Podcasts about grants pass

Dr. Powers joins the show for Where Past Meets Present, the founding of Grants Pass today and a talk on the Supreme court cases happening. Kevin Starrett calls from Oregon firearms...looking for some help to get the gun bills killed.

Dutch Bros Coffee, Oregon's beloved $11.8 billion drive-thru giant, is officially relocating its headquarters from Grants Pass to Phoenix, Arizona — and it's sparking a political firestorm. Is this a strategic business decision or a direct response to Oregon's liberal policies?

How can one foster collaboration within a team? Nathan Miller, the CEO of Miller Ink, is a seasoned communication strategist known for advising executives across business, government, and nonprofit sectors. With a strong background in history and public policy, Miller has guided numerous organizations in effectively narrating their stories and managing complex crises through clear communication and strategic thinking. He emphasizes the importance of blending fundamental communication principles with innovative tactics, setting measurable goals, and aligning messages with objectives to reach target audiences effectively. Advocating for transparency and honesty, particularly during the hiring process, Nathan prioritizes creating a harmonious work environment, which he believes is essential for retaining talent and building long-term client relationships. Key Takeaways Effective communication strategies require blending communication principles, setting clear goals, identifying target audiences, and aligning messages with objectives. Balancing business development with hands-on involvement in day-to-day operations is crucial for a positive and productive work environment. Resilience in business involves navigating challenges, having a long-term vision, being adaptable, and seizing growth opportunities. Key considerations when hiring an ad agency include involving senior personnel, relevant experience, deep expertise, and establishing a trust-based relationship. Blending strategic communication principles with tactical approaches like digital marketing is essential for successful communication campaigns. Operational dynamics of PR agencies include avoiding success fee structures, preferring cancel-any-time policies, and involving senior personnel with relevant experience in client accounts. More from Nathan Miller Nathan Miller is a seasoned entrepreneur and communications strategist known for founding Rentec Direct in 2007, a leading Grants Pass–based software company serving over 16,000 landlords and property managers across the U.S. Under Nathan's leadership, Rentec Direct has helped manage over $226 billion in real estate assets and has grown to become the third-largest platform in its market—all achieved without external funding or debt. The company has been featured on the Inc. 5000 list for seven consecutive years, a testament to Nathan's disciplined approach to organic growth and his deep understanding of the property management landscape. Beyond real estate technology, Nathan is also the founder and CEO of Miller Ink, a communications agency specializing in high-stakes messaging, issue advocacy, and crisis management. With experience as Director of Speechwriting and Advisor to the Ambassador at the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations, as well as roles in U.S. policy and public affairs, Nathan brings a rare combination of strategic insight and global perspective. A UCLA graduate with degrees in History and Public Policy, he has built a reputation for turning complex ideas into powerful, results-driven campaigns. Website: https://miller-ink.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-miller-6909628/   If you are an experienced CEO looking to grow your company, visit https://www.TheCEOProject.com   You can also reach Jim by email: Jim@TheCEOProject.com   LinkedIn: @theceoproject Instagram: @the_ceoproject Twitter/X: @the_CEO_Project Facebook:  @IncCEOproject

On this week's episode of Everyday Injustice, host David Greenwald speaks with Maria Foscarinis, a former Wall Street lawyer who left corporate law in the 1980s to become one of the nation's leading advocates for homeless rights. Foscarinis, who helped found the National Homelessness Law Center, joins the podcast to discuss her forthcoming book, Housing for All: The Fight to End Homelessness in America. The conversation tracks the roots of the modern homelessness crisis, beginning with the Reagan-era cuts to federal housing programs and continuing through today's growing reliance on criminalization rather than care. Foscarinis emphasizes that the United States has faced multiple waves of homelessness—from the explosion in the 1980s to the fallout from the 2008 foreclosure crisis and now the worsening crisis driven by the commodification of housing. Despite increasing visibility and public discourse around homelessness, she argues that the fundamental issue—access to safe, affordable housing—remains unresolved. “Housing is a human right,” Foscarinis insists, referencing both international law and decades of advocacy. The U.S., she notes, has never fully embraced that principle, instead relying on market-driven solutions that leave millions behind. The episode explores the harmful myths that continue to shape public perception and policy, particularly the idea—originating with Reagan—that homelessness is a choice. Foscarinis addresses the link between homelessness and substance use, cautioning against narratives that blame the individual while ignoring structural failure. She discusses how criminalizing homelessness—through encampment sweeps, arrests, and anti-loitering laws—has become a bipartisan failure, citing the Supreme Court's Grants Pass decision as a dangerous turning point that has sparked a surge in local anti-homeless ordinances. Finally, Foscarinis shares powerful stories from her book, including that of Danny, a Denver resident who lost limbs after being forced to live outside in the cold. She urges listeners to move beyond charity and become vocal advocates for systemic change: “Use your voice. Tell your representatives: housing is a human right.” As the episode makes clear, solving homelessness isn't about removing people from view—it's about creating a society where everyone has a safe place to live.

Open phones and topics start the hour, we wrap on the homelessness issue with Grants Pass council president Victoria Marshall discussing how we got to this latest lawsuit, community meeting explaining this on Monday, 6pm, answering your questions.

This week on Everything You Didn't Know About Herbalism, we are joined by our long-time beloved friends, farm partners, and stewards of the regenerative organic farming movement, Elise and Jeff Higley. Tune in with Tommy, Elise, and Jeff, as they explore what it means to be a Regenerative Organic Certified® farmer and how we must grow alongside the movement of regenerative agriculture for the preservation of our food systems and the future of our planet. Elise and Jeff also share about the upcoming Oshala Herb Camp, which is weekend campout hosted in the breathtaking landscape of Grants Pass, Oregon on July 27 – 29.  Filled with classes on medicine making, materia medica, botanical crafting, and hands-on experience for what life on an herb farm is like, Oshala Herb Camp weaves agriculture, herbalism, and sustainability into one to create a weekend of community building with plant-lovers from all walks of life. Be sure to check out the hyperlink above or detailed links included below to learn more about this invaluable opportunity!   Learn more about Oshala Farm and the farmers behind it below! ⬇️

For the last year, Grants Pass has been at the center of a national conversation about where people who are homeless can stay. A lawsuit brought against the city by a group of homeless people had made its way all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court: Grants Pass v. Johnson. Last June, the court released a six-to-three decision finding that it is not cruel or unusual punishment to penalize people for living outdoors even if they have nowhere else to go.But that ruling was not an end to legal battles about homelessness in Grants Pass or around the country. Earlier this year, after the city council closed one of its two sanctioned camp sites, a new lawsuit was filed, leading a judge to order another injunction -- and the city council to re-open one of those sites.Scott Nelson is the board president of MINT, a homeless services nonprofit. Susan Clark is the executive director of Mid Rogue Foundation, a nonprofit focused on housing. Indra Nicholas is a city councilor and small business owner.  Brock Spurgeon is a tile contractor and one of the founders of Park Watch Grants Pass. They joined us in front of a live audience to talk about homelessness at the Performing Arts Center at Grants Pass High School on April 29

Terry Hopkins | President & CEO, Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce: Grants Pass native Terry Hopkins has returned to his roots after a diverse hospitality career across five states. With over 25 years of business ownership and management experience in Southern Oregon, Terry recently spent 5 years as a business advocate with the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. Married for 20+ years with two sons, Terry is passionate about community service, having served on numerous Chamber and city committees. He's excited to join the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce team to advocate for local businesses and enhance community development. thopkins@grantspasschamber.org  |  541-956-4100  

Keep an eye out for me appearing in an Internet ad near your screen! My Insane FL Nephew, "Pancho Guero" takes his health kick to a new low--the sewer--by drinking "poop water". And besides our own stupidity, we have more from the rest of the world!In this Episode...DNA Testing Service 23andMe Files for Bankruptcy–DELETE Your DATA!Twin Brothers Marry Twin Sisters in Double Wedding, Go on Joint Honeymoon(OOPS!)...A Flight Had to Turn Around Over the Pacific Because a PILOT Forgot His Passport(Airplane Purgatory?) Unplanned 8-Hour 'Flight to Nowhere' Leaves Passengers Stuck Where They 1st StartedNational Weather Service Seemingly Captures Photo of Bigfoot During a PA Storm SurveyAZ Teacher Arrested After Peeing Into A Can–In Front Of His ClassA Guy Showed Up at the ER with His Girlfriend's Hand Stuck in His MouthWoman Born White Says She Identifies As Black…& She's Moving To AfricaPancho will also reply to a couple of questions about honesty...if we're really being honest... And test your stupidity against Pancho's in the weekly Insane Game Show to figure out if by going to Miss Cassidey's in Grants Pass, Oregon you're going to a "Strip Club" or a "Daycare"!

