Podcasts about First United Methodist Church

How do we achieve hope and salvation when we’re surrounded by darkness? That’s what Revs. Trudy and Hannah ask as they enter week two of Our Advent Mix Tape. For inspiration and wisdom, they turn to Isaiah’s prophetic song, which sings praises of thanksgiving for salvation during a time when the Israelites are exiled. Despite their dark circumstances, Isaiah’s song invites the Israelite to image when lightness could be – a way to inspire hope in others to take radical moves to bring about change. The song, found in Isaiah 12:1-6, also highlights individual as well as communal praise and thanksgiving, speaking to the need for both personal and community salvation, a core component of Methodist theology: “There is no personal holiness without social holiness” – a phrase popularized by John Wesley. Through the course of the digital Bible study conversation, the female pastors of the First United Methodist Church of San Diego look closely at Isaiah’s metaphor of the wells of salvation, and ultimately ask: What does salvation look like today? What does Isaiah’s song mean to us in 2025? Is there a universality to salvation that’s available for all cultures and faith traditions? We invite you to continue the pastors’ conversation as you journey through Advent. Join our in-person Convergence group, visit our Patreon Channel, or gather friends and family to discuss these reflection questions: What is salvation for you? How is your salvation related to the salvation of the community? How do you participate in salvation? Want to hear the rest of Our Advent Mixtape? Join us for all four episodes (Season 3, Episodes 13-16) for reflections on the Advent and Christmas promises of peace, hope, joy, and love. New episodes drop Sunday mornings.

Advent—the time in between—is here. But many of us struggle to feel “Christmas-y” when life isn’t where we hoped it would be. If peace feels out of tune for you right now, this episode is for you. Join Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany – two of the three female pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego – as they discuss their Advent Mixtape, exploring how ancient and modern songs can ground us in peace in a world that never stops moving. While most Christmas songs feel light, airy, and escapist – giving the false perception that peace is only achievable in stillness and calm, David’s Psalmody, Psalm 96 – one of the “lesser-known songs of Christmas” – provides a more honest and hopeful vision of peace. In this progressive digital Bible-study conversation, explore: The meaning of Advent as a season of the in-between What “salvation” means in the Hebrew Bible and Psalms How nature participates in healing, peace, and salvation The difference between societal peace and inward peace Practices and touchstones to stay centered amid holiday chaos How music helps reset our anxiety and restore calm We invite you to keep the conversation going as you journey through Advent. Join our in-person Convergence group, visit our Patreon Channel, or gather friends and family to discuss these reflection questions: What role does music play in your wellbeing? What is the “in-between” of here and not yet that you are in right now? What role does nature play in your understanding of being made whole? Want to hear the rest of Our Advent Mixtape? Join us for Season 3, Episodes 14-16, for reflections on hope, joy, and love. New episodes drop Sunday mornings. In today’s episode, we share a selection from Psalm 96 (NRSV), and, as a bonus treat, the full psalm from The Message translation below. As you read it, consider: What tune do you think would fit this modern translation of the ancient song? Psalms 96 1-2a Sing God a brand-new song! Earth and everyone in it, sing! Sing to God—worship God! 2b-3 Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea, Take the news of his glory to the lost, News of his wonders to one and all! 4-5a For God is great, and worth a thousand Hallelujahs. His furious beauty puts the other gods to shame; Pagan gods are mere tatters and rags. 5b-6 God made the heavens— Royal splendor radiates from him, A powerful beauty sets him apart. 7Bravo, God, Bravo! Everyone join in the great shout: Encore! In awe before the beauty, in awe before the might. 8-9Bring gifts and celebrate, Bow before the beauty of God, Then to your knees—everyone worship! 10Get out the message—God Rules! He put the world on a firm foundation; He treats everyone fair and square. 11Let’s hear it from Sky, With Earth joining in, And a huge round of applause from Sea. 12Let Wilderness turn cartwheels, Animals, come dance, Put every tree of the forest in the choir— 13An extravaganza before God as he comes, As he comes to set everything right on earth, Set everything right, treat everyone fair. Scripture taken from The Message, copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Pastor Blair has a very important question: Who is driving your car? First United Methodist Church of MariettaGiving link: https://onrealm.org/mariettafumc/-/form/give/nowChurch website: https://www.mariettafumc.org/

Pastor Harden speaks on the many aspects of hope on the first day of Advent.First United Methodist Church of MariettaGiving link: https://onrealm.org/mariettafumc/-/form/give/nowChurch website: https://www.mariettafumc.org/

This is the November 30th sermon from the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Texas. This sermon is taken from John 1:1-3.

Sunday December 7, 2025 at First United Methodist Church 3:00 pm "Illuminare"

The Coffee Club from Monday November 24th, 2025.  Guests include Hanna Kroger of Three Seed Flower Co., Nader of Kingpins and Elida Aceves a volunteer with First United Methodist Church of Fargo (Toy Drive).

