Podcasts about first umc

Join Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany as they kick off Season 3 with a fresh conversation series: “What We Really Mean When We Talk About …” Each week, the female pastors of First UMC of San Diego will be looking at different aspects of the Christian faith and breaking it down using a progressive theological lens. For this first conversation, they’re talking about the image of God, suggesting that instead of using the label “omnipotent” it would be more accurate to use the label “empowering”. It’s an interesting topic that uncovers the real challenge of describing God due to our personal biases, cultures, and language. They muse that humans tend to label and mislabel God in a way that boxes God in and diminishes its full complexity. As they move through the conversation, they discuss the various labels and images of God that irk them, talk about how they experience and see God, and end with the question of: What understanding of God is needed for the future? It’s a rich, complex topic that has so much to explore. We invite you to continue the conversation by our weekly in-person Convergence discussion group or heading over to our Patreon channel to discuss the following questions with others: What childhood image of God still helps you in your faith? Are there questions of faith that might be resolved if you had a different image of God? What image of God would you suggest for people to embrace for the future? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There is also an optional paid membership that unlocks additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

Join Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany as they kick off Season 3 with a fresh conversation series: “What We Really Mean When We Talk About …” Each week, the female pastors of First UMC of San Diego will be looking at different aspects of the Christian faith and breaking it down using a progressive theological lens. For this first conversation, they’re talking about the image of God, suggesting that instead of using the label “omnipotent” it would be more accurate to use the label “empowering”. It’s an interesting topic that uncovers the real challenge of describing God due to our personal biases, cultures, and language. They muse that humans tend to label and mislabel God in a way that boxes God in and diminishes its full complexity. As they move through the conversation, they discuss the various labels and images of God that irk them, talk about how they experience and see God, and end with the question of: What understanding of God is needed for the future? It’s a rich, complex topic that has so much to explore. We invite you to continue the conversation by our weekly in-person Convergence discussion group or heading over to our Patreon channel to discuss the following questions with others: What childhood image of God still helps you in your faith? Are there questions of faith that might be resolved if you had a different image of God? What image of God would you suggest for people to embrace for the future? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There is also an optional paid membership that unlocks additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

Join Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany as they wrap up Season 2 of our digital Bible study podcast by leaning into Hebrews 13 to talk about courage and its connection to radical hospitality. The two female pastors of First UMC of San Diego discuss the complicated history behind the New Testament book of Hebrews. It’s scripture written to the early church at a time where Jewish Christians living within the Roman empire faced immense persecution. As a religious sect, they had no favors or freedom allowed by the government. So, the text was written to build a bridge between the traditions of old and to create continuity as they explored this new religion. With that history in mind, the Reverends look at the concept of hospitality and when and why it takes courage to continue to act. The conversation includes concepts of: Welcoming those on the edges of society Needing to view hospitality as a spiritual gift and act of service Why having a lack of resources shouldn’t curtail our ability to act Why hospitality can be a matter of life or death How churches and faith communities can take the charge in modeling courageous hospitality The scripture and topic have so many themes to explore. You can keep the conversation going by joining our weekly in-person Convergence discussion group or heading over to our Patreon channel to discuss the following questions with others: Have you ever ignored a nudge from God to help someone? What held you back? What fears or anxieties make it difficult for you to care boldly for others? Is there something God is asking you to give or do for others that would require real sacrifice? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There is also an optional paid membership that unlocks additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