We were honored to have Kate Newton join us in the studio to share her powerful journey to Christ. Hailing from Grants Pass, OR much of Kate's story unfolds in her hometown. Growing up, her parents managed a trailer park that also welcomed RVs, creating an environment where she encountered people from all walks of life. While this upbringing brought a variety of experiences, it also exposed Kate to the harsh realities of crime, including instances of violence and even murder. Tragically, the concept of death became all too familiar. When Kate was just 11 years old, her world was shattered when her 16-year-old brother died in a devastating car accident involving a train. The heartbreak fractured her family, leaving Kate to navigate her teenage years largely on her own. She recalls feeling more like a roommate to her parents than a daughter, shouldering the weight of grief in isolation. Adopting a mindset of “if you're going to die, you might as well live,” she turned to partying in search of distraction and meaning. Though she occasionally attended church with a boyfriend in her early adulthood, faith didn't yet hold a significant place in her life. By the age of 25, Kate was facing financial struggles after college and found herself working at a health food store. Her coworkers formed an unusual trio — a prostitute, a self-proclaimed white witch, and an older Christian woman named Sandy. It was through these circumstances that God began to stir something within her. Sandy quickly became a guiding presence in Kate's life. Eventually, Kate moved into a room in Sandy's home, and their friendship deepened. It was there, with Sandy by her side, that Kate made the life-changing decision to give her heart to Christ. In an instant, God became undeniably real — present, active, and faithful. Kate shared remarkable stories of how God consistently showed up in her darkest moments, offering comfort and provision. Her testimony serves as a reminder that no matter the struggle — anxiety, fear, loss, or grief — we can trust in Jesus. Her encouragement to listeners is simple yet profound: place your trust fully in Him, because He is always faithful.Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Grants Pass, Oregon became the unlikely centerpoint of a Supreme Court case that answers whether cities have the right to move homeless encampments from public property.Order Sharyl's new bestselling book: “Follow the $cience.” Subscribe to my two podcasts: “The Sharyl Attkisson Podcast” and “Full Measure After Hours.” Leave a review, subscribe and share with your friends! Support independent journalism by visiting the new Sharyl Attkisson store.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leaders Who Create Culture: Michael Bahn is a familiar voice on The Table podcast. Join Jason Squires as he and Michael talk about creating culture in a business or organization with multiple locations. Michael is on staff at River Valley Church in Grants Pass, OR. River Valley is a network of churches and part of Michael's role is to help create a cohesive culture amongst the different campuses.

Three lawyers walk into a bar. Megan Mack and Greg Jones, both Partners at the local government law firm, Ancel Glink, joined the podcast to talk about recent cases impacting local governments. They discussed the Supreme Court ruling affecting camping bans in Grants Pass v. Johnson. They talked about two zoning cases involving a challenge from residents about a proposed wind farm and a church claiming religious discrimination because it had to apply for a special use permit. Lastly, they discussed an equal protection case involving a municipality's interactions with a property owner. They also shared the partnership their firm has had with the Chicago Metro Section of the American Planning Association (APA) Illinois Chapter. Host: Dan Bolin

The debate over whether cities and states have the right to criminally punish people experiencing homelessness for sleeping in public. With a decision from the Supreme Court looming on whether cities and states will have the right to criminally punish people experiencing homelessness for sleeping in public, many are divided on what that decision should be. Tonight, Dr. Phil will hear from people experiencing homelessness themselves, and learn why they are strongly against being criminalized. Plus, the debate continues as Donald Whitehead (Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless), Matt Mackowiak (Co-founder of Save Austin Now), Michele Steeb (Senior Fellow with the Texas Public Policy) and residents of Grants Pass, (a town that has gained national attention because of a court case between local homeless individuals and the city), debate the solutions to the homelessness epidemic. Thank you to our sponsors: PureHealth Research: Head over to https://PureHealthResearch.com  and save 35% with code PHIL Jase Medical: Go to https://Jase.com  and enter code PHIL at checkout Preserve Gold: Visit: https://drphilgold.com/   Get a FREE precious metals guide that contains essential information on how to help protect your accounts. Text “DRPHIL” to 50505 to claim this exclusive offer from Preserve Gold today.  

The debate over solutions to homelessness heats up; is criminalization an answer?  Grants Pass is a smaller community, nestled in the beautiful backdrop of southern Oregon, that has many residents claiming there has been an explosion of homelessness, leaving their idyllic community unsafe. Grants Pass has gained national attention because of a court case between local homeless individuals and the city. At the heart of the matter is whether it is cruel and unusual punishment for the city to arrest or fine people for sleeping outside in public, even with just a pillow or blanket, when there is no safe shelter available. The case has gone all the way to the Supreme Court, with a decision coming soon, and potentially having national implications on whether cities can criminalize those with no other option but to sleep in public. Dr. Phil sent his team to Grants Pass to speak with residents and people experiencing homelessness to see firsthand what is going on.  Dr. Phil will speak with residents Missy and Brock who claim the rise in homelessness has left many residents scared due to the rampant drug use, crime, and even physical assaults on residents. The debate over whether to criminalize people experiencing homelessness sleeping in public heats up when Dr. Phil invites two experts on opposite sides of the issue; Donald Whitehead (Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless) and Matt Mackowiak (Co-founder of Save Austin Now). Plus, Dr. Phil speaks with Dion, a young man who is currently experiencing homelessness and says criminalizing the things needed to survive on the street is not the answer. Thank you to our sponsors: Jase Medical: Go to https://Jase.com  and enter code PHIL at checkout FYSI: Visit https://FYSI.com/DRPHIL  or call 800-877-4000 Preserve Gold: Visit: https://drphilgold.com/   Get a FREE precious metals guide that contains essential information on how to help protect your accounts. Text “DRPHIL” to 50505 to claim this exclusive offer from Preserve Gold today.  

Listen as Manny Velazquez of The House of Glory here in Grants Pass, Oregon shares his amazing story of going from New Age beliefs to belief in Jesus. As he asks the Lord to humble him without tragedy and to make him usable.