In this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast, we’re asking: What is it that we do when things seem so horrific? What do we think? What do we want? What is our hope in situations like that? We'll see what Isaiah has to say about it. Rev. Trudy and Rev. Hannah – two of the female pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego – use a progressive theological lens to visit the prophet Isaiah’s radical vision of God’s new world, delivered in Isaiah 65:17-25. They’re words delivered to ancient people who have been beaten down and lost all hope, and the pastors are surprised by how relevant it all still is. If you’re at a point in your life when you want to burn everything down and start over again, this episode is for you. If you’d like to dive deeper into the themes of this digital Bible Study, we invite you to reflect on these questions: What words of comfort do you seek or use when everything is going wrong? How do you understand the way that things will get better? Do you make use of a holy pause to discern in difficult times? And if you’d like to discuss the topic with others, you’re invited to join one of our discussion groups: Convergence: In-Person, Sundays at 12 PM Patreon: Our online community offering chat and additional resources Our Patreon community is open to all — wherever you are on your spiritual journey. It’s free to join and connect over weekly questions, with optional paid tiers for bonus content and deeper engagement.

This is the November 23rd sermon from the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Texas. This sermon is taken from Revelation 21:1-6 & 22:1-7.

On this episode of Same Cast Different Day Podcast. Martel sat down with the author of Don't Flush Dakarai Larriett. Dakarai Larriett, an Alabama native and the son of a U.S. Army veteran and a public school teacher, is a thriving entrepreneur and committed community volunteer. His candidacy for the U.S. Senate is driven by the injustice he faced from a false arrest in 2024. Growing up influenced by his father's military service, Dakarai moved between several states and even spent time in Germany. He excelled academically, earning a full scholarship to the University of Alabama, where his dedication to public service deepened during his junior year as an exchange student at Howard University. Dakarai has built a successful career as a corporate leader while also managing a pet-care business he launched from his garage. Over the past 20 years, he has served in leadership roles on multiple nonprofit boards, gaining a reputation for his servant leadership upon returning to Birmingham in 2021. Actively involved in various volunteer initiatives, he leads an HOA board in downtown Birmingham that represents local families and businesses, showcasing his passion for Alabama's culture and community. In his leisure time, Dakarai enjoys visiting the shooting range and regularly attends First United Methodist Church.Dakarai Socials Website www.dakarailarriett.comInstagram https://www.instagram.com/dakarailarriettforsenate/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574763727908Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@dakarai.larriettHere is a link to take look at our merch store and more.https://direct.me/samecastdifferentdaypodcastSocials Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/samecastdifferentdaypodcast/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/scddpodcast/#Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZA-Ib8DmQwG4o9wAFvpBDw

Escaped inmate believed to be in Faulkner County; Petit Jean Mountain Community Association hopes to see balance in new recreational opportunities, call for improvements to highway; 1940s-era mural to be hung at Morrilton City Hall; downtown merchants to hold Holiday Open House this Sunday; MHS jazz band members earn Region honors; Morrilton, Hot Springs playoff football game promises battle of high-powered offenses; area high school teams have games tonight; Pinion has another 20-point game; we visit with Rev. Bill Sardin of the First United Methodist Church and Fr. Stephen Hart of Sacred Heart Catholic Church about tonight's Community Thanksgiving Service.

Progressive Christian Podcast on Faith, Justice & Reconciliation — Weekly Scripture: Micah 6:8 — “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” Join Rev. Brittany and special guest Leo Djamson for an inspiring and deeply honest conversation about faith, racial justice, and cultural understanding through the lens of First United Methodist Church of San Diego’s Sankofa Pilgrimage to Ghana – exploring the lasting effects of the transatlantic slave trade and how it’s shaped the beautifully diverse and resilient people of Ghana. It’s an impactful journey of discovery for all involved regardless of heritage, upbringing, personal experiences, and political beliefs. This pilgrimage is one of the ways that the church lives out Micah’s call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. It’s all about embracing racial justice and loving kindly as we uncover and unpack some of the history of our ancestors that influence our implicit biases and contribute to today’s continuing racial tensions. Leo is a member of church who grew up in Ghana. Listen in as he shares about his childhood, how Ghana shaped his life, and the cultural similarities and differences than the US. They also discuss the misconceptions the US has about west Africa and how Ghana honors its history and participation in the transatlantic slave trade. This conversation models an effective, healthy way to connect with others at a deeper, more meaningful level to expand our awareness and appreciation of other cultures – finding shared experiences as well as the mosaic of beautiful differences that shape the way we interact with and understand the world and our communities. We invite you to continue this conversation model! Join our in-person Convergence group or our online community at patreon.com/fumcsd. Our groups are open to all — wherever you are on your spiritual journey. As a progressive church, we provide a safe space to dig deeper into your faith and beliefs. About the Sankofa Pilgrimage: The Sankofa Pilgrimage is more than a trip. It is a sacred journey of study, travel, and reflection, rooted in the West African Adinkra symbol Sankofa, which means “It is not foolish to go back and get that which you have forgotten.” Together, pilgrims remember the humanity of all people, confront painful truths about the church’s complicity in racism, and explore how God is calling us to be builders of justice and reconciliation today. The Sankofa Pilgrimage welcomes people of all faith backgrounds. Teens 14+ may attend with a trusted adult. Classroom learning is free and open to everyone, even for those not traveling.

Pastor Harden has one question today: "What is this world coming to?" The answer is more positive than you may believe.First United Methodist Church of MariettaGiving link: https://onrealm.org/mariettafumc/-/form/give/nowChurch website: https://www.mariettafumc.org/

This is the November 16th sermon from the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Texas. This sermon is taken from Revelation 19:1-16.