Join Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany as they wrap up Season 2 of our digital Bible study podcast by leaning into Hebrews 13 to talk about courage and its connection to radical hospitality. The two female pastors of First UMC of San Diego discuss the complicated history behind the New Testament book of Hebrews. It’s scripture written to the early church at a time where Jewish Christians living within the Roman empire faced immense persecution. As a religious sect, they had no favors or freedom allowed by the government. So, the text was written to build a bridge between the traditions of old and to create continuity as they explored this new religion. With that history in mind, the Reverends look at the concept of hospitality and when and why it takes courage to continue to act. The conversation includes concepts of: Welcoming those on the edges of society Needing to view hospitality as a spiritual gift and act of service Why having a lack of resources shouldn’t curtail our ability to act Why hospitality can be a matter of life or death How churches and faith communities can take the charge in modeling courageous hospitality The scripture and topic have so many themes to explore. You can keep the conversation going by joining our weekly in-person Convergence discussion group or heading over to our Patreon channel to discuss the following questions with others: Have you ever ignored a nudge from God to help someone? What held you back? What fears or anxieties make it difficult for you to care boldly for others? Is there something God is asking you to give or do for others that would require real sacrifice? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There is also an optional paid membership that unlocks additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

Pastor Katie visits with Laurie Bailey about her various roles and projects with First UMC.

This week on Perspectives podcast, the conversation on The Christ-Like Journey continues, this time examining how it comes with being misunderstood. Rev. Brittany leads the digital Bible study and is joined by Meghan Claussen, Communications Director of First UMC of San Diego, who is charged with digital evangelism and has seen first-hand how pursuing and voicing divine justice often receives a response of disbelief, skepticism, and misunderstanding. The conversation is inspired by Mark 15:1-5, the passage of the gospel where Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate under accusations of sedition, an offense that was punishable by death. But instead of arguing his case, Jesus responds with silence. A response that was astonishing to Pilate and would be even more unbelievable today. The two women break it down to examine how individuals and churches can use Jesus’ ministry example when challenged by naysayers and skeptics. You can keep the conversation going by joining our weekly in-person Convergence discussion group or heading over to our Patreon channel to discuss the following questions with others: What's a common misconception people have about you? If someone misunderstood something you said or did, would you rather explain or let it go? How do you react when someone misjudges your intentions? Have you ever misunderstood someone else and only realized it later? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There is also an optional paid membership that unlocks additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

This week on Perspectives podcast, the conversation on The Christ-Like Journey continues, this time examining how it comes with being misunderstood. Rev. Brittany leads the digital Bible study and is joined by Meghan Claussen, Communications Director of First UMC of San Diego, who is charged with digital evangelism and has seen first-hand how pursuing and voicing divine justice often receives a response of disbelief, skepticism, and misunderstanding. The conversation is inspired by Mark 15:1-5, the passage of the gospel where Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate under accusations of sedition, an offense that was punishable by death. But instead of arguing his case, Jesus responds with silence. A response that was astonishing to Pilate and would be even more unbelievable today. The two women break it down to examine how individuals and churches can use Jesus’ ministry example when challenged by naysayers and skeptics. You can keep the conversation going by joining our weekly in-person Convergence discussion group or heading over to our Patreon channel to discuss the following questions with others: What's a common misconception people have about you? If someone misunderstood something you said or did, would you rather explain or let it go? How do you react when someone misjudges your intentions? Have you ever misunderstood someone else and only realized it later? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There is also an optional paid membership that unlocks additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

In this week’s digital Bible Study, Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany continue to explore the costs and risks of following Jesus, this time by examining Luke 17:11-19, the story of Jesus venturing into the borderlands to touch (and heal) unwell people. Their in-depth and insightful conversation uncovers the risks we must all take to travel to, see, interact with, and touch those on the margins to help them access what they need to live a full and healthy life. As well as the risks we must take in order to be touched by others to change our lives for the better. The two female pastors of First UMC of San Diego have a lot to say, breaking down: What is means to live in the borderlands The real risks that Jesus and those who had contracted leprosy were willing to take for the healing story Modern-day examples of outcasts and marginalized living in borderlands and constructing their own society Our modern misunderstanding of “healings” and unwillingness to do the hard work to be part of the healing And that’s just the beginning of the wisdom that’s available to unpack! You can keep the conversation going by joining our weekly in-person Convergence discussion group or heading over to our Patreon channel to discuss the following questions with others: When do you feel like you’re in the borderland? In what ways do you get in the way of your own healing? Do you say thank you enough? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There are also two additional membership levels that allow you to unlock additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