March 8, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Lent 1 - Psalm 91:9-13; antiphon: Psalm 91:15-16Daily Lectionary: Genesis 3:1-24; Mark 2:1-17“He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Coming up tomorrow is the Temptation of Jesus. We will hear the devil tempt our Savior three times. In one of those temptations, Satan will quote Psalm 91, part of which will be the Introit tomorrow morning. He will argue that Jesus should throw Himself down because the Lord “will command His angels concerning you.” But the devil leaves out what the command will be, skipping forward to just the results. But the command is important. It is “to guard you in all your ways.” Stepping off of the pinnacle of the temple is the epitome of an unguarded way. But ways are more than just a footpath you might take your feet on. The ‘way' in which you live is also meant. That presents us with a problem and Satan with an opportunity. Because we sin. We fall short. We fail when faced with temptation. And for those few short moments where we thought, maybe, that we succeeded, the temptation grows only stronger the next time we face it. Then evil befalls us, and plagues come near our tents.But the devil accidentally points something out to us. This Psalm is about Jesus. Because it's Jesus who treads on the adder. It's Jesus who tramples the young serpent underfoot. Jesus crushes the devil's head, that ancient serpent, while Satan bruises His heel. Jesus' feet nailed to a cross. Crucified to overthrow the accusations of the accuser forever. In doing that, all those sins have been taken away. All those failed temptations have been forgiven. Jesus has become your way, and He's the one who keeps you on His path. He has forgiven you. He has given you repentance. He has given you hope. He has given you resurrection. He has given you eternal life. And now, when temptation's hour comes, you have an advocate. You have Jesus fighting by your side. You don't need to face these things alone. You have Christ, who has overcome your temptation already right here with you. And with Him He brings His Church. You have brothers and sisters in Christ who have also faced those temptations, fallen to those temptations, and have been likewise rescued by Christ. Do not forget their wisdom and experience, for they didn't get through it alone, either. Jesus Christ has overcome temptation for you. He has won life, forgiveness, and salvation for you. And He walks with you even now on your way.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Christ, You walked the road Our wand'ring feet must go. Stay with us through temptation's hour To fight our ancient foe. (LSB 424:5)-Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

Homeless conversation with Brian Bouteller, Executive Director of the Gospel Rescue Mission in Grants Pass. Why is it local media will not tell the WHOLE story of homeless, focusing on sympathy, with no responsibility for behavior?

March 7, 2025Today's Reading: Mark 1:29-45Daily Lectionary: Genesis 2:4-25; Mark 1:29-45“That evening at sundown they brought to Him all who were sick or oppressed by demons.” (Mark 1:32)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Why did they wait until evening to bring people to Jesus? Turns out, back in verse 21, we find out it was the Sabbath Day until the sun went down. And even though Jesus had already driven out a demon in the synagogue, and healed Peter's mother-in-law's fever on the Sabbath, they were worried that getting healed on the Sabbath might count as work and that would get them in trouble. Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy. It's the Third Commandment. But our Sabbath rest doesn't come from inactivity. Our Sabbath rest is Jesus. Our Lord doesn't stop taking care of our needs, just because it's between Friday Sundown and Saturday sundown. And our greatest needs are the forgiveness of our sins, the covering of our shame, the destruction of death, and the conquering of the devil. Jesus keeps the Sabbath in our place by doing that work. On Good Friday (Thursday sundown to Friday sundown), Jesus was betrayed and arrested and denied and had false witness bore about Him. On Good Friday, Jesus was beaten and whipped and mocked, and sentenced to death. On Good Friday, Jesus was nailed to a cross, lifted up, suffered, and died. On Good Friday, Jesus was taken down, placed in a tomb, and had the opening closed. All the work of Good Friday Jesus did for you. He did it to heal you. To drive away your demons. To forgive you. To take away your shame. To destroy death. To conquer the devil forever. And from that work, He rested. On the Sabbath, from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown, to Sunday before the break of dawn, Jesus rested in that tomb. Jesus rested in death. And then, He got up in the morning to start the week anew. To start the week with your salvation. Our rest isn't found in inactivity. Our rest is found in Jesus. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me and rest; Lay down, thou weary one, lay down thy head upon My breast.” I came to Jesus as I was, so weary worn and sad; I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad. (LSB 699:1)-Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

March 6, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: Close of the CommandmentsDaily Lectionary: Genesis 1:20-2:3; Mark 1:14-28What does God say about all these commandments?He says, “I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.” (Ex. 20: 5–6)What does this mean? God threatens to punish all who break these commandments. Therefore, we should fear His wrath and not do anything against them. But He promises grace and every blessing to all who keep these commandments. Therefore, we should also love and trust in Him and gladly do what He commands.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Why does God give His Commandments? It's not because He has some spare commandments lying around and wants to keep us busy. It's not that He needs something for us to do to show how much we like Him. God commands us to do (or not do) because He doesn't want those He loves to be hurt. Coveting our neighbor's stuff and relationships causes hurt. Taking away our neighbor's life, family, things, and reputation causes hurt. Rejecting authority causes hurt. Rebelling against God causes hurt. And our Lord isn't happy when we hurt those whom He loves, even when we hurt ourselves. Jesus loves you. That's not just some Sunday School song. The creator of all things cares so much for you, His creation, that He will give His life for your sake. He sacrifices Himself to pay for your sins. And He does all this before you've even done anything yet. His love is not earned. It is given freely to you. Breaking those Commandments is to throw away God's Gifts of love, of life, of forgiveness and to cling instead to sin and death. There are consequences for that. And those consequences do last for generations. I think of the things screwed up in my own family, and I see them passed down to my kids. And I don't want that for them. But I also see the faith that has been passed down from generation to generation. And maybe you're the very first generation in your family to trust Christ. There is His promise; hold tight to it. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Our works cannot salvation gain; They merit only endless pain. Forgive us, Lord! To Christ we flee, Who pleads for us endlessly. Have mercy, Lord! (LSB 581:12)-Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

March 5, 2025 Today's Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21Daily Lectionary: Genesis 1:1-19; Mark 1:1-13“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. It's always fascinating that the Gospel reading for Ash Wednesday, the day we put very visible ashes upon our foreheads as a sign of our repentance, is the one in which Jesus says not to let your good works be seen by others. So what did we just do then? Don't we want to be seen? Don't we want the good works, carried out in faith, to be seen by the world? Just a few verses earlier, Jesus does say, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 ESV) Don't our good works at least get people to ask why anyone would do these things? At least start a conversation? They may. But remember, Jesus is criticizing those who do things in order that they might be praised for them. And that's a far more present danger than putting some ashes on in public. Who doesn't love praise? Yes, please thank me for helping others in need. Shower me with gifts to show how much you appreciate my awesome praying skills. Maybe those aren't your go-to works. But when we start expecting rewards for doing the right thing, then our hearts are far from being in the right place. It is better to do good with no praise at all than to do good in order to get something for me out of it. This is how Christ does His greatest work of all. There isn't anyone patting Him on the back for going up on that cross on the day He goes. They're all telling Him that they'll pat Him on the back if He comes down. There's no one telling Jesus how awesome He is for bearing the sins of the world. They're scoffing at His inability to do anything for Himself. However, by Jesus' very public work of dying on that cross and paying for all our sin, He saved us all. Our sins are forgiven. Our shame has been carried. Our death has been overcome. And we're made God's children, clothed in His righteousness, and given a seat at His table. As far as the ashes go, ask what they're there for. I mean, it's possible you might do it for praise. But probably, the response of the world will be, “What did you do to your forehead?” However, if they're there to remind you of your repentance, then they are well and good. For in repentance, we turn from our sinful hearts and look forward to the sure and certain hope of Christ's forgiveness and the resurrection that He has for us. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Death you cannot end my gladness: I am baptized into Christ! When I die I leave all sadness To inherit paradise! Though I lie in dust and ashes Faith's assurance brightly flashes: Baptism has the strength divine To make life immortal mine. (LSB 594:4)-Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