Based on John 21:1-13 In this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast, Rev. Hannah and Rev. Trudy wrap-up the Our Money Story stewardship series. They explore what it means to respond to God’s call — both personally and as a faith community. Inspired by the “postscript” chapter of John’s Gospel, this conversation dives into the miraculous breakfast on the shore: a moment that combines miracle, relationship, and eucharist — reminding us that the resurrection isn’t just about following Jesus, but about how we live, belong, and serve together. Join the female pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego as they unpack what this story means for our stewardship journey: How do we respond to God’s invitation when we feel empty or discouraged? What does it mean to bring what we have — our time, talent, and treasure — to feed the community? How can we honor our different gifts and responses as part of one thriving body of faith? This is a story of recommissioning — a reminder that the call continues and the story is still being written. We invite you to continue to think about how we can respond to God’s call as a faith community today. Join our in-person Convergence group or our online community at patreon.com/fumcsd. Here are the discussion questions for this episode: Have you ever had to keep trying even when there were no results from your efforts? Have you ever responded “No” to God? Have you ever said “Yes,” and were unexpectedly blessed in doing so? Our Patreon community is open to all — wherever you are on your spiritual journey. It’s free to join and connect over weekly questions, with optional paid tiers for bonus content and deeper engagement. Series Recap: Our Money Story invited us to reimagine how we view and use our resources — not just as individuals, but as a community called to generosity, participation, and response. Be sure to check out the other episodes in the series!

On this Children's Sabbath, Pastor Harden preaches on what love looks like within every aspect of life and how it's inherited by the younger generation of the church.First United Methodist Church of MariettaGiving link: https://onrealm.org/mariettafumc/-/form/give/nowChurch website: https://www.mariettafumc.org/

This is the November 9th sermon from the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Texas. This sermon is taken from Revelation 15:1-8.

Send us a textIn this episode, Rev. Chad Bowen joins us to unpack a big question from one of our church kids: “How are we made in God's image when we can't see God?” Together, we explore what it means to “image” God in the world—not by what we look like, but by how we live. From creativity and innovation to stewardship and community, we discover the many ways God's character is reflected through us as we care, create, and connect with one another.ABOUT CHAD: Rev. Chad Bowen serves as pastor of First United Methodist Church in West Point, Mississippi, and is a graduate of Millsaps College and Duke Divinity School. He and his wife Katie live in West Point with their two young children.Thanks for listening to the Embodied Holiness Podcast. We invite you to join the community on Facebook and Instagram @embodiedholiness. Embodied Holiness is a ministry of Parkway Heights United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg, MS. If you're in the Hattiesburg area and are looking for a church home, we'd love to meet you and welcome you to the family. You can find out more about Parkway Heights at our website.

Dave and Vern share a tribute to C Clyde Jones, reflecting on his century of service, his love for Manhattan, Kansas, and the values he taught by example. From endowments to focus, his voice offers a clear path for nonprofits and young leaders who want to make change that lasts.• Quiet service over recognition• Endowment building as core community infrastructure• Practical advice for young professionals on choosing causes• Focused missions over scattered initiatives• Love of place and the case for Manhattan• K-State ties and civic milestones• Gratitude, remembrance, and funeral detailsFuneral services are scheduled for November 15th at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home is handling arrangements; updates on their website and on KMAN's site.GMCFCFAs

Dakarai Larriett shares about his erroneous arrest in Michigan that ultimately lead him to running for Alabama Senate in the 2026 race. With pillars of his candidacy rooted in education, 2nd amendment rights, healthcare and more, Dakarai shares his plan to win the state largely held by Republicans. Throughout the conversation, Donna & Jonathan reference a documentary called The Alabama Solution that takes us into one of the deadliest prison systems. Dakarai explains the connection of the important pieces, like education, that can help mitigate the outcomes we see today.BioDakarai Larriett, an Alabama native and the son of a U.S. Army veteran and a public school teacher, is a thriving entrepreneur and committed community volunteer. His candidacy for the U.S. Senate is driven by the injustice he faced from a false arrest in 2024. Growing up influenced by his father's military service, Dakarai moved between several states and even spent time in Germany. He excelled academically, earning a full scholarship to the University of Alabama, where his dedication to public service deepened during his junior year as an exchange student at Howard University. Dakarai has built a successful career as a corporate leader while also managing a pet-care business he launched from his garage. Over the past 20 years, he has served in leadership roles on multiple nonprofit boards, gaining a reputation for his servant leadership upon returning to Birmingham in 2021. Actively involved in various volunteer initiatives, he leads an HOA board in downtown Birmingham that represents local families and businesses, showcasing his passion for Alabama's culture and community. In his leisure time, Dakarai enjoys visiting the shooting range and regularly attends First United Methodist Church.Resources/Links:www.dakarailarriett.comhttps://www.instagram.com/dakarailarriettforsenate/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574763727908https://www.tiktok.com/@dakarai.larriettThe Alabama Solution

In this week’s episode, Rev. Brittany and Rev. Trudy continue the Our Money Story series with a deep dive into the concept of Jubilee — one of the “holiness codes” of Leviticus. What does it mean to live a life of holiness, stewardship, and community in a world that often feels far from those ideals? As the people of Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, they were asked to imagine a new way of living — one marked by rest, release, and restoration. The Jubilee year invited them to reset by freeing servants and forgiving debts. It was a remembrance that everything ultimately belongs to God. The female pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego explore: • How holiness is dynamic — something practiced with intention and vigilance • What Jubilee teaches us about community, stewardship, and freedom • Why imagining a new way of being is the first step toward living it • How modern communities can embody Jubilee through inclusion, acceptance, and generosity Through the digital Bible study, we’re reminded that even though Jubilee may seem impossible to live out on a large scale, there’s incredible power in small, grassroots acts of forgiveness and freedom. We invite you to continue to reimagine Jubilee for the modern world. Join our in-person Convergence group or our online community at patreon.com/fumcsd to discuss the questions for this episode: What would you imagine if Jubilee was practiced? What would you do if all of your debts were forgiven? What do you think would surprise you if you learned a little more about someone who was living on the streets? 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!