In this week’s digital Bible Study, Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany continue to explore the costs and risks of following Jesus, this time by examining Luke 17:11-19, the story of Jesus venturing into the borderlands to touch (and heal) unwell people. Their in-depth and insightful conversation uncovers the risks we must all take to travel to, see, interact with, and touch those on the margins to help them access what they need to live a full and healthy life. As well as the risks we must take in order to be touched by others to change our lives for the better. The two female pastors of First UMC of San Diego have a lot to say, breaking down: What is means to live in the borderlands The real risks that Jesus and those who had contracted leprosy were willing to take for the healing story Modern-day examples of outcasts and marginalized living in borderlands and constructing their own society Our modern misunderstanding of “healings” and unwillingness to do the hard work to be part of the healing And that’s just the beginning of the wisdom that’s available to unpack! You can keep the conversation going by joining our weekly in-person Convergence discussion group or heading over to our Patreon channel to discuss the following questions with others: When do you feel like you’re in the borderland? In what ways do you get in the way of your own healing? Do you say thank you enough? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There are also two additional membership levels that allow you to unlock additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

This week, Rev. Trudy and Rev. Hannah of First UMC of San Diego wrap up their current digital bible study conversation about the various forms of faith and how they may help us resolve heavy emotions that are running high for so many of us these days. Their focus in this conversation is weariness, as inspired by Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30. Ultimately asking: Have we made being a Christian too hard? The female pastors look closely at what actions truly make us a disciple of Christ, removing the unnecessary elements so you can be a Christian no matter where you’re at in life: love God, love your neighbor, and love yourself. They ask what sharing the yoke with Jesus means and looks like, as well as: How do we find rest without neglecting duties? How does distraction affect our energy? Is it more important to have learned knowledge or intuitive knowledge when it comes to knowing and experiencing God? It’s an interesting conversation that examines a wide range of topics. You can keep the conversation going by joining our weekly in-person Convergence discussion group or heading over to our Patreon channel to discuss the following questions with others: What distracts you from faith? Do you think the yoke of Jesus is easy? Why or why not? What would true spiritual rest look like for you? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There are also two additional membership levels that allow you to unlock additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

This week, Rev. Trudy and Rev. Hannah of First UMC of San Diego wrap up their current digital bible study conversation about the various forms of faith and how they may help us resolve heavy emotions that are running high for so many of us these days. Their focus in this conversation is weariness, as inspired by Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30. Ultimately asking: Have we made being a Christian too hard? The female pastors look closely at what actions truly make us a disciple of Christ, removing the unnecessary elements so you can be a Christian no matter where you’re at in life: love God, love your neighbor, and love yourself. They ask what sharing the yoke with Jesus means and looks like, as well as: How do we find rest without neglecting duties? How does distraction affect our energy? Is it more important to have learned knowledge or intuitive knowledge when it comes to knowing and experiencing God? It’s an interesting conversation that examines a wide range of topics. You can keep the conversation going by joining our weekly in-person Convergence discussion group or heading over to our Patreon channel to discuss the following questions with others: What distracts you from faith? Do you think the yoke of Jesus is easy? Why or why not? What would true spiritual rest look like for you? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There are also two additional membership levels that allow you to unlock additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

This week our NEW Associate Pastor debuts with a message about his favorite scripture and shares his journey that led him to First UMC. Come be reminded of Jesus' call to go and make disciples and welcome our new Pastor Wesley.

"Ever feel like life comes with too much fine print?