March 4, 2025Today's Reading: Hebrews 3:1-6Daily Lectionary: Job 36:1-21; John 11:38-57“But Christ is faithful over God's house as a Son. And we are His house if we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in hope.” (Hebrews 3:6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. I will spare you from asking whether or not we're a building (The answer is yes: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 1 Peter 2:4-5.), but there's another way this term can be understood. The House of Israel is all the descendants of Israel. The House of David is all the family of David through the generations and their servants. That's important. Because Moses is part of the house of God. It's as a servant, but he is part of the house nonetheless. Moses is a servant. Jesus is the Son. And being the Son comes with more honor and glory. And to the people of Jesus' day, this is big news. Because in all the Old Testament, there was no one apart from God who was worthy of more glory and honor than Moses. He was the Lord's chosen prophet who led them out of Egypt. He was the one through whom the Lord fed His people manna in the wilderness. He was the greatest of all the prophets, and there was no one like Him.But there was a promise that there would one day be a prophet like Moses. But Jesus was greater than Moses. Jesus didn't have to go see God; Jesus is God. Jesus didn't need someone else to cause the miraculous to happen; Jesus caused the miraculous to happen. Moses died, but Jesus did not stay dead. He rose on the third day. And to the people of Jesus' day, this was a big deal. Then Jesus did something amazing for us. He made us His house. We're of His household. However, Jesus didn't make us mere servants in the house of God. Jesus adopts us as sons and daughters of God. As a baptized Christian, you've been given a higher rank than Moses had when he was alive. You're a child of God, for Jesus has given you His place as heir of the kingdom of God. This adoption happens by Jesus' death on the cross and His rising again on the third day. He did that for you. This adoption happens at your Baptism, where you are baptized into His death in order to have His life. This adoption happens as your every sin is forgiven by His ultimate sacrifice. This adoption happens as He speaks His saving Word into your ears. This adoption happens as He brings you to His table and sets you a place. This adoption happens as He gives you His own body and His own blood. You are a beloved child of God. You are an heir in His house. And the kingdom of heaven is made yours. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We are God's house of living stones, Built for His habitation. He through baptismal grace us owns Heirs of His wondrous salvation. We we but two His name to tell, Yet He would deign with us to dwell With all His grace and His favor. (LSB 645:3)-Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

It’s been eight months since the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Grants Pass v. Johnson, which determined that cities can punish unhoused people for sleeping outside, even if they have nowhere else to go. Since then, Grants Pass officials have restricted public camping to two city-owned lots, one of which closed earlier this year. The city council recently voted to reopen the site after Disability Rights Oregon filed a lawsuit alleging that the city’s restrictions violated state law.  Amid the back-and-forth, homeless services providers have continued to provide aid to the city’s unhoused residents. Scott Nelson is the board president of the Mobile Integrative Navigation Team, or MINT. He joins us to share more about what providing services in Grants Pass has been like since the Supreme Court decision last summer.

March 3, 2025Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 34:1-12Daily Lectionary: Job 34:10-33; John 11:17-37“…and for all the mighty power and all the great deeds of terror that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. (Deuteronomy 34:12)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. What is the First Commandment? You shall have no other gods. What does this mean? We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.Sometimes, a well-meaning person will teach that fear here means respect. We should respect God, well and true, but trust means respect. Fear means fear. When Israel sinned against God in the wilderness, they had very good reasons to be afraid. They sinned, and God sent a plague. They sinned, and God sent poisonous snakes. They sinned, God opened up the ground, and the earth swallowed them whole. It is a fearful thing to stand before God in your sin. God worked these terrifying deeds through Moses. And even though, in our reading today, Moses is now dead, the Lord is still the one to be feared, even as they enter into the promised rest. Likewise, we need to fear the Lord in our sin. We need to know God gets angry when we hurt the people He loves. Even when that person is yourself. If He didn't get angry, then that would show that He didn't care. So fear is an appropriate response when we start thinking that maybe our sin is okay after all.But how far does that fear go? If God is angry over sin, how can I possibly stand before Him when I have sinned? But remember the whole explanation of the First Commandment. We fear, love, and trust in God above all things. We fear because of our sin. We trust because Our Lord has poured out all His anger on someone else. The entire fiery wrath of God is poured out upon Jesus at the cross. The greatest deed of terror in all history. Everything that should have gone to you and me has instead fallen upon Christ. And He willingly went there for the forgiveness of all our sins. Remember, if God is not angry, He does not care. But if His anger falls upon us, then we are lost. God shows His great care for us by both His anger and His self-sacrifice. He gave up all to save you from your sin. We are able to love Him because of His great love for us given first. And given at His cross. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Oh what blessing to be near You And listen to Your voice; Let me ever love and hear You, Let Your Word be now my choice! Many hardened sinners, Lord, Flee in terror at Your Word; But to all who feel sin's burden You give words of peace and pardon. (LSB 589:2)-Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

March 2, 2025 Today's Reading: Luke 9:28-36Daily Lectionary: Job 33:19-34:9; John 11:1-16“…His clothing became dazzling white.” (Luke 9:29b)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In the beginning, there was no need for clothes. Adam and Eve didn't have them, and nobody seemed to mind. At least, at first. Ever since, there has been a difference between the clothes that we wear for ourselves and the clothes that our Lord provides. Rebekah clothed Jacob in Esau's clothes. They were worn to deceive– worn in order to sin. Joseph's brothers would dip his robe in blood in order to deceive their father. Joseph's clothes would again be taken from him by Potiphar's wife. She covered her own sinful desires with those clothes in order to deceive. When we ourselves dress up our sin, we claim that there's nothing wrong. That we have no shame at all. It's all lies. It's all deception. That sin is still there. We should be shamed by the fact that we sin. We need to be clothed in something else. We need repentance.Something different happens when God clothes us. The covering that our Lord provides doesn't deny our sin. It acknowledges that it's there and that it's shameful. Yet we don't hide it ourselves. We don't lie about it and say it's good. Instead, our Lord takes our shame and provides His modesty for it. After all, the clothing our Lord provides gives us the honor that rightly belongs to Him.When Joseph was called out of prison, Pharaoh gave him the clothes he would need to enter the court, covering up the shame of Joseph's imprisonment with pardon. After Joseph's brothers finally found out Joseph was in charge of all Egypt, Joseph sent them back with new clothes to their father. Covering up the shame of their years of lies with forgiveness and the promise of deliverance from the famine.The clothes that Jesus gives are His own. They cover our sin with His forgiveness. This is why the clothing of Jesus is so important. For our sake, Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. From Jesus' clothes came power to overcome sin, as some went to touch even the hem of His garments. Jesus' clothes shine brightly forth at the Transfiguration in today's Gospel lesson. Jesus is clothed so that He may properly bear your sin and your shame. And that we may wear His righteousness. And in Baptism, Jesus wraps you in His clothes. He gives them away to you and takes up your clothing instead.Jesus doesn't always wear the clothes of the Transfiguration. It's from here that He goes down to be crucified. What should have been our shame was His alone. He wears the sin of the entire world, including your sin and mine. All of it is taken away from us, and Jesus carries it all, bearing it before the entire world. And we are left washed, cleansed, forgiven, and clothed.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In Baptism we now put on Christ– Our shame is fully covered With all that He once sacrificed And freely for us suffered. For here the flood of His own blood Now makes us holy, right, and good Before our heavenly Father. (LSB 596:4)-Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