On this All Saints Day, Pastor Harden preaches on the inheritance of faith that is passed down through the saints onto us.First United Methodist Church of MariettaGiving link: https://onrealm.org/mariettafumc/-/form/give/nowChurch website: https://www.mariettafumc.org/

This is the November 2nd sermon from the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Texas. This sermon is taken from Revelation 12:1-17.

Rev. Hannah and Rev. Brittany are back in the Video Studio continuing their discussion on money, the church, and what it means for modern Christians. This time, they’re talking about the concept of helping community members by opening our hands and hearts and releasing debts, providing financial freedom and relief to others. It’s a conversation they’ve titled: Our Money Story – Release. The two female pastors are inspired by Deuteronomy 15 and God’s vision of releasing debts, providing rest, and granting freedom every seventh year. Through the biblical passage, they notice it’s a story of abundance, acknowledging that as a church community, we’ll always have more than enough, so there is no need for an inward focus of hoarding personal assets instead of having an external focus of communal support and prosperity. They describe it in this straightforward way of thinking: If you have, you give. The women clergy of First United Methodist Church of San Diego also use this digital Bible Study to discuss: The shifting definition of Sabbath from the nomadic times of Exodus to the agricultural community of Deuteronomy. The coexistence of personal economy and communal economy. God isn’t calling for charity; they’re local for a system that doesn’t allow for deep debt with no hope of financial freedom. The difference between the rhythm of grace and the rhythm of greed. There are a lot of concepts packed into this short conversation, so we encourage you to engage with others as you uncover your thoughts about financial release. You can do so through our in-person Convergence group or joining our online community at patreon.com/fumcsd. Here are the discussion questions for this episode: What would “release” look like in our world today? What would it mean to stop the relentless cycle of debt — emotional, financial, spiritual — that keeps people captive? What could we let go of to create space for everyone’s wellbeing in the community? 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 is the October 26th sermon from the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Texas. This sermon is taken from Revelation 11:1-19.

Pastor Harden preaches about the story of Marietta First United Methodist Church. If someone were to ask you to tell our story, what would you tell them?First United Methodist Church of MariettaGiving link: https://onrealm.org/mariettafumc/-/form/give/nowChurch website: ⁠https://www.mariettafumc.org/

The female pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego are kicking off a new conversation series: “Our Money Story.” Money is at the root of so many conflicts, so these talks are sure to be interesting! First up, Rev. Hannah and Rev. Brittany look back at Exodus 16:1-8 with a conversation titled “Remember.” If you listened to our podcast last year, you may recall we had a similar series, focusing on personal and family money stories. But this year, we’re focused on the money story of the institutional church. With this theme of remembrance, the women clergy encourage us to look back at the past money stories of the church to understand the challenges and victories we may face today and in the future. Some themes and ideas they uncover include: The fear of not having enough, leading to scarcity mindset and hoarding. The psychological theory Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and how it applies to the ancient Israelites. How our past experiences guide current decisions, even when our financial situation is different. The need to pool resources as a church to ensure everyone’s needs are met. Ultimately, they ask: If our resources come from God, who should authority of it over God? Why do we control resources and gatekeep what others can access? It’s a lot to consider, so we encourage you to engage in conversations with others as you dig deep to uncover your thoughts about money and the church. You can do so through our in-person Convergence group or joining our online community at patreon.com/fumcsd. Here are the discussion questions for this episode: What does this passage say about God's care for the vulnerable? Where in your life are you being asked to trust in "daily bread" rather than long-term certainty? What does “enough” look like for you? How do you experience God’s provision: spiritually, emotionally, or materially in the wilderness of your life? 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!

The female pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego are kicking off a new conversation series: “Our Money Story.” Money is at the root of so many conflicts, so these talks are sure to be interesting! First up, Rev. Hannah and Rev. Brittany look back at Exodus 16:1-8 with a conversation titled “Remember.” If you listened to our podcast last year, you may recall we had a similar series, focusing on personal and family money stories. But this year, we’re focused on the money story of the institutional church. With this theme of remembrance, the women clergy encourage us to look back at the past money stories of the church to understand the challenges and victories we may face today and in the future. Some themes and ideas they uncover include: The fear of not having enough, leading to scarcity mindset and hoarding. The psychological theory Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and how it applies to the ancient Israelites. How our past experiences guide current decisions, even when our financial situation is different. The need to pool resources as a church to ensure everyone’s needs are met. Ultimately, they ask: If our resources come from God, who should authority of it over God? Why do we control resources and gatekeep what others can access? It’s a lot to consider, so we encourage you to engage in conversations with others as you dig deep to uncover your thoughts about money and the church. You can do so through our in-person Convergence group or joining our online community at patreon.com/fumcsd. Here are the discussion questions for this episode: What does this passage say about God's care for the vulnerable? Where in your life are you being asked to trust in "daily bread" rather than long-term certainty? What does “enough” look like for you? How do you experience God’s provision: spiritually, emotionally, or materially in the wilderness of your life? 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 is the October 19th sermon from the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Texas. This sermon is taken from Revelation 5:1-14.

