - remember that God sees us and we will see God's glory revealed. When I read today's Gospel, I started thinking about how this is the launching point of Jesus' ministry. If the Gospel was a TV show like the shows that had theme songs and images that basically set the scene for the entire series - a quick montage of how it all began, I think this would be the imagery that would be used for the TV show of Jesus.  Of course, the TV show "Jesus" would be the much more successful spin off of the prior series "John: Locust Eater". There are two parts of today's Gospel that I want to focus on.  The first is the phrase "fishers of people".  A phrase that many of us are familiar with and have heard many times - but have you thought about what it really means?  Putting a cookie at the end of a fishing line in hopes that someone will eat it and then you can reel them in? This may be an interesting way to try to bring people to the church, but probably not very effective.  When Jesus called his disciples, they weren't people out fishing as a hobby and catching a few fish for themselves or their family, no, they were in the business of fishing, bringing in large quantities of fish. To do this they used nets. When they used nets, they weren't selective in what fish ended up in the net - no, it collected a wide range of fish. The Lutheran Study Bible shares this comment about this passage: "This odd metaphor plays on the notion of a net collecting different types of fish. These disciples will become founders of a church that 'catches' people of all sorts (that is, attracts people who are diverse with regard to nationality, ethnicity, and social class.)" (Lutheran Study Bible, p. 1526)  Sound familiar?  It should - it is very similar to our welcome statement about who we welcome, or hope to "catch" with our work as a congregation. We don't want to selectively share the message of God's love to only certain select people - no - we want to share that message with the world as we celebrate the diversity of God's children. This is where the phrase "cast a wide net" comes from - the wider your net, the more fish, or people, you can "catch" or reach to share God's message with. Speaking of sharing God's message, the next part of the Gospel I want to look at is verse 23, where it states that "Jesus went throughout all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news." The "good news" or looking at the Greek –  "gospel".  So often we hear "preach the Gospel" or "share the Gospel".  After all we are part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America - Evangelical meaning to share the Gospel or the good news.  I don't know about you - but often when I think about sharing the gospel, I think about sharing the story OF Jesus - about his birth, death, and resurrection.  However, here we have Jesus starting to proclaim the gospel, the good news.  Now certainly Jesus made references to his birth, death, and eventual resurrection, but that wasn't the core of his teachings. No, Jesus mainly preached the good news of God's inclusive, radical, and counter-cultural love and belonging. That is the heart of the gospel, the message Jesus brought, not about Jesus himself. So, back to the world I described at the beginning.  A world that sounds pretty bleak and depressing. A world that might be struggling and losing hope. A world with downtrodden that are struggling against the government, or as Pastor Megan referred to it last week, the empire. Is this world I describe the world of today?  Is it the world at Jesus' time?  Yes.  And just like back then, we too continue to need the message of Good News that Jesus brings.  A message that runs against the norms, a message that brings a unique perspective to the world, a message that provides a promise - a message I know I'm longing to hear and need to hear these days - yes, Jesus' message brings A New Hope. After events of the past week and yesterday, it can be hard to want to hear a message of hope.  I know it isn't easy preaching about hope and good news amidst what is going on in our world, in our country, in Minneapolis and Minnesota. So be assured, that while I'm preaching on the message of hope - that doesn't mean that feelings of anger, fear, despair, and sadness aren't valid - those are valid and know that God is with you in all your feelings. Also know that the message of hope is there as well - just as the message ran counter cultural during Jesus' time - it does now as well. Back on Christ the King Sunday in November, the service spoke to me and I immediately knew I had to include part of it in my sermon today, as it summarized the message of Christ very well.  This was the Sunday when we were taken on a tour of the church calendar, exploring each of the seasons of the church year.  We are currently in the Time after Epiphany. Here is part of what was shared about Epiphany and the time after. In Epiphany, we look to that ancient star, and we see that the message of God's love knows no bounds: it is a message for people of every color and every tongue, every race and every nation. In the time after Epiphany, we remember that because of Jesus, the divisions that you and I create in our lives will someday be erased by God, who comes to make us all one. Love has come to let us know that there is no such thing as a people from the east or west or north or south. There are only people of God, all created by God, all loved by God, all within the realm of God's redemption through Jesus Christ. The light of the star brought the sages to Jesus, and Jesus is the light that brings God's love to all - to the poor, the lame, the sick, the hurting, the sorrowful, the outcast, those rejected by the world - even to you, in your own joy and sadness, goodness and brokenness, hope and challenges. That is Epiphany. It is the fulfillment of God's love-filled promise extended beyond all human boundaries. It is the light of God that breaks down walls and unites the human family. So, like Jesus, we are called to proclaim this Good News. Part of that Good News is that preaching the message from a pulpit isn't the only way to share the Good News. Just as Pastor Megan has shared, and based on what the Bible says, we are all called in our own diverse ways, based on our own diverse skills, to share the Good News in wide diverse ways. Simply being an RIC congregation is a way we show God's radical love - by emphatically stating that God's love belongs to all, to everyone, especially those that society wants to call "other" or "less than". You help proclaim the Gospel by simply being here - as part of a church that proudly proclaims to our queer siblings, our black and brown siblings, and anyone that society calls "others", that God loves them and they are part of the beautiful diversity of God's children. Some of the other ways we declare God's love include filling the micro pantries every day - where people have access to what they need - with no questions asked, no tests to pass - just God's love through food and personal care items. And it isn't just the people who actually put the items in the pantries, but everyone who buys or donates the items, those who package oatmeal to be ready to go out, those who coordinate it all.  Everyone who works with the young men in the parish house - you are proclaiming God's good news through your actions. Donating items or money to support them, driving them to where they need to go, providing connections in the community so they can get jobs, praying for them - all are part of being a proclaimer of the good news. When society might want to call them less than or unwanted - we, at Faith, proudly say that they are welcome and are loved by God and are part of the wonderful diversity of God's children.   There are so many ways we all partake in proclaiming the gospel - whether you do it through music, through education, through a hug or a meal to someone who is struggling, through just checking in with people to see if they are OK. So while often, we hear of people doing more noticeable or newsworthy things like being part of a large protest in Minneapolis, skipping school or work, or being clergy that go and take action to bring awareness and end up getting arrested for civil disobedience; we have to remember that all ways that proclaim the radical message of God's all inclusive love and redemption to all people, the message of A New Hope, are not only valid, but much needed in this world that is struggling.  So while "we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed" (1 John 3:2) we strive to continue to live into the message of hope and promise. We work together, as God's wonderfully diverse children, to proclaim the message that Christ shared, until we can all revel in the fullness of God's love revealed to us. Until then, we work together, as fishers of people, to cast a very wide net to proclaim and live into God's radical message of all-inclusive love and redemption for all people. We do all this through the freedom given to us by the death and resurrection of Jesus. Since God has declared that we are fully loved and included and nothing we can do can separate us from the love of God, we can boldly be proclaimers of Christ. We must always remember that when the Empire gets us down, we need to cling to the message of A New Hope, and even when the Empire strikes back because of our radical message of inclusion for the entirety of the diversity of God's Children, that in the end, we can rely on The Return of the Jesus to carry us through.  Amen.  