March 1, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Transfiguration of our Lord - Psalm 84:1-2, 9, 11; antiphon: Psalm 84:4Daily Lectionary: Job 33:1-18; John 10:22-42“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Hosts!” (Psalm 84:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Tomorrow, the Church celebrates the Transfiguration of Jesus. On that mountaintop, Peter will say, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” The people weren't the only ones with tents. The Lord had a tent. We call it by its Latin name: tabernacle. It was a very nice tent, but it was still a tent. And it's where the Lord resided when the people made camp in the wilderness. The Lord resided in the midst of His people. Sometimes, we want to blame Peter for wanting to either demote Jesus to a tent with Moses and Elijah or raise Moses and Elijah to the place of God. And there are ways that idea can point us to Jesus. But perhaps the problem with Peter's suggestion, and the reason we're told that he didn't know what he said, isn't that he wants to make tents, but where he wants to make tents. “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Hosts!” “Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!” (Psalm 84:1, 4 ESV) The Lord doesn't dwell on a mountain apart from His people, or only with a select few of the greatest prophets. The tent of the Lord is pitched in the center of the camp, in the midst of the people. The Lord makes His house right where you're at. The Lord is not far off. He's right here.That's why we find Jesus in the midst of our sorrow: because He was betrayed for our sake. That's why we find Jesus in the midst of our loss: because He lost everything for our sake. That's why we find Jesus in the midst of our shame: because He was stripped bare for our sake. That's why we find Jesus in the midst of our sin; because He who knew no sin became sin for our sake so that we might have forgiveness. That's why we find Jesus in the midst of our suffering: because He went to His cross for our sake, died for our sake, and entered the grave for our sake. All to save us. What makes the house of the Lord so lovely and splendid is not the decorations or the holiness. What makes it lovely and splendid is that it is near. Jesus is here. In the very places the devil wants us to think He's not, Jesus is present for you, sets up His house for you, and invites you in. And He remains with you through all you endure in this world. His dwelling place is in His Church, which you are a part of. And He will be by your side through everything the world throws at you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Why should cross and trial grieve me? Christ is near, With His cheer; Never will He leave me. Who can rob me of the heaven That God's Son For me won When His life was given? (LSB 756:1)-Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

February 28, 2025Today's Reading: Job 31:1-12, 33-40Daily Lectionary: Job 31:1-12, 33-40; John 9:24-41“Let me be weighed in a just balance, and let God know my integrity!” (Job 31:6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. When Christians are confronted with suffering in their lives, they often read the book of Job. After all, Job suffered, and God blessed him. Maybe there's some secret in there for us. At the end, though, most people are confused. They're told this is how you deal with suffering. But reading it gave them no clue on how to deal with suffering. What did we just read? We know Job's friends aren't supposed to be any help to him. But their words are the same as found in Proverbs.Rather, Job sounds like the problematic one. Can't he see that God blesses the good and punishes the evil? Does Job really believe that he has no sin for which to repent? Does Job think that he is on equal footing with God to make statements like these? We come to the conclusion that Job needs to get his act together. Which isn't what we went looking for. Because our lives sometimes look a lot like Job's. We're told to repent of doing good. Those who do wrong are prospering all around us while we suffer. We find ourselves paying the price when we do the right thing. The pain we endure feels meaningless. We cry out as Job did and wonder where God's answer is.Did you know that everything Job lamented was answered in Jesus? In chapter sixteen, Job laments that he is attacked by enemies on all sides. Jesus conquers all of Job's enemies, including the devil who is behind them all. In chapter twenty-three, Job wishes that he could find God. Jesus is our God who became flesh and dwelt among us. And through it all, Job laments that the innocent suffer at God's hand. Jesus, the one innocent man, suffers the wrath of God in order to save us all. He's crucified, the worst death anyone can possibly imagine because that's why He came. That's how he saved Job, you, me, and the world. The book of Job is about a man who suffers even though he is relatively righteous. The whole Bible is about another man who suffers, even though He has no sin of His own but to save all people. The lesson of Job is that there is no such thing as pointless suffering. The suffering we think is unjust does, in fact, serve God's purpose.It isn't as though our Lord gives you no answer. It's that the answer is always found in the death and resurrection of Jesus. All of Job's questions are answered in Jesus. All of our pains, and regrets, and sins, and death, are answered completely in Jesus. For Jesus suffered, and we are given forgiveness, resurrection, and eternal life through Him.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God gives me my days of gladness, And I will Trust Him still When He sends me sadness. God is good; His love attends me Day by day Come what may Guides me and defends me. (LSB 756:3)-Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

February 27, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: The Tenth CommandmentDaily Lectionary: Job 30:16-31; John 9:1-23What is the Tenth Commandment? You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor's wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do their duty.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. King Herod was told by John the Baptizer that it wasn't lawful for him to have his brother's wife. But what law? If he'd taken his brother Philip's wife by force, there would have been war. If Herod had acted in the legal wrong, Philip would demand Herodias back. But covetousness pretends that nothing was wrong. There's nothing illegal about convincing someone of something. Perhaps Herod convinced Philip that he should simply leave Herodias. It wasn't illegal in Rome for Herod to marry a woman who was divorced. What law did Herod break?It was God's Law, of course. And let's see it in light of the Tenth Commandment. Convincing others to destroy their relationships is evil. Especially when you benefit from that relationship being destroyed. Maybe it's difficult to prove, difficult to legislate against, but God knows the heart. The Gift this Commandment protects is the Gift of relationships, ours and our neighbor's. He's provided these relationships for us. Brothers and sisters, parents and children, husband and wife, all for our good. And so, our Lord protects these Gifts. And commands us to honor those relationships among our neighbors as well.But, this is a sin that's in our hearts. We want to have who we can't. And we try to make it happen while appearing to do the right thing. Even when we hurt those who lose that relationship. Even when we hurt the one we're after. It's a lie by action rather than word. One we don't plan to have found out. This is also the Commandment that convicts us, even if we convince ourselves that we've kept all the others. We cannot hide our hearts from God, even if we can from everyone else. And so we repent. We're sorry for our sin. And we turn in hope to the one who forgives sin. We turn to the one who has kept this Commandment in our place. Jesus faced all temptation for us, even the temptations of the heart. He refused to act selfishly, in ways that only appeared right. Instead, He stood against Satan in the wilderness during those forty days. He stood against Satan while hanging on the cross. And He fought to make even our broken relationships whole again. Our relationship with God is restored. As we forgive one another as Christ has forgiven us, our relationships with them can be mended as well. And Christ mends our hearts. The Old Adam daily drowns in the Baptism that He has given. And we begin to desire what is good with the new creation in us.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.You shall not crave your neighbor's house Nor covet money, goods, or spouse, Pray God He would your neighbor bless As you yourself wish success. Have mercy, Lord! (LSB 581:10)-Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

February 26, 2025 Today's Reading: Genesis 45:3-15Daily Lectionary: Job 21:1-21; Job 21:22-30:15; John 8:39-59“I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:4b-5)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Until the moment Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, they were very afraid. Simeon had been taken prisoner the first time they showed up. Benjamin was about to be taken as a slave, which would kill their father. And Judah had just offered to be the sacrifice to pay for Benjamin's sin. It was a selfless act done for the sake of a brother who was loved, for a father who was loved. Besides, it had been the brothers' own sin that had caused this mess in the first place. They had acknowledged that sin on the first trip down, where Simeon was lost. To lose another brother in the same way brought that sin right back to the forefront of their thoughts. So it wasn't solely a selfless act; it was Judah confessing his own sin and the need for him to be the sacrifice that paid for it. It was at this point that Joseph stepped forward and told his brother, Judah, “You're not the sacrifice. I am.”The one sinned against went before the brothers into Egypt. He endured slavery, prison, and becoming an Egyptian in order that they would be saved. He gave up all that they might live. We, too, have sinned. We sin against God. We sin against our brothers and sisters, the people God has put in our lives. And standing before God cannot help but remind us where we have done wrong and failed to do what is right. Convicted of our own sin, we know a sacrifice must be made. Sin must be paid for. And the price must come from us.It is at this point that Jesus steps forward and tells you, “You're not the sacrifice. I am.”The one sinned against goes before you into this world. He endured the suffering life of this world. He was betrayed, beaten, and crucified. He shed His blood on your behalf. He bore your sin on His shoulders so that you would not have to. He entered into death, in order that it might be conquered in full before you got there. And He gave up all that you may live. He says to you, “I am your brother, Jesus, whom you sinned against. And now do not be distressed, for the Father has sent Me before you to preserve life.” He has preserved your life. Your sins have been forgiven. The sacrifice has already been made. And His resurrection is yours forever.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Sin disturb my soul no longer: I am baptized into Christ! I have comfort even stronger: Jesus' cleansing sacrifice. Should a guilty conscience seize me Since my baptism did release me In a dear forgiving flood, Sprinkling me with Jesus' blood? (LSB 594:2)-Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

JPR's award-winning reporter, Jane Vaughan reports.