In this week’s podcast, Rev. Trudy and Rev. Hannah of First United Methodist Church of San Diego confront the hypocrisy of the church through the ages as they wrap up the conversation series: “What We Really Mean When We Talk About…” They look to the Old Testament Book of Isaiah to see if today’s shifts in the church are new to modern culture, or if definition of worship and church have changed since the biblical times. (Spoiler alert: Our current moment in culture isn’t as unique as we may think from a church perspective!) The conversation has a lot of twists and turns – looking back at the past – to inform and bring comfort to those who are seeking new ways to experience worship and church in our forever changing environment. It’s a lot to consider, so we encourage you to engage in conversations with others as you dig deep to uncover your thoughts about church. You can do so through our in-person Convergence group or joining our online community at patreon.com/fumcsd. Here are the discussion questions for this episode: Why is it so hard to encourage people to live in faith, not just engage to worship practices? What is the connection between worship and living in faith? If the church is not the be all and end all, what do you think it is meant to be? 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 podcast, Rev. Trudy and Rev. Hannah of First United Methodist Church of San Diego confront the hypocrisy of the church through the ages as they wrap up the conversation series: “What We Really Mean When We Talk About…” They look to the Old Testament Book of Isaiah to see if today’s shifts in the church are new to modern culture, or if definition of worship and church have changed since the biblical times. (Spoiler alert: Our current moment in culture isn’t as unique as we may think from a church perspective!) The conversation has a lot of twists and turns – looking back at the past – to inform and bring comfort to those who are seeking new ways to experience worship and church in our forever changing environment. It’s a lot to consider, so we encourage you to engage in conversations with others as you dig deep to uncover your thoughts about church. You can do so through our in-person Convergence group or joining our online community at patreon.com/fumcsd. Here are the discussion questions for this episode: Why is it so hard to encourage people to live in faith, not just engage to worship practices? What is the connection between worship and living in faith? If the church is not the be all and end all, what do you think it is meant to be? 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 Harden preaches about how our giving tells a large story of our faith and the church as a whole. What story are you telling?First United Methodist Church of MariettaGiving link: https://onrealm.org/mariettafumc/-/form/give/nowChurch website: https://www.mariettafumc.org/

This is the October 12th sermon from the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Texas. This sermon is taken from Revelation 1:1-20.

Deb Greiner and Betsy Smith with Knoxville First United Methodist Church discuss the annual Harvest Dinner and silent auction happening on Saturday.

Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany are back in the video studio for our digital Bible study to once again answer “What We Really Mean When We Talk About…” And this time they’re discussing their view on Scripture – stating that it’s not perfect but inspiring. It’s part of our ongoing conversation series where the female pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego give their progressive theological viewpoint on different matters of faith. While some Christians view the Bible as the literal, inerrant word of God, these women argue the scripture wasn’t written by holy revelations but humans, making it imperative to know what was going on during Biblical times to understand the intent as we define what we believe and know of God. During the podcast episode, they tackle: The different between scripture and literature How they personally view scripture and its purpose in their life Why it’s important to interrogate scripture – and some of the questions you can use when doing so The Wesleyan quadrilateral The conversation is inspired by the Book of Job and offers a lot to consider, so we encourage you to engage with conversations with others as you dig deep to uncover your thoughts surround scripture. You can do so through our in-person Convergence group or joining our online community at patreon.com/fumcsd. Here are the discussion questions for this episode: Do you think scripture is “final” or do you see it as part of an ongoing conversation with God and God’s people? Have you ever changed your mind about a passage of scripture after deeper study or new life experiences? What inconsistencies or contradictions have you noticed in scripture? How do you make sense of them? What absolute truth do you find in scripture? 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!

Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany are back in the video studio for our digital Bible study to once again answer “What We Really Mean When We Talk About…” And this time they’re discussing their view on Scripture – stating that it’s not perfect but inspiring. It’s part of our ongoing conversation series where the female pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego give their progressive theological viewpoint on different matters of faith. While some Christians view the Bible as the literal, inerrant word of God, these women argue the scripture wasn’t written by holy revelations but humans, making it imperative to know what was going on during Biblical times to understand the intent as we define what we believe and know of God. During the podcast episode, they tackle: The different between scripture and literature How they personally view scripture and its purpose in their life Why it’s important to interrogate scripture – and some of the questions you can use when doing so The Wesleyan quadrilateral The conversation is inspired by the Book of Job and offers a lot to consider, so we encourage you to engage with conversations with others as you dig deep to uncover your thoughts surround scripture. You can do so through our in-person Convergence group or joining our online community at patreon.com/fumcsd. Here are the discussion questions for this episode: Do you think scripture is “final” or do you see it as part of an ongoing conversation with God and God’s people? Have you ever changed your mind about a passage of scripture after deeper study or new life experiences? What inconsistencies or contradictions have you noticed in scripture? How do you make sense of them? What absolute truth do you find in scripture? 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!