In this week’s digital Bible study, Rev. Hannah and Rev. Brittany of First UMC of San Diego do a deep dive into Pentecost and the Holy Spirit, inspired by Acts 2. While many Christians identify the Holy Spirit with fire, these two female pastors lean into the wind imagery of the passage, looking at what happens when the “Winds” speak. It’s a Perspectives Pastors Podcast conversation that goes both wide and deep, analyzing: Why we often question when new ways of life are introduced at church and other deeply established institutions. How the Holy Spirit can be seen as the great equalizer – falling upon all peoples and embolden them to do something new and different. Questioning why “-isms” such as ageism, ableism, racism, classism, and capitalism still exists if God’s love knows no bounds through the Holy Spirit. How we perceive sin as being personal immorality instead of misaligned relationships. There is so much to explore about Pentecost and the Holy Spirit! While this episode covers a lot – it really is just the beginning of the topic. You can keep the conversation going by joining our weekly in-person Convergence discussion group or heading over to our Patreon channel to discuss the following questions with others: How have you encountered the Holy Spirit in your life or community? Can you share an experience where being part of a group made you feel connected or inspired? How is community strengthened by diversity? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There are also two additional membership levels that allow you to unlock additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

In this week’s digital Bible study, Rev. Hannah and Rev. Brittany of First UMC of San Diego do a deep dive into Pentecost and the Holy Spirit, inspired by Acts 2. While many Christians identify the Holy Spirit with fire, these two female pastors lean into the wind imagery of the passage, looking at what happens when the “Winds” speak. It’s a Perspectives Pastors Podcast conversation that goes both wide and deep, analyzing: Why we often question when new ways of life are introduced at church and other deeply established institutions. How the Holy Spirit can be seen as the great equalizer – falling upon all peoples and embolden them to do something new and different. Questioning why “-isms” such as ageism, ableism, racism, classism, and capitalism still exists if God’s love knows no bounds through the Holy Spirit. How we perceive sin as being personal immorality instead of misaligned relationships. There is so much to explore about Pentecost and the Holy Spirit! While this episode covers a lot – it really is just the beginning of the topic. You can keep the conversation going by joining our weekly in-person Convergence discussion group or heading over to our Patreon channel to discuss the following questions with others: How have you encountered the Holy Spirit in your life or community? Can you share an experience where being part of a group made you feel connected or inspired? How is community strengthened by diversity? Our Patreon community is open to all – no matter where you align in your spiritual beliefs. It’s free to join and connect over the weekly episode questions. There are also two additional membership levels that allow you to unlock additional content. Check it out at https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd!

This edition of the Means of Grace features a conversation with Rev. Joel Simpson, pastor of First UMC in Taylorsville, NC.  Joel has a heart for justice and the poor and marginalized. In May 2025, Joel, Shane Claiborne, and three other faith activists were arrested while protesting the GOP budget bill.    In April 2022, Joel, along with Shane Claiborne, led participants through the stations of the cross.  The stations included images that portrayed the execution of Jesus as painted by men awaiting their own execution of Tennessee's death row.  We talk about how that came about and how Joel and the church engage in justice ministries.    Show notes: Joel Simpson email to connect with him: jsimpson@wnccumc.net Holy Week exhibit: Are We Continuing to Execute Jesus? WNC United Methodists Grapple with the Death Penalty During Holy Week (wnccumc.org)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Poor People's Campaign: Poor People's Campaign – A National Call for Moral Revival (poorpeoplescampaign.org) Shane Claiborne : shane claiborne 957 mobile café - Home (957mobilecafe.org) Equal Justice Initiative Home (eji.org) advocates for criminal justice reform and racial justice. General Board of Church and Society GBCS Home • GBCS (umcjustice.org) Dontae Sharpe documentary: BBC News Channel - Justice Delayed

What do you do when life falls apart? When grief, sin, fear, and death seem to have the final word?In this unforgettable Easter message, Pastor Mark Reynolds explores the powerful hope of the resurrection and what it means for real people facing real pain.From the brokenness of Good Friday to the victory of Easter morning, this sermon proclaims the core truth of Christian faith: the worst thing is never the last thing. Through vivid storytelling, powerful biblical teaching, and the image of Kintsugi—the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold—this message will help you see how God can take your deepest wounds and transform them into a new kind of beauty.✝️ In this message, you'll discover: • How love triumphs over hate• How joy overcomes grief• How forgiveness defeats sin• How life prevails over death• How resurrection isn't just a past event—but your present calling and future hopeIf you've ever felt broken, ashamed, or without hope—this message is for you.