In this episode of The Biggest Table podcast,  the discussion centers around food, eating, and hospitality as a means to experience God's love. Andrew is joined by guests Kellie Lisi and Martin Lohrmann, who co-authored the book, Food Theology: Nourishing Faith in Local Communities. Andrew, Kellie, and Martin explore the central thesis of the book—that God's love is made physical through food—and discuss their distinct approach compared to existing theological works. Kellie and Martin's work integrates practical guidance with theological reflections, aiming to bridge the gap between theological theory and community practices. They also delve into the importance of Holy Communion in Christianity, examining its transformational power and how it informs broader food practices and community involvement. The episode touches on the theological and historical aspects of food in Christianity, including its role in addressing food insecurity and fostering community. The conversation concludes with reflections on the personal and communal significance of food, especially during the holiday season.Bios:Kellie Lisi is an ordained deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and serves at Wartburg Theological Seminary as Vice President for Leadership Formation. She has served as a public school teacher and administrator, parish ministry leader, and food educator. Kellie worked in the restaurant industry prior to (and in the early years of) teaching. Her most notable restaurant co-workers were Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Chip & Dale at a character buffet restaurant in Disney World. At home in Iowa, Kellie's nine-year-old loves when she makes pizza, while her 12-year old wishes she would make sushi bowls every day. Martin J. Lohrmann is Associate Professor of Lutheran Confessions and Heritage at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, where he teaches classes in church history, the Lutheran Reformation, spiritual practices, and theology and art. In addition to many articles and essays, Dr. Lohrmann is the author of Stories from Global Lutheranism: A Historical Timeline and Book of Harmony: Spirit and Service in the Lutheran Confessions, and the co-editor of 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles in the Reformation Commentary on Scripture Series. He enjoys going for walks, playing guitar, and cooking with whatever ingredients are on hand.Buy Food Theology: Nourishing Faith in Local CommunitiesThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

"Your Matter Matters" is an innovative podcast series developed in collaboration with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Anazao Podcast Network, spearheaded by Pastors Will Rose and Thomas Johnston. This series aspires to facilitate meaningful conversations about the intersection of faith and science, providing an educational platform for small groups and churches to engage with contemporary scientific topics that resonate with the faithful community. During the interview, we delve into the motivation behind this initiative, exploring the necessity of addressing challenging questions within a theological context, particularly in a world increasingly dominated by scientific discourse. The discussion highlights the importance of fostering an environment where curiosity and inquiry are encouraged, allowing individuals to navigate the complexities of their beliefs alongside scientific understanding. As we embark on this journey, we invite our listeners to consider the profound implications of their own existence and the collective matters that bind us all together.The Whole Church Podcast presents a profound dialogue exploring the intersection of faith and science through the lens of the upcoming podcast event, "Your Matter Matters!" Hosted by Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell, this episode features the insightful contributions of Pastors Will Rose and Thomas Johnston, who articulate the objectives and aspirations behind their collaborative initiative with the ELCA and the Anazao Podcast Network. This endeavor is designed to foster meaningful discussions within church communities about scientific topics that often provoke ambivalence and skepticism among congregants. The episode delves into the importance of creating a safe space for congregants to engage with these complex issues, encouraging them to navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of faith and scientific inquiry together. Through their project, the pastors aim to empower small groups and individuals to confront and reconcile seemingly conflicting narratives, ultimately affirming that faith and science need not be adversaries, but rather partners in the pursuit of truth. Listeners are invited to consider how their faith communities can address contemporary scientific challenges, from climate change to advancements in technology, and how such discussions can enrich the spiritual lives of congregants. The episode emphasizes the necessity of dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect among differing perspectives, reinforcing the core message that every individual's matter is significant and deserves recognition. In this light, the podcast serves not only as an educational tool but also as an impetus for broader ecclesiastical unity, inviting listeners to reflect on their own beliefs while engaging with others in a spirit of openness and inquiry.Takeaways: The upcoming podcast event 'Your Matter Matters' aims to foster dialogue between faith and science, addressing the challenges that often arise between these two domains. Pastors Will Rose and Thomas Johnston emphasize the importance of recognizing that all individuals, regardless of their beliefs, are part of creation and possess inherent value. The podcast will serve as a resource for small groups and churches to engage with scientific topics that may present challenges to faith-based communities. Listeners are encouraged to explore the questions posed in the podcast, understanding that they are not alone in their inquiries about faith and science. The series will include discussions with experts on topics such as evolution, cosmology, and the intersection of faith with contemporary scientific issues. The initiative seeks to create a supportive environment where congregations can openly discuss difficult questions and learn from each other's perspectives. .Check out all of the other shows in...

Paul tells the Thessalonians of his great desire to return to see them in person and notes that Satan is the one who hindered such a joyful reunion. As Paul looks forward to the Last Day, he knows that the Thessalonians are a source of great joy. That led him to send Timothy to them to check on them, even when Paul couldn't go personally. His purpose was to help the Thessalonians remain steadfast in persecution. Still today, Satan seeks to keep Christians apart from each other, making it urgent for Christians to resist the temptation to forsake gathering together. As we come together now, we receive strength from the Lord's Word and the fellowship of the Church to remain faithful to the end.  Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5.  To learn more about St. John's in Topeka, visit stjohnlcmstopeka.org. “Yearning for the Day of Christ's Returning” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies St. Paul's two epistles to the Thessalonians. Although Paul's time in Thessalonica was brief, he had great affection for the Christians there. His two letters to the Thessalonians show us the joy that God gives us together in the Church and encourage us to live faithfully in expectation of Jesus' coming on the Last Day.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

info@oslc.org.uk Date: 15 November 2025—The Closing Service of the 71st Annual Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of England Sermon title: The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength Preacher: Rev. Tapani Simojoki Text: Ephesians 25:1-13 Duration: 20min 53s

As the Song concludes, Solomon brings us to the theological point. His love for his bride sets her as a seal, meaning that she is his. As Solomon notes how powerful love is, he uses the divine name for the only time in the Song, allowing us to see that God's love for us pursues us even to death and brings us out of the grave. As the others wonder and ask concerning this love, the Church is given a concern for the gift of chastity and marriage. As the Song extols God's gift of marriage throughout, so God has given us the opportunity to rejoice in the love that Christ has for His Church.  Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Song of Solomon 8:5-14.  To learn more about St. John's, visit stjohnlcmstopeka.org. “God's Gift of Marriage” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies the Song of Solomon and other key texts from the Bible concerning marriage. Although the world is terribly confused concerning what marriage is, God's Word reveals how good a gift marriage truly is and points us to the relationship between Christ, the Bridegroom, and His Church, the Bride.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Pastor Eric Ohrtman joins us to talk about the things of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America that the average Lutheran probably doesn't know. How did it get here and where is it going? We dive into the structure of the ELCA, with congregations on top, followed by synods, regions, and the churchwide national office based in Chicago. And we discuss Spirit of Joy's work with our state synod in South Dakota.