On today's global communion Sunday and the beginning of FUMC's stewardship season, Pastor Harden preaches on the true meaning of stewardship.First United Methodist Church of MariettaGiving link: https://onrealm.org/mariettafumc/-/form/give/nowChurch website: https://www.mariettafumc.org/

This is the October 5th sermon from the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Texas. This sermon is taken from 1 Peter 2:2-10.

Pastor Harden today, in reading over Luke 16:19-31, has but one question: Have you chosen indifference or mercy?First United Methodist Church of MariettaGiving link: https://onrealm.org/mariettafumc/-/form/give/nowChurch website: https://www.mariettafumc.org/

This is the September 28th sermon from the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Texas. This sermon is taken from John 13:1-17.

Get ready to rethink church communications and ministry! In this episode of the MyCom Church Communications and Marketing Podcast, host Ryan Dunn sits down with the leadership team from First United Methodist Church of San Diego to explore their journey of transformation in the aftermath of the pandemic. Discover practical strategies for "rewilding" your church—embracing digital innovation, shifting mindsets, and inviting your congregation into the future of ministry. Joining Ryan in this episode are: - Rev. Trudy Robinson, Lead Pastor - Rev. Dr. Hannah Ka, Pastor of Discipleship - Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin, Pastor of Connection and Care - Meghan Claussen, Director of Communications 00:00 – Introduction & What's “Rewilding” the Church? 02:26 – Meet the FUMC San Diego Leadership Team 04:15 – The Catalyst for Change: Shifting Church Culture 07:47 – Visioning Process: How the Journey Began 10:08 – Proposals for Ministry Innovation 14:10 – From Bible Study to Podcast: Transforming Discipleship 18:00 – Digital Evangelism, Workshops & Empowering Congregants 22:33 – Overcoming Resistance & Building Buy-In 26:39 – Key Performance Indicators: Measuring Engagement 29:04 – Defining and Celebrating Success in Today's Church 33:49 – “Rewilding”: Following the Wild Spirit 36:29 – Lessons Learned & Language Barriers 41:43 – Empowering All Generations for Change 44:36 – Takeaways & Next Steps for Your Ministry Find more episodes of the MyCom Church Communications and Marketing Podcast: www.resourceumc.org/mycom-podcast This episode is sponsored by: - wearesparkhouse.com - umcom.org #ChurchCommunications #ChurchMarketing #DigitalMinistry #RewildingTheChurch #MyComPodcast

Greenbrier man perishes in i-40 accident; Question over whether turnback funds can be returned before audit is completed; Children's Library progressing; Lake Conway creates 28 miles of boat lanes; Third Thursday Farmer's Market is today; volleyball teams to play today; we visit with Rev. Bill Sardin of the First United Methodist Church in Morrilton.

Air Date: September 15, 2025 Dr. Pete Sparks, president of the Guntersville Historical Society, discusses the Alabama Historical Association Fall Pilgrimage in October 2025. He examines four highlights of Guntersville history, describes the sites on the pre-pilgrimage tours, and talks about the local buildings on the pilgrimage tour proper. Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/254zxwpd Links mentioned in the episode – Alabama Historical Association: https://www.alabamahistory.net/ Guntersville Historical Society: https://www.facebook.com/guntersvillehistoricalsociety/ AHP Episode 71 (SoundCloud link): https://soundcloud.com/alabamahistory/aha-071 Guntersville, AL: https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/guntersville/ Marshall County, AL: https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/marshall-county/ Andrew Jackson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Jackson Treaty of New Echota, 1835: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_New_Echota Trail of Tears: https://www.nps.gov/trte/learn/historyculture/index.htm Lake Guntersville State Park: https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/lake-guntersville-state-park/ Guntersville Dam and Lake: https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/guntersville-dam-and-lake/ Guntersville Museum: https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/guntersville-museum-cultural-center/ Cathedral Caverns State Park: https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/cathedral-caverns-state-park/ Kate Duncan Smith DAR School: https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/kate-duncan-smith-dar-school/ Midnight Cry: A Shooting on Sand Mountain: https://www.ugapress.org/9781588385338/midnight-cry/ Dr. Lesa Carnes Shaul: https://www.uwa.edu/news/uwa-professor-pens-true-crime-thriller-about-1950s-shooting-on-sand-mountain/ Col. Montgomery Gilbreath House: https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=235551 Henry House: https://www.henryhouse1893.com/story First Presbyterian Church: https://tennesseerivervalleygeotourism.org/entries/first-presbyterian-church-guntersville/b48dc844-3322-419a-a5e1-1b5925fb66cc First United Methodist Church: https://tennesseerivervalleygeotourism.org/entries/first-methodist-church-of-guntersville/527e03cf-412a-42f0-a69a-28cf66dc9920 John Allan Wyeth: https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/john-allan-wyeth/ Old Rock School: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Rock_School_(Guntersville,_Alabama) Old Post Office and DeSoto Mural: http://wpamurals.org/guntersv.htm Guntersville Railroad Depot: https://gvdepot.org/history/ The Alabama History Podcast's producer is Marty Olliff. Founded in 1947, the Alabama Historical Association is the oldest statewide historical society in Alabama. The AHA provides opportunities for meaningful engagement with the past through publications, meetings, historical markers, and other programs. See the website www.alabamahistory.net.

In Intergroup Conflict, Recategorization, and Identity Construction in Acts: Breaking the Cycle of Slander, Labeling and Violence (Bloomsbury, 2023) Hyun Ho Park employs social identity to create the first thorough analysis via such methodology of Acts 21:17-23:35, which contains one of the fiercest intergroup conflicts in Acts. Park's assessment allows his readers to rethink, reevaluate, and reimagine Jewish-Christian relations; teaches them how to respond to the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence permeating contemporary public and private spheres; and presents a new hermeneutical cycle and describes how readers may apply it to their own sociopolitical contexts.After surveying previous studies of the text, Park first analyses Paul's welcome, questioning, and arrest, and how slandering and labeling make Paul an outsider. Park then describes how, through defending his Jewish identity and the Way, Paul nuances his public image and re-categorizes himself and the Way as part of the people of God. When Paul identifies himself as a Roman and later a Pharisee, Park examines Luke's ambivalent attitude toward Rome and the Pharisees, and assesses how Paul escapes dangerous situations by claiming different social identities at different times.Finally, he discloses the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence not only against the Way but also against the Jews and challenges the discursive process of identity construction through intergroup conflict with an out-group, especially the proximate “Other.” Furthermore, he demonstrates how the relevance of such scholarship is not limited to Lukan studies or even biblical studies in general; the frequent use of slander, labeling, and violence in the politics of the United States and other polarized countries around the globe demands new ways of looking at intergroup relations, and Park's argument meets the needs of those seeking a new perspective on contemporary political discord. Hyun Ho Park is Associate Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Yuba City, California and Editor-in-Chief of the Asian American Theological Forum. Jonathon Lookadoo is Associate Professor at the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea. While his interests range widely over the world of early Christianity, he is the author of books on the Epistle of Barnabas, Ignatius of Antioch, and the Shepherd of Hermas, including The Christology of Ignatius of Antioch (Cascade, 2023). 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

In Intergroup Conflict, Recategorization, and Identity Construction in Acts: Breaking the Cycle of Slander, Labeling and Violence (Bloomsbury, 2023) Hyun Ho Park employs social identity to create the first thorough analysis via such methodology of Acts 21:17-23:35, which contains one of the fiercest intergroup conflicts in Acts. Park's assessment allows his readers to rethink, reevaluate, and reimagine Jewish-Christian relations; teaches them how to respond to the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence permeating contemporary public and private spheres; and presents a new hermeneutical cycle and describes how readers may apply it to their own sociopolitical contexts.After surveying previous studies of the text, Park first analyses Paul's welcome, questioning, and arrest, and how slandering and labeling make Paul an outsider. Park then describes how, through defending his Jewish identity and the Way, Paul nuances his public image and re-categorizes himself and the Way as part of the people of God. When Paul identifies himself as a Roman and later a Pharisee, Park examines Luke's ambivalent attitude toward Rome and the Pharisees, and assesses how Paul escapes dangerous situations by claiming different social identities at different times.Finally, he discloses the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence not only against the Way but also against the Jews and challenges the discursive process of identity construction through intergroup conflict with an out-group, especially the proximate “Other.” Furthermore, he demonstrates how the relevance of such scholarship is not limited to Lukan studies or even biblical studies in general; the frequent use of slander, labeling, and violence in the politics of the United States and other polarized countries around the globe demands new ways of looking at intergroup relations, and Park's argument meets the needs of those seeking a new perspective on contemporary political discord. Hyun Ho Park is Associate Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Yuba City, California and Editor-in-Chief of the Asian American Theological Forum. Jonathon Lookadoo is Associate Professor at the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea. While his interests range widely over the world of early Christianity, he is the author of books on the Epistle of Barnabas, Ignatius of Antioch, and the Shepherd of Hermas, including The Christology of Ignatius of Antioch (Cascade, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/jewish-studies

In Intergroup Conflict, Recategorization, and Identity Construction in Acts: Breaking the Cycle of Slander, Labeling and Violence (Bloomsbury, 2023) Hyun Ho Park employs social identity to create the first thorough analysis via such methodology of Acts 21:17-23:35, which contains one of the fiercest intergroup conflicts in Acts. Park's assessment allows his readers to rethink, reevaluate, and reimagine Jewish-Christian relations; teaches them how to respond to the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence permeating contemporary public and private spheres; and presents a new hermeneutical cycle and describes how readers may apply it to their own sociopolitical contexts.After surveying previous studies of the text, Park first analyses Paul's welcome, questioning, and arrest, and how slandering and labeling make Paul an outsider. Park then describes how, through defending his Jewish identity and the Way, Paul nuances his public image and re-categorizes himself and the Way as part of the people of God. When Paul identifies himself as a Roman and later a Pharisee, Park examines Luke's ambivalent attitude toward Rome and the Pharisees, and assesses how Paul escapes dangerous situations by claiming different social identities at different times.Finally, he discloses the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence not only against the Way but also against the Jews and challenges the discursive process of identity construction through intergroup conflict with an out-group, especially the proximate “Other.” Furthermore, he demonstrates how the relevance of such scholarship is not limited to Lukan studies or even biblical studies in general; the frequent use of slander, labeling, and violence in the politics of the United States and other polarized countries around the globe demands new ways of looking at intergroup relations, and Park's argument meets the needs of those seeking a new perspective on contemporary political discord. Hyun Ho Park is Associate Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Yuba City, California and Editor-in-Chief of the Asian American Theological Forum. Jonathon Lookadoo is Associate Professor at the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea. While his interests range widely over the world of early Christianity, he is the author of books on the Epistle of Barnabas, Ignatius of Antioch, and the Shepherd of Hermas, including The Christology of Ignatius of Antioch (Cascade, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