This week's prayer of examen focuses on the vice of envy. New to the prayer of examen? If you are unfamiliar with prayers of examen, First UMC staff member, Sarah McGinnis, has a video that will walk you through the structure and intention behind this prayer practice. Watch it here. If you want to receive these podcast episodes or a written guide of the prayers in your email, please sign up for our daily devotion email.

This week our prayer of examen focuses on the vice of pride. New to the prayer of examen? If you are unfamiliar with prayers of examen, First UMC staff member, Sarah McGinnis, has a video that will walk you through the structure and intention behind this prayer practice. Watch it here. If you want to receive these podcast episodes or a written guide of the prayers in your email, please sign up for our daily devotion email.

This week's prayer of examen focuses on the vice of gluttony. New to the prayer of examen? If you are unfamiliar with prayers of examen, First UMC staff member, Sarah McGinnis, has a video that will walk you through the structure and intention behind this prayer practice. Watch it here. If you want to receive these podcast episodes or a written guide of the prayers in your email, please sign up for our daily devotion email.

This week's prayer of examen focuses on the vice of greed. New to the prayer of examen? If you are unfamiliar with prayers of examen, First UMC staff member, Sarah McGinnis, has a video that will walk you through the structure and intention behind this prayer practice. Watch it here. If you want to receive these podcast episodes or a written guide of the prayers in your email, please sign up for our daily devotion email.

This week's prayer of examen focusing on the vice of wrath or anger.  New to the prayer of examen? If you are unfamiliar with prayers of examen, First UMC staff member, Sarah McGinnis, has a video that will walk you through the structure and intention behind this prayer practice. Watch it here. If you want to receive these podcast episodes or a written guide of the prayers in your email, please sign up for our daily devotion email.

Pastor Katie talks about upcoming events in the church including Women's Night Out and a rummage sale with all proceeds going to the Good Samaritan Fund put on by First UMC's Bibles and Brews.

This week's prayer of examen focuses on the vice of sloth or acedia--the refusal to respond to opportunities for service, growth, and sacrifice offered by God.  New to the prayer of examen? If you are unfamiliar with prayers of examen, First UMC staff member, Sarah McGinnis, has a video that will walk you through the structure and intention behind this prayer practice. Watch it here. If you want to receive these podcast episodes or a written guide of the prayers in your email, please sign up for our daily devotion email.

Join Rev. Trudy and Rev. Hannah of First UMC of San Diego as they kick off a new series of conversations through the Perspectives Pastors Podcast digital Bible study. This multi-episode discussion will take us through the season of Lent by looking at some of our favorite Biblical stories of faith to help us connect with our personal spiritual stories. For the first week, they’re talking about The Story of Proximity, looking to Mark 5:25-34 and the story of the hemorrhaging woman. During the conversation, they dive into: The Gospel of Mark’s technique of sandwiching Jesus’ stories – amplifying a theme while mixing the Jewish traditions with the breaking of the Jewish laws. The significance of the number 12 in this and other Old and New Testament stories. The theme of power that appears in Mark 5, and how it breaks gender and religious barriers. The theme of proximity and what it means for how we meet with the Divine. It’s an interesting conversation with a lot of threads to explore. If you’d like to discuss the themes of this podcast episode with others, we invite you to join our in-person Convergence discussion group or our online Patreon group as you ponder the following discussion questions: Where does your power come from? When have you been empowered to do something risky for good? What can you do to be closer in proximity to God? As a bonus: We have additional spiritual growth opportunities during this Lenten season! Visit us at fumcsd.org/lent to learn more. What is Patreon? Our online community has started to grow, so we’ve launched a Patreon channel! Located at Patreon.com/fumcsd, it’s a place where you can discuss the ideas from each episode, access some additional resources, and help support our digital ministry. When you become a free member, you’ll unlock the ability to discuss answers posed in each week’s podcast episode. There is also an option to unlock some extras by becoming a paid supporter at $5 or $10 per month.