In this episode, we sit down with the Rev. Dr. Matthew Lenahan—pastor, farmer, and community organizer in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. As founder and director of the Wittel Farm Growing Project, Dr. Lenahan shares how this innovative ministry is transforming the land and lives in Lancaster County. The project, a ministry of the Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central PA, is dedicated to regenerative farming, sustainable food systems, and inspiring community stewardship of the earth. Learn more about the Wittel Farm Growing Project and how you can get involved in building a more sustainable future from the ground up.???? Connect with Rev. Dr. Matthew Lenahan: ✅ Website: https://www.lutherancamping.org/the-wittel-farm/the-wittel-farm-growing-project/ ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingwittel/?igsh=OG93dXoxd2oxb2dl# ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWittelFarm Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-betterLIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects:✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnectsLancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead:  https://CastAhead.net 

Welcome to the first episode of Season 4! I'm so glad to share with you this delightful episode about a group of terrific Lutheran folks who exemplify joyful lay leadership and getting a whole congregation on board on behalf of climate action.Many thanks to Judy Hinck and to the lively group of Mount Olive members who spent an afternoon with me and Ron sharing their climate justice journey (so far!). Special thanks to Art Halbardier, who graciously hosted and offered extremely helpful background before our visit.To learn more about Mount Olive Lutheran's work, check out this article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune about Mount Olive's geothermal project. You might also appreciate this document recounting the history of Mount Olive's climate work, or these links with more about the history of their climate justice initiatives, their 2017 statement, their climate justice page, and an FAQ document about their projects:You can also learn more about the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's statements on climate justice and about the Minnesota chapter of Interfaith Power and Light. To read Pope Francis' encyclical on climate, visit Laudato si'. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit refugianewsletter.substack.com

Hiding from Saul in a cave, David lays his complaint fully before the LORD. He prays in confidence that although his enemies have laid a trap for him, the LORD's knowledge of his way will prevail. When no one else seems to notice David as he is in the midst of great trouble, the LORD brings David out of the prison so that he is not actually alone. The LORD surrounds David with His righteous ones, as He still does for us today in the Church.  Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 142.  To learn more about St. John's, visit stjohnlcmstopeka.org. Join Sharper Iron this summer to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

In this episode of the Bridging the Gap Podcast, Rachel Nelson sits down with Shadin Nassar and Sasha Ghosh-Siminoff from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to discuss the impacts of Israel's occupation and settlement enterprise on Palestinian Christians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and how that has contributed to the exodus of the community from the region.

It's Tuesday, August 5th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson with help from Timothy Reed Home evictions of Christians in Chhattisgarh, India continue Hundreds of Indian Christians have been evicted from their homes and banned from their villages in the district of Chhattisgarh because of their faith in Christ.  International Christian Concern reports that Abishek was brutally attacked and forced out of his home along with his 2-month-old daughter. They did not know where they would sleep that night. Despite his sudden hardship, he will not return to Hinduism. Abishek said, “We are determined to follow Jesus, no matter what.” He has built his own shelter with polythene covers. He still struggles to find regular work, sometimes six miles from home. He added, “Almost every day when I travel, I think of my family back in the village. Wild thoughts haunt me of ‘What if my family is attacked again? What if they are tortured in my absence?' When I pray to God, my heart is peaceful, and I am comforted through the messages I hear during the Sunday worship.” Argentina's Javier Milei standing strong to get deficit paid off Argentinian President Javier Milei is standing firm against any government funding increases.   He has vetoed increased funding for the nation's social security or pension program. Plus, he vetoed another bill passed by the National Congress of Argentina which would have provided pensions for persons with disabilities. Milei insists upon what he calls a “deficit zero.” The goal of zeroing out the deficit is, in his words, “non-negotiable.” Sadly, private charity is not doing well in Argentina. When asked “Have you donated money to charity in the last month?” Gallup discovered that Argentina was 112th on the list for 2024, according to the Buenos Aires Herald. The Scriptures encourage private charity in Deuteronomy 15:11. It says, “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore, I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land.'” Economies of Germany, Hungary, and Russia are stagnating Europe's largest economy is faltering. Germany's economy is the worst in the world for growth, as the nation faces a third consecutive year of recession. The economy shrunk in 2023 and 2024.  Now, 2025 isn't looking much better   Hungary and Russia are facing stagnant economies as well. But on the positive side, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Rwanda, and Ethiopia are seeing 6-7% growth in Gross National Income per person this fiscal year.  Church of Wales selects lesbian “Archbishop” The utterly apostate Church of Wales has appointed a lesbian named Cherry Vann to head their organization as what they refer to as an “archbishop.” She lives in sexual sin with her lesbian girlfriend named Wendy Diamond. This follows the church's approval of homosexual unions in 2021.  Weekly attendance with this national church has dropped off to 0.8% of the population down from 4% in the 1980s. Other denominations only claim about 0.6% of the population.   Also, the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church of Scotland have adopted homosexual marriage ceremonies. Over in England, King Charles III has yet to appoint another Archbishop of Canterbury, after the previous archbishop resigned in the midst of scandal. Matthew 21:18 relates a similar story: “Now in the morning, as [Jesus] returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, ‘Let no fruit grow on you ever again.' Immediately, the fig tree withered away.”  Trump upset with India for doing business with Russia U.S. President Donald Trump issued a rebuke to India for doing business with Russia, and funding the Russo-Ukrainian War, by purchasing Russian oil. Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on imports from India, beginning this month, and promises more due to India's partnership with Russia. India now purchases 35-40% of its crude oil from Russia, up from 0.2% before the Russo-Ukrainian War, averaging around 1.8 million barrels per day. China and India constitute Russia's strongest trade partners. China, India, and Russia's Gross Domestic Product combined total $25 trillion. Together, these three economies are about equal to the GDP of the United States. Tensions rise between U.S. and Russia President Donald Trump has ordered nuclear submarines to be on standby near Russia as tensions rise between the United States and Russia. The order came following threats of nuclear retaliation from Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council. Trump responded to the threat on his social media platform called Truth Social. He wrote, “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances.” Religious groups sue over ICE raids in churches  A number of Christian and religious groups, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church and American Baptist Churches USA, have filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts. They're challenging the Immigration and Customs Enforcement's ability to raid churches and religious facilities. The case is being represented by a legal group called Democracy Forward. Reverend Lisa Dunson of the Alliance of Baptists stated, “Raids on Houses of Worship desecrate sacred spaces, violate religious freedom, and spread fear among those seeking peace and refuge.”  The Department of Homeland Security has said that criminals will no longer be allowed to hide at churches or schools. Fewer Americans receiving COVID-19 boosters And finally, a new poll found that most Americans are wary of receiving a COVID-19 booster shot this fall. Fifty-nine percent of Americans are completely opposed to the shot or unlikely to receive one, compared to just 40% of Americans who are planning to receive a booster. Republicans are demonstrably less likely to get the shot than Democrats. And the elderly plan to receive boosters at a higher rate than younger generations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ended its COVID-19 shot recommendation for pregnant women and healthy children earlier this year. Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, August 5th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Pastor David Jay Webber of Bethany Lutheran-Princeton, MN Pr. Webber's Series on Eastern Orthodoxy The post The Lutheran-Orthodox “Common Statement on the Filioque” Adopted by Evangelical Lutheran Church of America – Pr. David Jay Webber, 8/4/25 (2163) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Top headlines for Monday, August 4, 2025In this episode, we explore gospel music dynamics as renowned artist Marvin Sapp responds to criticisms from Maverick City Music's executive, Norman Gyamfi. Then, we turn our attention to a pro-life activist's legal battle, as he appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court following his sentence for silently praying near an abortion facility. Finally, we touch on international tensions with Hamas cutting communications with mediators, declaring negotiations will only continue after the humanitarian crisis is resolved. 00:11 Maverick City Music executive critiques gospel music01:08 Chaplain contemplated suicide to protest treatment by CofE02:05 Pro-life activist jailed for silent prayer near abortion clinic03:00 Hamas: No ceasefire talks until Gaza ‘hunger ends'03:54 Iranian pastor urges Trump not to deport persecuted Christians05:01 Home connected to ‘TikTok cult' leader is raided by feds05:46 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America elects first black leaderSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsMaverick City Music executive critiques gospel music | EntertainmentChaplain contemplated suicide to protest treatment by CofE | Church & MinistriesPro-life activist jailed for silent prayer near abortion clinic | U.S.Hamas: No ceasefire talks until Gaza ‘hunger ends' | WorldIranian pastor urges Trump not to deport persecuted Christians | PoliticsHome connected to ‘TikTok cult' leader is raided by feds | U.S.Evangelical Lutheran Church in America elects first black leader | Church & Ministries