In Intergroup Conflict, Recategorization, and Identity Construction in Acts: Breaking the Cycle of Slander, Labeling and Violence (Bloomsbury, 2023) Hyun Ho Park employs social identity to create the first thorough analysis via such methodology of Acts 21:17-23:35, which contains one of the fiercest intergroup conflicts in Acts. Park's assessment allows his readers to rethink, reevaluate, and reimagine Jewish-Christian relations; teaches them how to respond to the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence permeating contemporary public and private spheres; and presents a new hermeneutical cycle and describes how readers may apply it to their own sociopolitical contexts.After surveying previous studies of the text, Park first analyses Paul's welcome, questioning, and arrest, and how slandering and labeling make Paul an outsider. Park then describes how, through defending his Jewish identity and the Way, Paul nuances his public image and re-categorizes himself and the Way as part of the people of God. When Paul identifies himself as a Roman and later a Pharisee, Park examines Luke's ambivalent attitude toward Rome and the Pharisees, and assesses how Paul escapes dangerous situations by claiming different social identities at different times.Finally, he discloses the vicious cycle of slander, labeling, and violence not only against the Way but also against the Jews and challenges the discursive process of identity construction through intergroup conflict with an out-group, especially the proximate “Other.” Furthermore, he demonstrates how the relevance of such scholarship is not limited to Lukan studies or even biblical studies in general; the frequent use of slander, labeling, and violence in the politics of the United States and other polarized countries around the globe demands new ways of looking at intergroup relations, and Park's argument meets the needs of those seeking a new perspective on contemporary political discord. Hyun Ho Park is Associate Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Yuba City, California and Editor-in-Chief of the Asian American Theological Forum. Jonathon Lookadoo is Associate Professor at the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea. While his interests range widely over the world of early Christianity, he is the author of books on the Epistle of Barnabas, Ignatius of Antioch, and the Shepherd of Hermas, including The Christology of Ignatius of Antioch (Cascade, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biblical-studies

Rev. Trudy and Rev. Hannah wrap up the conversation series – “The Christ-Like Journey” – in this episode of First United Methodist Church of San Diego’s Perspectives Pastors Podcast. It’s a multi-episode series where the female pastors and the audience have learned from the most difficult things Jesus had to do during his time on Earth. And in this episode, it’s perhaps the hardest thing of all: Jesus Forgave. It's a digital Bible study that’s by Luke 23:33-43, the crucifixion portion of The Passion story. Through the conversation, the women explain how forgiveness is central to Christianity, especially as portrayed through the Gospel of Luke. But they also note that there are some nuances that they feel people often misinterpret: The use of atonement theology – focusing on individual forgiveness instead of communal forgiveness Not including all of Jesus’ life in his act of salvation The difference between “Jesus died for our sins” and “Jesus died because of or sins” Connection between Jewish tradition of Jubilee and Jesus’ model of forgiveness The societal impact of what forgiveness may offer – for ourselves, others, and systems 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: What’s been your experience or forgiveness? Either your need or your offering it? How do you explain the difference between the two criminal’s responses? What does forgiveness look like in the public sphere? 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!

Rev. Trudy and Rev. Hannah wrap up the conversation series – “The Christ-Like Journey” – in this episode of First United Methodist Church of San Diego’s Perspectives Pastors Podcast. It’s a multi-episode series where the female pastors and the audience have learned from the most difficult things Jesus had to do during his time on Earth. And in this episode, it’s perhaps the hardest thing of all: Jesus Forgave. It's a digital Bible study that’s by Luke 23:33-43, the crucifixion portion of The Passion story. Through the conversation, the women explain how forgiveness is central to Christianity, especially as portrayed through the Gospel of Luke. But they also note that there are some nuances that they feel people often misinterpret: The use of atonement theology – focusing on individual forgiveness instead of communal forgiveness Not including all of Jesus’ life in his act of salvation The difference between “Jesus died for our sins” and “Jesus died because of or sins” Connection between Jewish tradition of Jubilee and Jesus’ model of forgiveness The societal impact of what forgiveness may offer – for ourselves, others, and systems 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: What’s been your experience or forgiveness? Either your need or your offering it? How do you explain the difference between the two criminal’s responses? What does forgiveness look like in the public sphere? 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!

What if the key to transforming your city wasn't fixing what's broken—but uncovering what's already good? In this compelling episode of the AVAIL podcast, Meghan Killingsworth—co-pastor of First United Methodist Church of Sanford—introduces us to the power of asset-based community development (ABCD). Rooted in the belief that God declared creation “very good,” Meghan unpacks why real ministry doesn't start with people's deficits—it starts with their dignity. Discover how ABCD reshapes outreach, discipleship, and justice by partnering with people, not working for them. This episode will challenge your assumptions and expand your vision of what Kingdom work can truly look like.