Join Rev. Trudy and Rev. Hannah of First UMC of San Diego as they kick off a new series of conversations through the Perspectives Pastors Podcast digital Bible study. This multi-episode discussion will take us through the season of Lent by looking at some of our favorite Biblical stories of faith to help us connect with our personal spiritual stories. For the first week, they’re talking about The Story of Proximity, looking to Mark 5:25-34 and the story of the hemorrhaging woman. During the conversation, they dive into: The Gospel of Mark’s technique of sandwiching Jesus’ stories – amplifying a theme while mixing the Jewish traditions with the breaking of the Jewish laws. The significance of the number 12 in this and other Old and New Testament stories. The theme of power that appears in Mark 5, and how it breaks gender and religious barriers. The theme of proximity and what it means for how we meet with the Divine. It’s an interesting conversation with a lot of threads to explore. If you’d like to discuss the themes of this podcast episode with others, we invite you to join our in-person Convergence discussion group or our online Patreon group as you ponder the following discussion questions: Where does your power come from? When have you been empowered to do something risky for good? What can you do to be closer in proximity to God? As a bonus: We have additional spiritual growth opportunities during this Lenten season! Visit us at fumcsd.org/lent to learn more. What is Patreon? Our online community has started to grow, so we’ve launched a Patreon channel! Located at Patreon.com/fumcsd, it’s a place where you can discuss the ideas from each episode, access some additional resources, and help support our digital ministry. When you become a free member, you’ll unlock the ability to discuss answers posed in each week’s podcast episode. There is also an option to unlock some extras by becoming a paid supporter at $5 or $10 per month.

New to the Prayer of Examen? If you're unfamiliar with the Prayer of Examen, First UMC staff member Sarah McGinnis has created a video to guide you through its structure and purpose. Alongside this video, we'll be releasing weekly guided Examen prayers tailored to our Lenten series on the First UMC Leadership Podcast. Want to receive these podcast episodes or a written guide of the prayers in your inbox? Sign up for our daily devotion email to stay connected. Visit our website to learn more about The Better Way Lenten Series.

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Genesis 45:3-11, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC, Lexington, KY, please visit our website.

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Jeremiah 17:5-10, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC, Lexington, KY, visit our website.

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Nehemiah 8:1-10, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here.   For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC, visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

The sermon for this week was the Children's Christmas Program "Unwrapped" put on by the children of First UMC.  

Pastor Katie shares an interview with Jane Gilmore on the history and origin of First UMC's angel tree. Angels are due back on December 9th.

The conclusion to the Sum of All Fears series.

Since the "end" of COVID our congregation has been in deep prayer and conversation around what we need to do to be a healthy congregation. How do we move forward? What is God calling us to? This podcast answers some of these questions. 

Pastor Katie visits with the women of the Wednesday Morning Prayer Group. You can join them any Wednesday at 8:30am in the Lounge at First UMC, Yankton, SD.

Continuing the Marvels series live from Richmond First UMC.

Continuing the Marvels series with a parable that isn't a parable.

Week one of Marvels, live from Richmond FIrst.

My sermon from this morning at Richmond FIrst UMC.

Pastor Katie discusses the recent staffing changes at First UMC. Don't forget to sign up for VBS August 7-10th!

My sermon from Sunday, July 21 at Richmond First UMC, continuing the Limitless series.