PROPHECY HOUR: THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE!  Pastor Dan and Linda Catlinwww.prophecyhour.comTHIS AND MORE!A minister identified as being part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, commonly described as one of the most liberal organizations claiming the description “Christian,” has publicly rebuked the Bible's call to share the Good News with others. In fact, this pastor promotes the idea that, “There are people who are perfectly happy in other faiths who don't need converting to ours.” *Lutheran pastor (ELCA) openly rejects the Great Commission, insists that there are “people who are perfectly happy in other faiths who don't need converting to ours.” WOW THIS AND MUCH MORE! TRUTH IS COIMING! LISTEN AND DOWN-LOAD HEREhttps://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/branch/episodes/2025-07-31T20_24_51-07_00RADIO AND NET ARCHIVEShttps://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/branch Mission Churchhttp://wichitahomeless.com/Donations and Contacthttps://prophecyhour.com/donations/  

PROPHECY HOUR: THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE!  Pastor Dan and Linda Catlinwww.prophecyhour.comTHIS AND MORE!A minister identified as being part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, commonly described as one of the most liberal organizations claiming the description “Christian,” has publicly rebuked the Bible's call to share the Good News with others. In fact, this pastor promotes the idea that, “There are people who are perfectly happy in other faiths who don't need converting to ours.” *Lutheran pastor (ELCA) openly rejects the Great Commission, insists that there are “people who are perfectly happy in other faiths who don't need converting to ours.” WOW THIS AND MUCH MORE! TRUTH IS COIMING! LISTEN, WATCH, AND DOWN-LOAD HEREhttps://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/branch/episodes/2025-07-31T20_29_26-07_00RADIO AND NET ARCHIVEShttps://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/branch Mission Churchhttp://wichitahomeless.com/Donations and Contacthttps://prophecyhour.com/donations/  

Did you know that the oldest Lutheran church in the Americas is an LCMS congregation in New York City? The Rev. Peter A.D. Deebrah (Pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Matthew in New York City) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey from Guyana to New York City, how he became pastor of St. Matthew, the incredible history of St. Matthew beginning in the 1600s, how the congregation has both changed and stayed the same over 360 years, and how St. Matthew serves the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City. Read more about the Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Matthew in Lutherans Engage: engage.lcms.org/oldest-congregation-summer-2025. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

The LORD continues to work through the prophet Elisha in Israel. A sunken ax head is not too small for the LORD's attention, as the prophet restores this valuable possession to one of the sons of the prophets. When the king of Syria learns that Elisha is behind the foiled attempts to raid Israel, the Syrian king foolishly thinks he can capture the LORD's prophet. The LORD allows Elisha's servant to see the angelic army protecting Elisha from the Syrian army. Nonetheless, the LORD shows mercy upon those who intend His prophet harm, and He delivers His people from the Syrian threat for a time.  Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 6:1-33.  To learn more about St. John's, visit www.stjohnlcmstopeka.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Rev. David Maginley is a spiritual counselor for the cancer program, palliative care, and ICU at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and an award-winning author of Beyond Surviving: Cancer and Your Spiritual Journey.While David has degrees in philosophy and religious studies, his real education came from surviving cancer four times. This resulted in a profound near-death experience and explorations into the nature of consciousness and the connection of body, mind, and spirit.He knows what it's like to have cancer from both sides of the hospital bed and has a sense of this life from both sides of the veil.David is ordained with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, a specialist with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care, a member of the Canadian Association for Psychosocial Oncology, and the International Association for Near-Death Studies, and is featured in the documentaries Here Right Now, and When You Die.David is also an avid photographer, using the camera as a tool for self-psychology and conducting workshops on creativity and spirituality. An advisor for provincial and federal cancer initiatives, David lectures throughout Canada on meaning in suffering, the wisdom of grief, mindfulness, death and dying, compassion fatigue, and integrative spirituality.Please enjoy my conversation with David Maginley.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/next-level-soul-podcast-with-alex-ferrari--4858435/support.

Burning Down The House. In this episode, we continue our discussion of election, addressing the certainty of election, how we are chosen, the human limits of perseverance in faith, why the pope is a bad example of Christian piety, and how old Adam tries to invert election by burying it in our sacrifices and pious morality. SHOW NOTES:  The Book of Concord (New Translation): The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church https://amzn.to/3YbpA9h  Concerning the Eternal Predestination and Election of God https://thebookofconcord.org/formula-of-concord-solid-declaration/article-xi/ Two Hundred Years Together https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two_Hundred_Years_Together   More from 1517: Support 1517 Podcast Network: https://www.1517.org/donate-podcasts 1517 Podcasts: http://www.1517.org/podcasts 1517 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1517org 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/1517-podcast-network/id6442751370 1517 Events Schedule: https://www.1517.org/events 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education: https://academy.1517.org/   What's New from 1517: The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley: https://shop.1517.org/products/9781962654708-the-impossible-prize Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes: https://shop.1517.org/products/9781962654791-ditching-the-checklist Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1962654753?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_FCNEEK60MVNVPCEGKBD8_5&starsLeft=1   More from the hosts: Donovan Riley https://www.1517.org/contributors/donavon-riley  Christopher Gillespie https://www.1517.org/contributors/christopher-gillespie   MORE LINKS: Tin Foil Haloes https://t.me/bannedpastors Warrior Priest Gym & Podcast https://thewarriorpriestpodcast.wordpress.com   St John's Lutheran Church (Webster, MN) - FB Live Bible Study Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/356667039608511  Donavon's Substack https://donavonlriley.substack.com Gillespie's Substack https://substack.com/@christophergillespie  Gillespie's Sermons and Catechesis http://youtube.com/stjohnrandomlake  Gillespie Coffee https://gillespie.coffee   Gillespie Media https://gillespie.media     CONTACT and FOLLOW: Email mailto:BannedBooks@1517.org  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BannedBooksPod/  Twitter https://twitter.com/bannedbooks1517   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BannedBooks Rumble https://rumble.com/c/c-1223313  Odysee https://odysee.com/@bannedbooks:5 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banned-books/id1370993639  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ahA20sZMpBxg9vgiRVQba  Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1370993639/banned-books 