February 25, 2025 Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:21-26, 30-42Daily Lectionary: Job 20:1-23, 29; John 8:21-38“The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:26)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Christ has been raised from the dead. This is the act of God upon which we base our entire faith. Christ has been raised from the dead. And this is the event around which all of history revolves. Because all of a sudden, a small group of fishermen, tax collectors, and nobodies started telling us about a man who claimed to be God. And this man said that He would be killed by the religious authorities of His day and yet would stop being dead on the third day. And they killed Him, just as He said. Then He rose on the third day, just as He said. This small group of men proclaimed this resurrection. And when they threatened to kill them for it, they did not stop. James, they executed publicly. Pete,r they crucified upside down. Nathaniel, they flayed alive. All were killed confessing the resurrection of Jesus, save John, who lived unto old age confessing Christ. All the apostles were unafraid because that resurrection was for them, too. They willingly died to make sure everyone who heard them heard the resurrection of Jesus Christ. People don't always willingly die for the truth; that is a hard thing. Nobody dies for lies. The apostles confessed what they saw. They confessed the resurrection and put their hope in that resurrection. Rightly so, because Jesus did die for them. Jesus did die for you, so that when Christ was made alive, that life is for you, too. It's our sin that brings death in the first place. So that's why Jesus dies. To bear our sin in our place. To take our sin onto His shoulders so that it is not yours or mine any longer. He fights our enemies in our place. Enemies that are too strong for us to ever consider resisting. Jesus conquers death. And Jesus has conquered your death as well. It is the last enemy to be destroyed. And it's last day is The Last Day. Jesus returns, and all the dead rise. All death's trophies are taken away. And the faithful enter into eternal life. The same faith given to you by God Himself. Therefore we look forward to that day. We await the end of death. We are ready for the resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus makes us bold. For we are no different than the apostles. We face a world that does not want to hear about Christ's resurrection. And we may even one day be asked to die for that. But our strength does not come from our own efforts. Our boldness does not come from our steadfast will. We are only able to stand for the same reason the apostles did. Because Jesus really did rise from the dead. And He has made that resurrection ours as well.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord, by the stripes which wounded Thee, From death dread sting Thy servants free That we may live and sing to Thee. Alleluia! (LSB 464:5)-Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

February 24, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 11:25-30Daily Lectionary: Job 19:1-12, 21-27; John 8:1-20“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. On this day, the Church remembers Matthias, the thirteenth of the Twelve Apostles. As the book of Acts starts, the Eleven figure that they need a replacement for Judas, who betrayed Jesus and died a horrible death. But doesn't it feel like the Gospel reading assigned for this festival doesn't quite fit? Does replacing Judas sound like an easy yoke for Matthias? Does facing death by confessing Christ sound like a light burden? We might ask the same question. This world inflicts heavy burdens on us. We face rejection for confessing Christ. We face addiction, depression, loneliness, and fear. Where's this rest that Jesus promises? When will all these things end? At our death? But what about now? What does rest look like now?However, we first must know what rest is. Rest isn't simply the cessation of work. Rest isn't simply the end of doing something difficult. Rest isn't turning off your brain or simply sleeping. Our world defines rest that way. But how do you feel after doom-scrolling for hours? How do you feel after binge-watching shows all evening? Or when you've done nothing at all. How do you feel after enduring work all day and waking up the next day, only to do it all over again? It's not rest you receive, no matter what our world calls it. Josef Pieper, in his book Leisure, the Basis of Culture, explains it this way: The highest form of rest comes from the festival. And at the heart of every festival is worship. You don't turn off your brain, or sleep, or do nothing when there's a festival. Instead, they are often very busy. But the doing is in service to the joy, rather than because it is necessary.Today is a festival. We celebrate St. Matthias, the apostle whom Jesus chose, that His Word would be proclaimed. There's a feast at the festival, a feast at the center of our worship, and the feast is Christ Himself. Facing the world? Christ says, “Take and Eat; this is My body.” Facing addiction, depression, loneliness, and fear? Christ says, “Take and drink, My blood shed for your forgiveness.” Doing nothing doesn't prepare us for fighting these battles. Christ putting Himself in us does. Because rest doesn't come from inaction. Rest comes from the feast in worship, which brings the strength to endure the world.Jesus Himself is who eases the yokes of this world and lightens the struggles we face. And Jesus gives you His Body and Blood in His feast for that purpose. This is why the Church has so many feasts, including the weekly feast celebrating Christ's resurrection from the dead every Sunday. We need the festival. We need the joy it brings. We need the rest it provides. We need Jesus. And here He is.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.At the Lamb's high feast we sing Praise to our victorious King, Who has washed us in the tideFlowing from His pierced side. Alleluia! (LSB 633:1)-Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

February 23, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 6:27-38Daily Lectionary: Job 18:1-21; John 7:32-53[Jesus said,] “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.” (Luke 6:27b-30)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Okay, time to explain away Jesus' words. Time to find a way to make them say something different than what we just read. Surely Jesus doesn't mean for us to literally do these things, right? We would just end up a doormat. People would walk all over us. And we would be abused. There has to be a way out of these words. A way that we would be safe from them. A way to break these Commandments without, you know, breaking these Commandments. But that's not the way it works. We think that the more difficult something is to do, the greater the person who can do it. Loving your enemy is hard, so the love it takes to pull it off must be accomplishing a great work. But Thomas Aquinas puts it this way: “[I]f the love were so great as completely to remove all difficulty that would be a still greater love.”For us, Jesus' Word here is Law. Our love, apart from Christ, is not great enough to do this at all, much less with great difficulty. But in Jesus, we see the one who has the greater love, in that He loves us without it being difficult for Him. For it is Jesus Christ who has done good to us who have hated Him. He has blessed us with forgiveness as we cursed Him with our sin. He has prayed for us to the Father that we would be saved, even as our sin put the nails in His hands and feet. He has received our strikes by whip and cord. He has had His garments divided and His tunic taken away by lot. And for this, He has demanded none of it back. But died on a cross for our sake. That is the love with which Jesus loved. Not with difficulty, but with more of it than we could ever imagine. That is the love He has for you. That is the love which sacrificed Himself for your sake. That is the love that covers all your sins with His blood. And that's the love He has for you even now. And now, with that love, we return to Jesus' Word. His love in us loves our enemies, and He counts it as ours. His love in us endures, and He counts it as ours. His love gives, and He counts it as ours. And we don't always realize we're doing it. Jesus keeps the Law for our sake. And He also keeps it in you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.For us by wickedness betrayed, For us, in crown of thorns arrayed, He bore the shameful cross and death; For us He gave His dying breath (LSB 544:5)-Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Media presenting a very sympathetic case for the homeless removal in Grants Pass...how many used the mission?? Not many? Joe Guzzardi joins me, immigration reform analyst - Oregon ALREADy breaking Fed law on immigration. Could that be useful?