2 Samuel 1.1, 17-27, Psalm 130, 2 Corinthians 8.7-15, Mark 5.21-43; How special was Reading Rainbow? Where can we see resurrection at work? Why does God delight in disruption? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guest Alan Combs. Alan is the lead pastor of First UMC in Salem, VA.Hosted by Taylor Mertins. - Don't forget to head over to https://www.crackersandgrapejuice.com Click on “Support the Show.”Become a patronSubscribe to CGJ+For peanuts, you can help us out….we appreciate it more than you can imagine.Follow us on the three-majors of social media:https://www.facebook.com/crackersnjuicehttps://www.instagram.com/crackersandgrapejuicehttp://www.twitter.com/crackersnjuice

1 Samuel 17.32-49, Psalm 9.9-20, 2 Corinthians 6.1-13, Mark 4.35-41; What can Bikini Kill teach us about the Gospel? How powerful is our praise? Why does Jesus sleep through the storm? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guest Alan Combs. Alan is the lead pastor of First UMC in Salem, VA.Hosted by Taylor Mertins. - Don't forget to head over to https://www.crackersandgrapejuice.com Click on “Support the Show.”Become a patronSubscribe to CGJ+For peanuts, you can help us out….we appreciate it more than you can imagine.Follow us on the three-majors of social media:https://www.facebook.com/crackersnjuicehttps://www.instagram.com/crackersandgrapejuicehttp://www.twitter.com/crackersnjuice

Unleash Your Leadership Superpowers Bishop Warner H. Brown is a retired bishop of The United Methodist Church, serving from 2000 to 2016.  He is currently serving as an interim bishop of the Sierra Leone Episcopal Area in the West Africa Central Conference.  

 From 2014 to 2016, Bishop Brown was the President of the Council of Bishops.
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Bishop Brown was born and raised as an only child in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of Ida and Warner Brown. At the age of thirteen, while reading the New Testament, he felt a call to serve. He began preaching as a youth and was encouraged to continue doing so. As a young adult, he attended the University of Maryland, (B.A. in Sociology, 1969.) He also graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC with a Master of Divinity degree.

 In 1973 Warner was ordained deacon in the Baltimore Annual Conference by Bishop James K. Mathews. Yet his movement west had already begun with a pastoral appointment in the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference as both the pastor of a church and Director of Bethany House Ministries in Pittsburgh, a social service ministry for two housing projects. While serving in western Pennsylvania, he was ordained elder in 1975 by Bishop Roy C. Nichols. In 1979, he answered a national search for an associate conference staff position in the California-Nevada Conference and transferred there. Once in California, it was only six months later that he was asked to serve as Conference Council Director.

 From this role of program and administrative oversight for the Conference, Warner was appointed just four years later to the Superintendency of the Golden Gate District, the richly diverse area including San Francisco and several rural and suburban counties along the Pacific Coast. Four years after that, he was given the charge of the Taylor Memorial UMC in Oakland, CA. While serving this significant congregation, the community was then assaulted by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and two years later the holocaust of fires in the Oakland hills. As chairperson of the Oakland Inter-religious Network for responding to this disaster, Warner led the community's ecumenical disaster response.

 Throughout these years, Warner has been active in the social justice ministries and programs of those communities and church connections where he has been appointed. To list but a sampling: Volunteer Police Chaplain, Trustee of the Glide Foundation, vice-chair of the Community Advisory Commission for Alameda County Medical Center, member of the Governing Board of United Way for Kern County, a member of the. Board of Directors for the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter, recipient of the 1996 Outstanding Leadership and Service Award for Emergency Response Ministries, given by UMCOR, and recipient of a 1998 Special Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Barbara Lee. 

Warner's leadership in the church has included service as a delegate to General Conference twice, member of the General Commission on Religion and Race, a faculty member for New DS/CCD training, Harry Hoosier Member of and twice the host for the National Black Methodists for Church Renewal, chair of the Board of Missions in California-Nevada Annual Conference as well as numerous other conference boards and agencies, adjunct consultant to the Alban Institute, and a Wesley Seminary Distinguished Alumni. 

Following a successful eleven-year pastorate in Oakland, Warner was given a new challenge as Senior Pastor of the predominantly white yet multi-ethnic First UMC of Bakersfield, CA. Only two years into this pastorate, he was nominated and endorsed by his conference for the episcopacy: at the Western Jurisdiction Conference Sessions in Casper, Wyoming, and in July of 2000 he was elected to the episcopacy on the 19th ballot and assigned to the Denver Area. He retired in July 2016.

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