Somebody Told Me. In this episode, we read the Book of Concord on election, and discuss why God chooses to forgive all people on the cross, why some reject the gospel, why Lutherans reject double predestination, what the consequences are to trust that we are always justified for Christ's sake, and much, much more. SHOW NOTES:  The Book of Concord (New Translation): The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church https://amzn.to/3YbpA9h  Concerning the Eternal Predestination and Election of God https://thebookofconcord.org/formula-of-concord-epitome/article-xi/  Two Hundred Years Together https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two_Hundred_Years_Together   More from 1517: Support 1517 Podcast Network: https://www.1517.org/donate-podcasts 1517 Podcasts: http://www.1517.org/podcasts 1517 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1517org 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/1517-podcast-network/id6442751370 1517 Events Schedule: https://www.1517.org/events 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education: https://academy.1517.org/   What's New from 1517: The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley: https://shop.1517.org/products/9781962654708-the-impossible-prize Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes: https://shop.1517.org/products/9781962654791-ditching-the-checklist Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1962654753?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_FCNEEK60MVNVPCEGKBD8_5&starsLeft=1   More from the hosts: Donovan Riley https://www.1517.org/contributors/donavon-riley  Christopher Gillespie https://www.1517.org/contributors/christopher-gillespie   MORE LINKS: Tin Foil Haloes https://t.me/bannedpastors Warrior Priest Gym & Podcast https://thewarriorpriestpodcast.wordpress.com   St John's Lutheran Church (Webster, MN) - FB Live Bible Study Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/356667039608511  Donavon's Substack https://donavonlriley.substack.com Gillespie's Substack https://substack.com/@christophergillespie  Gillespie's Sermons and Catechesis http://youtube.com/stjohnrandomlake  Gillespie Coffee https://gillespie.coffee   Gillespie Media https://gillespie.media     CONTACT and FOLLOW: Email mailto:BannedBooks@1517.org  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BannedBooksPod/  Twitter https://twitter.com/bannedbooks1517   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BannedBooks Rumble https://rumble.com/c/c-1223313  Odysee https://odysee.com/@bannedbooks:5 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banned-books/id1370993639  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ahA20sZMpBxg9vgiRVQba  Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1370993639/banned-books 

The institution of slavery permeated the ancient world, such that the realities of slavery and its long shadows pervade the New Testament and other early Christian texts. Yet enslavement remains an under-taught aspect of the context of the New Testament and early Christianity, leaving pastors, laypersons, and neophyte college students alike to fill knowledge gaps about enslaved persons, enslavers, living and laboring conditions, and much more with partial information, assumptions, or a range of highly technical and specialized monographs.  Ancient Slavery and Its New Testament Contexts (Eerdmans, 2025), co-edited by Christy Cobb and Katherine A. Shaner, takes on these issues, introducing readers to the textures, complexities, and material realities of slavery in the Greco-Roman world. International scholars with a range of expertise, from New Testament and early Christian studies to classics, theology, ethics, and more, contribute to a tapestry of introductory themes, topics, and interpretive frameworks with a wealth of literary, inscriptional, pictorial, and theoretical evidence from the material culture of Roman antiquity in this significant volume. Dr. Cobb and Dr. Shaner joined the New Books Network to initiate important conversations that they hope will continue in religious studies classrooms, schools of theology and divinity, and local church small group settings. Christy Cobb (Ph.D., Drew University, 2016) is Associate Professor of Christianity at the University of Denver. She is the author of Slavery, Gender, Truth and Power in Luke-Acts and Other Ancient Narratives (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019) and has also co-edited a volume entitled Sex, Violence, and Early Christian Texts (Lexington Books, 2022). Dr. Cobb is also a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion, and her research and teaching interests include slavery, gender, sexuality, Acts, and Apocryphal Acts. In her recreational time, Christy enjoys reading novels, crafts, and spending time with her nine-year-old son in Denver. Katherine A. Shaner (Th.D., Harvard University Divinity School, 2012) is Associate Professor of New Testament at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity. She is the author of Enslaved Leadership in Early Christianity (Oxford University Press, 2018) as well as numerous articles on slavery in the New Testament. Dr. Shaner is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and regularly preaches and teaches in churches around the United States. In her free time, Katherine enjoys hiking in the mountains, reading historical fiction, cooking dinner for friends and spending time with snuggly dogs. Rob Heaton (Ph.D., University of Denver, 2019) hosts Biblical Studies conversations for New Books in Religion and teaches New Testament, Christian origins, and early Christianity at Anderson University in Indiana. He recently authored The Shepherd of Hermas as Scriptura Non Grata: From Popularity in Early Christianity to Exclusion from the New Testament Canon (Lexington Books, 2023). For more about Rob and his work, or to offer feedback related to this episode, please visit his website at https://www.robheaton.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/jewish-studies