In this episode of The Artful Dollar Podcast, host Ryan Roi interviews Nic Luna, a veteran tattoo artist from Oregon.    Nic shares his unique journey becoming a tattoo artist, discussing the impacts of tattoo schools, the competitive market, and the importance of continuous education. Learn about the intricacies of running a tattoo shop, marketing strategies, and the future of tattoo regulations.    Follow Nic on social media: Instagram: @niclunatattoo https://www.instagram.com/niclunatattoo/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPeFDqYNpfPe253OtovGeIw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niclunatattoo   Follow Nic's studio, @subrosatattoostudio, in Grants Pass, OR https://www.instagram.com/subrosatattoostudio/   –   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:47 Tattoo Schools and Apprenticeships 11:43 Marketing and Social Media for Tattoo Artists 20:15 The Future of Tattooing 34:30 Challenges in Tattooing 46:04 AI in Tattooing 48:35 Final Thoughts    –   Are you feeling uncertain about what actions you should take to successfully market your business? You're not alone.    Get clear on what actions you need to take to book more appointments and create a sense of security and freedom.    Book your 1-on-1 Marketing Strategy Session with Ryan Roi Now: https://Theartfuldollarbooking.as.me/?appointmentType=67870225   This is for tattooers and shop owners who: Have at least 1 year of FULL TIME, PROFESSIONAL tattooing experience Ready to take a radically new approach to marketing (Not just a few tips and tricks)   On this call we will: Take a look at your current approach to marketing Identify what is stopping you from staying consistently booked Offer a strategy moving forward   –   Find more Artful Dollar podcast episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4P0j85W6U6tG6KTCTQidL4   –   Follow me on Instagram-  IG: ryanroitattoo   https://www.instagram.com/ryanroitattoo/   Check out my website- https://www.theartfuldollar.com/   #tattooartist #tattoopodcast

Matt calls from Grants Pass with reax to the Richard C. Lyons interview. I then talk with Piano virtuoso Alexander Tutunov from SOU. What a talent and story - Feb 14th concert will be a must-see. Sen. Herman Baertschiger talks Trump and more issues.

From 'The Progrum' (subscribe here) A fun episode this week as Football Equipment Administrator, Kenny Farr, joins the pod to talk all things Oregon Ducks. Through 6 different head coaches, few things have remained the same with Oregon Football. Kenny Farr has. From being a student manager out of Grants Pass, to running the show, Farr has seen many coaches, hundreds of players and just as many uniform combinations in his time. There is much more to the EQ staff than just uniforms, it is the day to day that makes Oregon Football run so smooth. Farr shares his path to Oregon, the process of uniform selection, building his EQ staff and what separates Dan Lanning from the rest. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Jan. 6, Josephine County Commissioners voted to terminate the lease of the Grants Pass central library. Commissioners have since said they simply want to renegotiate the $1-a-year lease of the county-owned building. This comes after a legal battle last year over whether residents could opt out of the library’s special tax district. It also follows a period of 10 years in which the library system was run by a nonprofit and volunteers, rather than by the county. Josephine County Commissioner Chris Barnett and Jennifer Roberts, president of the Grants Pass Friends of the Library, join us to fill us in.

Today's West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy Podcast for our especially special Daily Special, Blue Moon Spirits Fridays, is now available on the Spreaker Player!Starting off in the Bistro Cafe, Trump's political stunts over the Southern California urban wildfire exposes to the world once again what a self-centered, disgusting liar he is.Then, on the rest of the menu, MAGA Josephine County commissioners terminated the lease with the  Grants Pass, Oregon Library that has been in place since 1959; the American Civil Liberties Union sued Ron DeSantis of failing to fulfill his constitutional obligation to call special elections for two seats in the Florida state House and Senate; and, Border Patrol arrested a Russian mercenary when he illegally crossed the Rio Grande carrying two passports and four thousand dollars.After the break, we move to the Chef's Table where South Korean impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol threatened civil war if he is detained; and, a prominent Vietnamese lawyer goes on trial for criticizing a top judge on Facebook.All that and more, on West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy with Chef de Cuisine Justice Putnam.Bon Appétit!The Netroots Radio Live Player​Keep Your Resistance Radio Beaming 24/7/365!“Structural linguistics is a bitterly divided and unhappy profession, and a large number of its practitioners spend many nights drowning their sorrows in Ouisghian Zodahs.” ― Douglas Adams "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe"Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/west-coast-cookbook-speakeasy--2802999/support.

Day 11/21- Pray for Grants Pass

The JPR news team gathers for a roundtable discussion of the top news stories they've been working on this week.

Join us as we explore a pivotal issue affecting many communities today—homelessness and public space management—alongside Chief Anthony Sizemore in this edition of the Cape CopCast "Chief's Chat." Hosts Lisa Greenberg and Officer Mercedes Simonds talk about the intricacies of Cape Coral's new proposed ordinance that seeks to manage public spaces by prohibiting outdoor camping, a topic often linked to homelessness. We shed light on how this measure, born from House Bill 1365, is not an anti-homeless law but a means to ensure constitutionality in maintaining public order. As we draw insights from a recent US Supreme Court decision on a similar ordinance in Grants Pass, Oregon, we promise you'll leave with a clearer understanding of the balance between legal enforcement and compassionate outreach.In this spirited conversation, we also uncover the critical role specialized officers play in supporting individuals without homes, focusing on connecting them to essential services through comprehensive training. We discuss the challenges of enforcing such ordinances while emphasizing that the primary aim is care and support, not just enforcement. By addressing the visible aspects of homelessness and recognizing its persistent nature due to global economic conditions and human psychology, we stress the need for both immediate action and long-term strategies. Tune in for a nuanced discussion that navigates the complexities of homelessness and the efforts made to tackle it for the benefit of the entire community.

In this case, the court considered this issue: Does a city's enforcement of public camping against involuntarily homeless people violate the Eighth Amendment's protection against cruel and unusual punishment? The case was decided on June 28, 2024. The Supreme Court held that The enforcement of generally applicable laws regulating camping on public property does not constitute “cruel and unusual punishment” prohibited by the Eighth Amendment. Justice Neil Gorsuch authored the 6-3 majority opinion of the Court. The Eighth Amendment's Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause has historically focused on what punishments may follow a criminal conviction, not on what behaviors a government may criminalize. Although, in Robinson v California, the Court prohibited criminalizing the mere status of drug addiction, that case is distinguishable from laws that prohibit specific conduct like public camping. The Court has previously declined to extend Robinson to cover “involuntary” acts resulting from a particular status. For example, in Powell v Texas, the Court declined to prohibit punishing public drunkenness by alcoholics, even though their conduct might be considered involuntary. Expanding Robinson's narrow holding would risk turning the judiciary into the ultimate arbiter of criminal responsibility across diverse areas of law, a role for which the Eighth Amendment provides no guidance. Such an expansion would lead to practical difficulties, as demonstrated by the Ninth Circuit's attempt to implement this approach in Martin v City of Boise. Cities have faced numerous challenges in determining who qualifies as "involuntarily" homeless and what constitutes "adequate" shelter under Martin. These judicially created standards have proven unworkable and have interfered with local efforts to address homelessness, ultimately undermining the democratic process and federalism principles. Justice Clarence Thomas authored a concurring opinion. Justice Sonia Sotomayor authored a dissenting opinion, in which Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson joined. The opinion is presented here in its entirety, but with citations omitted. If you appreciate this episode, please subscribe. Thank you.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scotus-opinions/support