The institution of slavery permeated the ancient world, such that the realities of slavery and its long shadows pervade the New Testament and other early Christian texts. Yet enslavement remains an under-taught aspect of the context of the New Testament and early Christianity, leaving pastors, laypersons, and neophyte college students alike to fill knowledge gaps about enslaved persons, enslavers, living and laboring conditions, and much more with partial information, assumptions, or a range of highly technical and specialized monographs.  Ancient Slavery and Its New Testament Contexts (Eerdmans, 2025), co-edited by Christy Cobb and Katherine A. Shaner, takes on these issues, introducing readers to the textures, complexities, and material realities of slavery in the Greco-Roman world. International scholars with a range of expertise, from New Testament and early Christian studies to classics, theology, ethics, and more, contribute to a tapestry of introductory themes, topics, and interpretive frameworks with a wealth of literary, inscriptional, pictorial, and theoretical evidence from the material culture of Roman antiquity in this significant volume. Dr. Cobb and Dr. Shaner joined the New Books Network to initiate important conversations that they hope will continue in religious studies classrooms, schools of theology and divinity, and local church small group settings. Christy Cobb (Ph.D., Drew University, 2016) is Associate Professor of Christianity at the University of Denver. She is the author of Slavery, Gender, Truth and Power in Luke-Acts and Other Ancient Narratives (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019) and has also co-edited a volume entitled Sex, Violence, and Early Christian Texts (Lexington Books, 2022). Dr. Cobb is also a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion, and her research and teaching interests include slavery, gender, sexuality, Acts, and Apocryphal Acts. In her recreational time, Christy enjoys reading novels, crafts, and spending time with her nine-year-old son in Denver. Katherine A. Shaner (Th.D., Harvard University Divinity School, 2012) is Associate Professor of New Testament at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity. She is the author of Enslaved Leadership in Early Christianity (Oxford University Press, 2018) as well as numerous articles on slavery in the New Testament. Dr. Shaner is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and regularly preaches and teaches in churches around the United States. In her free time, Katherine enjoys hiking in the mountains, reading historical fiction, cooking dinner for friends and spending time with snuggly dogs. Rob Heaton (Ph.D., University of Denver, 2019) hosts Biblical Studies conversations for New Books in Religion and teaches New Testament, Christian origins, and early Christianity at Anderson University in Indiana. He recently authored The Shepherd of Hermas as Scriptura Non Grata: From Popularity in Early Christianity to Exclusion from the New Testament Canon (Lexington Books, 2023). For more about Rob and his work, or to offer feedback related to this episode, please visit his website at https://www.robheaton.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The institution of slavery permeated the ancient world, such that the realities of slavery and its long shadows pervade the New Testament and other early Christian texts. Yet enslavement remains an under-taught aspect of the context of the New Testament and early Christianity, leaving pastors, laypersons, and neophyte college students alike to fill knowledge gaps about enslaved persons, enslavers, living and laboring conditions, and much more with partial information, assumptions, or a range of highly technical and specialized monographs.  Ancient Slavery and Its New Testament Contexts (Eerdmans, 2025), co-edited by Christy Cobb and Katherine A. Shaner, takes on these issues, introducing readers to the textures, complexities, and material realities of slavery in the Greco-Roman world. International scholars with a range of expertise, from New Testament and early Christian studies to classics, theology, ethics, and more, contribute to a tapestry of introductory themes, topics, and interpretive frameworks with a wealth of literary, inscriptional, pictorial, and theoretical evidence from the material culture of Roman antiquity in this significant volume. Dr. Cobb and Dr. Shaner joined the New Books Network to initiate important conversations that they hope will continue in religious studies classrooms, schools of theology and divinity, and local church small group settings. Christy Cobb (Ph.D., Drew University, 2016) is Associate Professor of Christianity at the University of Denver. She is the author of Slavery, Gender, Truth and Power in Luke-Acts and Other Ancient Narratives (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019) and has also co-edited a volume entitled Sex, Violence, and Early Christian Texts (Lexington Books, 2022). Dr. Cobb is also a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion, and her research and teaching interests include slavery, gender, sexuality, Acts, and Apocryphal Acts. In her recreational time, Christy enjoys reading novels, crafts, and spending time with her nine-year-old son in Denver. Katherine A. Shaner (Th.D., Harvard University Divinity School, 2012) is Associate Professor of New Testament at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity. She is the author of Enslaved Leadership in Early Christianity (Oxford University Press, 2018) as well as numerous articles on slavery in the New Testament. Dr. Shaner is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and regularly preaches and teaches in churches around the United States. In her free time, Katherine enjoys hiking in the mountains, reading historical fiction, cooking dinner for friends and spending time with snuggly dogs. Rob Heaton (Ph.D., University of Denver, 2019) hosts Biblical Studies conversations for New Books in Religion and teaches New Testament, Christian origins, and early Christianity at Anderson University in Indiana. He recently authored The Shepherd of Hermas as Scriptura Non Grata: From Popularity in Early Christianity to Exclusion from the New Testament Canon (Lexington Books, 2023). For more about Rob and his work, or to offer feedback related to this episode, please visit his website at https://www.robheaton.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

The institution of slavery permeated the ancient world, such that the realities of slavery and its long shadows pervade the New Testament and other early Christian texts. Yet enslavement remains an under-taught aspect of the context of the New Testament and early Christianity, leaving pastors, laypersons, and neophyte college students alike to fill knowledge gaps about enslaved persons, enslavers, living and laboring conditions, and much more with partial information, assumptions, or a range of highly technical and specialized monographs.  Ancient Slavery and Its New Testament Contexts (Eerdmans, 2025), co-edited by Christy Cobb and Katherine A. Shaner, takes on these issues, introducing readers to the textures, complexities, and material realities of slavery in the Greco-Roman world. International scholars with a range of expertise, from New Testament and early Christian studies to classics, theology, ethics, and more, contribute to a tapestry of introductory themes, topics, and interpretive frameworks with a wealth of literary, inscriptional, pictorial, and theoretical evidence from the material culture of Roman antiquity in this significant volume. Dr. Cobb and Dr. Shaner joined the New Books Network to initiate important conversations that they hope will continue in religious studies classrooms, schools of theology and divinity, and local church small group settings. Christy Cobb (Ph.D., Drew University, 2016) is Associate Professor of Christianity at the University of Denver. She is the author of Slavery, Gender, Truth and Power in Luke-Acts and Other Ancient Narratives (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019) and has also co-edited a volume entitled Sex, Violence, and Early Christian Texts (Lexington Books, 2022). Dr. Cobb is also a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion, and her research and teaching interests include slavery, gender, sexuality, Acts, and Apocryphal Acts. In her recreational time, Christy enjoys reading novels, crafts, and spending time with her nine-year-old son in Denver. Katherine A. Shaner (Th.D., Harvard University Divinity School, 2012) is Associate Professor of New Testament at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity. She is the author of Enslaved Leadership in Early Christianity (Oxford University Press, 2018) as well as numerous articles on slavery in the New Testament. Dr. Shaner is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and regularly preaches and teaches in churches around the United States. In her free time, Katherine enjoys hiking in the mountains, reading historical fiction, cooking dinner for friends and spending time with snuggly dogs. Rob Heaton (Ph.D., University of Denver, 2019) hosts Biblical Studies conversations for New Books in Religion and teaches New Testament, Christian origins, and early Christianity at Anderson University in Indiana. He recently authored The Shepherd of Hermas as Scriptura Non Grata: From Popularity in Early Christianity to Exclusion from the New Testament Canon (Lexington Books, 2023). For more about Rob and his work, or to offer feedback related to this episode, please visit his website at https://www.robheaton.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

The institution of slavery permeated the ancient world, such that the realities of slavery and its long shadows pervade the New Testament and other early Christian texts. Yet enslavement remains an under-taught aspect of the context of the New Testament and early Christianity, leaving pastors, laypersons, and neophyte college students alike to fill knowledge gaps about enslaved persons, enslavers, living and laboring conditions, and much more with partial information, assumptions, or a range of highly technical and specialized monographs.  Ancient Slavery and Its New Testament Contexts (Eerdmans, 2025), co-edited by Christy Cobb and Katherine A. Shaner, takes on these issues, introducing readers to the textures, complexities, and material realities of slavery in the Greco-Roman world. International scholars with a range of expertise, from New Testament and early Christian studies to classics, theology, ethics, and more, contribute to a tapestry of introductory themes, topics, and interpretive frameworks with a wealth of literary, inscriptional, pictorial, and theoretical evidence from the material culture of Roman antiquity in this significant volume. Dr. Cobb and Dr. Shaner joined the New Books Network to initiate important conversations that they hope will continue in religious studies classrooms, schools of theology and divinity, and local church small group settings. Christy Cobb (Ph.D., Drew University, 2016) is Associate Professor of Christianity at the University of Denver. She is the author of Slavery, Gender, Truth and Power in Luke-Acts and Other Ancient Narratives (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019) and has also co-edited a volume entitled Sex, Violence, and Early Christian Texts (Lexington Books, 2022). Dr. Cobb is also a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion, and her research and teaching interests include slavery, gender, sexuality, Acts, and Apocryphal Acts. In her recreational time, Christy enjoys reading novels, crafts, and spending time with her nine-year-old son in Denver. Katherine A. Shaner (Th.D., Harvard University Divinity School, 2012) is Associate Professor of New Testament at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity. She is the author of Enslaved Leadership in Early Christianity (Oxford University Press, 2018) as well as numerous articles on slavery in the New Testament. Dr. Shaner is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and regularly preaches and teaches in churches around the United States. In her free time, Katherine enjoys hiking in the mountains, reading historical fiction, cooking dinner for friends and spending time with snuggly dogs. Rob Heaton (Ph.D., University of Denver, 2019) hosts Biblical Studies conversations for New Books in Religion and teaches New Testament, Christian origins, and early Christianity at Anderson University in Indiana. He recently authored The Shepherd of Hermas as Scriptura Non Grata: From Popularity in Early Christianity to Exclusion from the New Testament Canon (Lexington Books, 2023). For more about Rob and his work, or to offer feedback related to this episode, please visit his website at https://www.robheaton.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biblical-studies

What if God was one of us? Being Catholic is chic. Peter the Roman for Francis 2.0 Nobody wants to die for Starmer. Greenery, wokery and quackery. Will Trump walk a way from Ukraine deal? All this coming up on the mother of all talk shows.Bishop Dr. Munib Younan joins Moats to discuss Gaza and the death of the Pope.Bursting the fictional bubble. Trump and we're done. Europe can't fill the military vacuum, says Col Dan Davis.Niko House returns to Moats to discuss the latest news emanating from the mess that is the United States and the failed attempt on the life of Burkina Faso on late Monday after  Captain Ibrahim Traore confirmed the attempted assault on the presidency.The West African has been run since September 2022 by military leaders following a coup headed by Captain Ibrahim TraoreCol. Daniel L Davis: Retired United States Army Officer and Analyst of United States Foreign Policy- Twitter:https://x.com/danielldavis1  @DanielDavisDeepDive  Bishop Dr. Munib Younan: Palestinian Bishop Emeritus of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy LandNiko House: Political Commentator and Founder of MCSC Network- Twitter: https://twitter.com/realnikohouse- Instagram: https://instagram.com/realnikohouse- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikoforthepeople- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MCSCNetworkWNikoHouse- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realnikohouse- Telegram: https://t.me/nikohousert Become a MOATS Graduate at https://plus.acast.com/s/moatswithgorgegalloway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tiffany Coker and Pastor Jeff Cranston sit down to recap key takeaways from their two-part conversation with Pastor Erik Janke of May River Lutheran Church. From Martin Luther's original teachings to the three major Lutheran denominations in the U.S., they explore the key doctrines, worship practices, and theological distinctives that shape the Lutheran tradition today.

As David goes past the Mount of Olives, Ziba, a servant of Saul's house, comes and offers David help while claiming the house of Saul intends to retake the throne. Unable to investigate the matter fully, David receives the needed aid. As the king continues to flee, another member of Saul's house curses David. The king refuses to return violence or take vengeance, but instead he receives it as the LORD's chastisement and waits for the LORD's deliverance. Meanwhile in Jerusalem, the LORD's Word concerning judgment for David's sin comes to pass as Absalom violates his father's concubines after receiving treacherous advice.  Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 16:1-23.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

This special episode of Walk Talk Listen explores the vital intersection of faith, gender justice, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Maurice is joined by three inspiring guests behind the new report 30 Years On: Faith in the ICPD Programme of Action: Rev. Dr. Elaine Neuenfeldt, Global Gender Justice Programme Manager at ACT Alliance and a theologian with deep expertise in feminist theology, faith-based advocacy, and inclusive organizational change. Dr. Paul Z. Mmbando, Medical Doctor and Director of Health and Diakonia Programs at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), with regional and global leadership in SRHR and public health. Dr. Nora Khalaf-Elledge, a gender expert and religious feminist with a PhD in Gender, Religion and Development, currently chairing the Gender-Based Violence and Faith Working Group at the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI). Together, they reflect on how faith actors across diverse traditions have consistently shown up for justice over the past 30 years, advocating for SRHR, countering backlash, and embodying love through action. Themes explored include: The unique role of faith actors in community-rooted SRHR efforts Multi-faith collaboration in policy and advocacy Faith, ethics, and feminist theological frameworks for gender justice What gives each guest hope—and what “duckie” they've had to put down to grow Listen in for a deeply moving and timely conversation on faith and justice. Stay tuned for the report release—coming soon via ACT Alliance and JLI.   Listener Engagement: Discover more about ACT Alliance via their Website. Check their Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube as well. Share your thoughts on this episode via walktalklisten. Your feedback is invaluable to us. Although we didn't ask a music question during this episode, please do explore the songs selected by previous guests on our #walktalklisten playlist here. Follow Us: Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast and Maurice by liking and following Maurice on Blue Sky, Facebook and Instagram. Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives. Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All," featuring Church World Service (CWS) and the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).

Did you know the biblical authors used cultural references in their inspired writings? From Greek poets to Jewish folklore, the apostles Paul and Jude make some surprising references. Are they just using familiar stories to make a point? Or are they giving those stories some kind of authority? And what does it mean for how we use fiction, folklore, or pop culture in sermons and teaching today?  The Rev. Jacob Benson, pastor of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lovell, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss cultural references in the Bible.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Today, we're talking with local Christians about what Lent is and what it means to them.Guests: Father Jarrod Russell, Greek Orthodox priest Nadine Choufani, Parishioner, St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Mission Pastor Liza Hawkins, Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Lindsey Krinks, Street Chaplain and activist Tewodros Manaye, Member, Ethiopian Orthodox Church This episode was produced by Tasha A.F. Lemley, Rachel Iacovone and Katherine Ceicys.

Rev. Lamont Anthony Wells is the Executive Director of the Network of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Colleges and Universities and the President of the African Descent Lutheran Association.

Join host Tara Lamont Eastman as she reflects on Valentine's Day and its origins, sharing a delightful story about her encounter with St. Valentine's legacy. Discover the creative journey of Reverend Evon Lloyd, a retired Presbyterian clergywoman who embraced art therapy and created Shama Beata, a character symbolizing healing and blessing. Learn about Evon's crocheted doll creations and their meaningful impact on recipients. This episode encourages embracing creativity, love, and new life, inviting listeners to engage with their unique creative expressions for personal growth and spreading love in the world.Send Tara a Text MessageFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth. Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showPastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Delve into the rich history, legends, and influence of Saint Brigid, a pivotal figure in Celtic tradition known for her generosity, hospitality, and miraculous acts. From receiving a Saint Brigid medal created by the artist Hank Schlau to encountering Brigid in unexpected places, Tara shares personal anecdotes and historical accounts that highlight Brigid's impact on Irish art, education, and spirituality. This episode features excerpts from the Celtic Daily Prayer, stories of Brigid's legendary acts, and Brigid-themed blessings, offering a reflection on the saint's call to 'reckless welcome' and the ongoing relevance of her legacy in today's world. Perfect for anyone curious about Celtic traditions or seeking spiritual inspiration.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showPastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

When it comes to confessional subscription, it is important to know our history and understand the terminology that is used. Throughout the history of our country, Lutherans have asked the question, “What does it mean to be Lutheran in America?” The predecessors of the current Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) viewed the Augsburg Confession as being fully sufficient to answer this question. The Lutheran Church Missouri—Synod (LCMS), on the other hand, has centered on the entire Book of Concord, as it is in accord with God's Word. These differences do have implications for theological integrity and understanding our need for a clear conscience in Christ, which is why we cling to the clarity that the Lutheran Confessions provide for us and continue to seek unity by His Word alone. Rev. Dr. Mark Granquist, Professor of the History of Christianity at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to discuss the history of confessional subscription in American Lutheranism and the current view of the ELCA. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org. 

Celebrate Reconciling in Christ Sunday with All Places Together! Dillon Swanson, organist and queer theologian, shares the impact that an RIC campus ministry had on him and reflects with Pastor Colleen about what it means to be a Resilient Community. –All Places Together (APT) is a non-geographic community, based in Virginia. APT seeks to gather individuals who are searching for God in the wilderness of life, individuals who deeply want to connect to something beyond themselves, and individuals who believe the love of Jesus is embodied in all of God's diverse creation.Thank you to our Mission partners: Virginia Synod (www.vasynod.org) and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (www.elca.org).To give to All Places Together, visit our website: http://www.allplacestogether.org/ Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the button “Give to All Places Together.” This will take you to the APT giving page. Enter your contribution amount to the basket and follow the instructions to check out!

Tara ponders the sacred art of imagination and innovation in everyday life. Reflecting on her new pastoral role and Jesus's teachings, Tara highlights the importance of encouragement and community partnerships, drawing parallels to historical figures like Ada Lovelace, Rosa Parks, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This episode emphasizes the transformative power of imagination and encourages listeners to undertake new ventures with creativity and love. Concluding with a poem from Rumi, Tara invites us all to turn water into wine and to embrace life's sacred, yet unpredictable, spiritual adventure.A note on this episode from Tara..."In honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Day, this weeks episode of Holy Shenanigans Podcast focuses on the power of encouragement and creativity; in efforts to do a new thing. King said this about creativity… “Not ordinarily do men (people) achieve this balance of opposites…But life at its best is a creative synthesis of opposites in fruitful harmony.”Have you experienced creativity and encouragement as tools to foster new ideas? What happened? "In grace and good trouble,Tara#encouragement #MLK #creativitySend Tara a Text MessageSupport the showPastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

We have a new submission from our outtakes reel, just in time for a new year. Enjoy! –All Places Together (APT) is a non-geographic community, based in Virginia. APT seeks to gather individuals who are searching for God in the wilderness of life, individuals who deeply want to connect to something beyond themselves, and individuals who believe the love of Jesus is embodied in all of God's diverse creation.Thank you to our Mission partners: Virginia Synod (www.vasynod.org) and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (www.elca.org).To give to All Places Together, visit our website: http://www.allplacestogether.org/ Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the button “Give to All Places Together.” This will take you to the APT giving page. Enter your contribution amount to the basket and follow the instructions to check out!

Join Tara as she explores the significance of Epiphany and the journey of the Magi. In this episode, Tara discusses traditions like chalking the door and the importance of choosing a "star word" to guide you through the new year with courage, wisdom, and grace. Learn how small actions of good can light up your path in 2025.To try "Chalking the Door" at home, you can use this liturgy from Sundays and Seasons: GreetingMay peace be to this house and to all who enter here. By wisdom a house is built and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. (Proverbs 24:3-4) ReadingAs we prepare to ask God's blessing on this household, let us listen to the words of scripture.In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being, and the life was the light of all people. The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (John 1:1-4, 14, 16) InscriptionThis inscription may be made with chalk above the entrance:20 ☩ C + M +  B ☩ 25Write the appropriate character (left) while speaking the text (right).The magi of old, known asC Caspar,M Melchior, andB Balthasar,followed the star of God's Son who came to dwell among us20 two thousand25 and twenty two years ago.☩ Christ, bless this house,☩ and remain with us throughout the new year. Prayer of BlessingO God, you revealed your Son to all people by the shining light of a star. We pray that you bless this home and all who live herewith your gracious presence. May your love be our inspiration, your wisdom our guide, your truth our light, and your peace our benediction; through Christ our Lord. Amen.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showPastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

In this special Christmastide episode, Tara reflects on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love that have been unwrapped throughout Advent, and shares how the message of Christmas continues to inspire daily life. She is joined for an insightful conversation with Reverend Dr. Lisa Cressman, founder of Backstory Preaching. This episode delves into the transformative power of connecting spirituality with preaching. Additionally, the episode includes heartwarming holiday greetings from various guests and a special Christmas blessing in the form of a poem. Join us as we discover how to keep the spirit of Christmas alive all year round!Thanks to the following special guests for sharing Holiday Greetings:Rev. Dr Eileen Campbell ReedRev. Ruth HetlandRev. Dr. Katy StintaTim Kerr (Wildgoose Festival)Rev. Dr. Stephen and Rebecca GrabillRev. Dr. Lisa Crossman, Backstory Preaching Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showPastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara reflects on the theme of love, sharing personal stories and encouraging listeners to connect meaningfully with others through acts of kindness. Discover how a childhood memory of olives on a relish tray transformed into enduring acts of love and friendship. Delve into the Gospel of Luke, embrace your love language, and learn how to spread love through simple, heartfelt actions this holiday season.Listen to our Advent Playlist HERESend Tara a Text MessageSupport the showPastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Jon summarizes some of the significant Christian organization and denominational news including whether Our Daily Bread has gone "woke," how the Evangelical Theological Society continues to beat the social justice drum, Christianity Today on Daniel Penny, the Church of the Nazarene and the climate change cult, Pope Francis keeps pushing things Left, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church decided to jump orthodoxy altogether. To Support the Podcast: https://www.worldviewconversation.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/worldviewconversationFollow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldviewconversation/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tara delves into the theme of joy for the third week of Advent. She reflects on the life and legacy of her family friend, Pat, known for his exuberant joy even amidst personal struggles like his MS diagnosis. Tara shares personal anecdotes, encouraging listeners to embrace joy in everyday life, and offers practical steps to invite joy throughout the holiday season. The episode concludes with evocative questions, a poem personifying joy, and actionable suggestions to spread joy and reconnect with loved ones.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showPastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Send us a textGod made each of us for an abundant life, but that isn't the world we live in. To strive for an abundance of life for all people is to actively take up your faith and civic responsibility!In this episode, Bishop Wright has a conversation with The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop of The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. They discuss the essential role of unity among Christian denominations and through shared partnership we can amplify our call to seek justice for marginalized voices. Bishop Eaton also shares personal reflections, insights on maintaining faith amidst setback, and how Lutherans are mobilizing people to vote in the upcoming election. Listen in for the full conversation.The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton was reelected to serve a second six-year term as ELCA presiding bishop at the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Eaton is the ELCA's fourth presiding bishop and was first elected at the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.Eaton's four emphases for the ELCA are: We are church; We are Lutheran; We are church together; We are church for the sake of the world. These four emphases are fundamental to identifying who the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is.Eaton's husband is the Rev. T. Conrad Selnick, an Episcopal priest. They are parents of two adult children, Rebeckah and Susannah.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

Pr. Hans Fiene of Lutheran Satire Lutheran Satire The post 2892. A CBS Interview with a Transgender Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – Pr. Hans Fiene, 10/15/24 first appeared on Issues, Etc..