We need affordable housing now! On today's episode, we dive into stories that underscore the importance of affordable housing.  We'll examine what the recent Supreme Court ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson means for unhoused people who are living on the streets and how historical disinvestment in affordable and public housing has created our current homelessness wave. Then, we'll hear about the fight to legalize and preserve one important type of affordable housing units in New York City – basement apartments – and how the escalating impacts of climate change are making that campaign more urgent than ever. Featuring: Paul Boden, executive director of the Western Regional Advocacy Project Annetta Seecharran, executive director of Chhaya Community Development Corporation Making Contact Team: Episode Host: Lucy Kang Producers: Anita Johnson, Salima Hamirani, Amy Gastelum, and Lucy Kang Executive Director: Jina Chung Editor: Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong Engineer: Jeff Emtman  Music credit: Pending (Relaxing Acoustic Ballad Nylon Guitar) by William_King via Pixabay Credits for "Invisible Homeless" by the Queens Memory Podcast Episode produced by Stella Gu in conjunction with Melody Cao, Anna Williams, and Natalie Milbrodt Podcast hosted by J. Faye Yuan Mixing and editing by Cory Choy Music composed by Elias Ravin Voiceover work by Xia Liangjie and Chen Xiaojun Learn More:  Making Contact homepage: www.focmedia.org Western Regional Advocacy Project: https://wraphome.org/ Queens Memory Podcast: www.queensmemory.org Chhaya CDC: BASE Campaign  Making Contact is an award-winning, nationally syndicated radio show and podcast featuring narrative storytelling and thought-provoking interviews. We cover the most urgent issues of our time and the people on the ground building a more just world.

On June 27th, 2020, Fauna Frey, a 45-year-old woman grieving the recent loss of her brother, left her family home in Dexter, Oregon with plans to visit some of his loved ones in the Grants Pass area. Two days later, on June 29th, Fauna was seen buying groceries in Grants Pass, but after that she vanished. Months later, her Jeep was discovered abandoned on a remote road over an hour from the grocery store, yet Fauna was nowhere to be found. It's been over four years since Fauna disappeared, and her family is still desperate for answers. Fauna Frey was last seen at 3:38 p.m. on June 29th, 2020, at Gooseberries, an organic food store in Grants Pass, Oregon. Her car was found months later on a spur road off BLM road 30 481 in the Mount Reuben Road area. Fauna is described as being 5'6" and weighing between 135 and 150 pounds. She has blonde hair and blue eyes, and she was last seen wearing a pink or purple zip up, lightweight jacket, cotton Capri black leggings, a light or white colored shirt, light colored sneakers and white champion ankle socks. If you have any information about Fauna's disappearance, please call the Josephine County Sheriff's Office at (541) 474-5123. A reward is available. Editor: Shannon Keirce Research/Writing: Haley Gray and Anna Luria SUBMIT A CASE HERE: Cases@DetectivePerspectivePod.com SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detperspective/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/detperspective FIND DERRICK HERE Twitter: https://twitter.com/DerrickL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DerrickLevasseur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerrickVLevasseur CRIME WEEKLY AND COFFEE Criminal Coffee Company: https://www.CriminalCoffeeCo.com Crime Weekly:  https://crimeweeklypodcast.com/shop ADS: 1. FactorMeals.com/Detective50 - Use code DETECTIVE50 for 50% off! 2. TryMiracle.com/Detective - Use code DETECTIVE for 3 FREE towels and an extra 20% off!

Across the West Coast, cities and counties are still figuring out their approach to homelessness roughly a month after the Supreme Court gave them the OK to ban people from camping and sleeping on the street. In California, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom said he would go so far as to withhold state funds from local governments that don't comply with his order to clear homeless encampments. It's a mandate that's divided local leaders on how to manage one of the most complex issues facing the state. Sydney Johnson, a reporter covering homelessness for San Francisco NPR station KQED, talks about how the Supreme Court's ruling is playing out in California.And in headlines: Voters in Arizona and Missouri will get a chance to enshrine abortion rights in their state constitutions this November, Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz forcefully pushed back against Republican attacks on his military career during his first solo campaign event in Los Angeles, and the Democratic National Committee says it will stream next week's convention on social media.Show Notes:Check out Sydney Johnson's reporting – https://www.kqed.org/author/sjohnsonSubscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday

In 1960, a man named Lawrence Robinson was sentenced to 90 days in jail for violating a California law that made it illegal to be addicted to narcotics. This summer, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order telling agencies to clear “dangerous” homeless encampments on state land. What links these two situations? The Eighth Amendment.

It's not about BEING homeless, it's about doing something that's homeless. If you're not a 5-4 Premium member, you're not hearing every episode! To get first dibs on live show tickets, dig into our Premium episode catalog, join our Slack community, and more, subscribe at fivefourpod.com/support.5-4 is presented by Prologue Projects. This episode was produced by Lena Richards. Leon Neyfakh and Andrew Parsons provide editorial support. Our researcher is Jonathan DeBruin, and our website was designed by Peter Murphy. Our artwork is by Teddy Blanks at Chips NY, and our theme song is by Spatial Relations.Follow the show at @fivefourpod on most platforms. On Twitter, find Peter @The_Law_Boy and Rhiannon @AywaRhiannon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While most everyone was reacting to Thursday's Presidential debate, we had our eyes trained on the Supreme Court. It was again (surprise!) bad. SCOTUS determined that sleeping outside was illegal in Grants Pass v Johnson. They limited the scope by which insurrectionists could be charged for their actions on January 6, 2021 in Fischer v United States. The unelected robed leaders then laid a finishing blow in Loper Bright Enterprises v Raimondo, overturning the decades-long guidance of the longstanding Chevron doctrine and upending the ways in which government agencies can regulate the things they regulate like; clean air, water, firearms your retirement account and oh, medical care.   This term has signaled something especially troubling. While you can certainly be concerned about Trump or Biden being president once again, you should be more worried about how the justices at the Supreme Court have basically made themselves the end-all-be-all of every legislative matter, regardless who wins presidential contests. It should also come as no surprise who will benefit from these decisions (rich people with yachts).  Host Dahlia Lithwick speaks with Slate's Mark Joseph Stern and Professor Pam Karlan, co-director of Stanford law school's Supreme Court Litigation Clinic to go over Friday's rulings and to break down what it means that federal agencies will no longer be able to, you know, do anything reasonable. Listen to an interview with a doctor helping unhoused people in Grants Pass, OR. This is part of Opinionpalooza, Slate's coverage of the major decisions from the Supreme Court this June. We kicked things off this year by explaining How Originalism Ate the Law. The best way to support our work is by joining Slate Plus. (If you are already a member, consider a donation or merch!) Want more Amicus? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock exclusive SCOTUS analysis and weekly extended episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or, visit slate.com/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of "Sara Gonzales Unfiltered," Sara and BlazeTV contributor John Doyle analyze the aftermath of the recent presidential debate. They highlight the stark contrast between Donald Trump's confident performance and Joe Biden's cognitive struggles, featuring clips where Jill Biden helps him down the stairs. They discuss the Democrats' urgent need to replace Biden with a more competent candidate and the legal challenges involved, given state-specific rules on candidate withdrawal. The conversation emphasizes the importance of optics in modern debates, noting how Trump's strategic demeanor resonated with viewers while Biden's poor performance benefited Trump, especially with the media downplaying Trump's successes. They also address economic struggles like rising grocery and gas prices, further undermining Biden's credibility. Sara also discusses key Supreme Court rulings with Josh Hammer, senior counsel at Article III Project and host of "America on Trial with Josh Hammer." Josh breaks down the Fischer v. United States case, which impacts many January 6 defendants and possibly Donald Trump. They then tackle the Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council case, which limits administrative agency power and emphasizes judicial authority in statutory interpretation. Lastly, they cover the City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson case, which empowers cities to enforce laws against homeless encampments. Today's Sponsor: Flying Ace Spirits Go to https://www.FlyingAceSpirits.com and use promo code UNFILTERED to get free shipping on every order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices