Podcasts about honest advent

Merry Christmas, Kindred! The phrase “Don't be afraid” appears four times throughout the retelling of the Christmas story. It's clear an encounter with the divine was awe-inspiring, but these words are also spoken in response to the specific fears some of the characters carried. We all carry fears of our own about life and the future and the world. Tonight we remember how the Christmas story speaks to our unique fears. When God says, “Don't be afraid”, he isn't belittling our worry or uncertainty, but ensuring us he is right here, with us in every dimension of our humanity…including our fear. Inspiration for this series is drawn from Scott Erickson's reflections in his book, "Honest Advent".This message is from our Wednesday night service on December 22nd, 2024.Beginning on January 5th, 2025 we will gather on Sunday mornings at 10:00am at the AMC Orchard Theatre (14653 Orchard Parkway, Westminster 80023). Connect with us:kindredchurch.co@kindredchurch.cofacebook.com/kindredchurch.co

Christmas reveals the birth of the Savior, the one that would be the comforter of the downtrodden, the protector of the vulnerable, the leader that people need more than we know. The book of Isaiah foretold of the coming Savior as a Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace. Tonight we explore what this means for us and for Christmas.Inspiration for this series is drawn from Scott Erickson's reflections in his book, "Honest Advent".This message is from our Wednesday night service on December 18th, 2024.Beginning on January 5th, 2025 we will gather on Sunday mornings at 10:00am at the AMC Orchard Theatre (14653 Orchard Parkway, Westminster 80023). Connect with us:kindredchurch.co@kindredchurch.cofacebook.com/kindredchurch.co

During the secular holiday season, it can feel as though we're expected to be happy all the time - have a holly, jolly merry Christmas!  But the message the angel brought to the shepherds on that first Christmas didn't offer happiness - it offered joy, which is a very different thing. 

It's week two of Advent and we are exploring the idea that while Jesus entered our world at that famous manger scene, he was always here and always will be. More than that, he may be described as the “Alpha and Omega” in Revelation, Beginning and End, but Jesus is right here in the middle of our lives. What does that mean about Jesus, about us, about Christmas? Inspiration for this series is drawn from Scott Erickson's reflections in his book, "Honest Advent". This message is from our Wednesday night service on December 11th, 2024.We gather on Wednesday nights at 6:00pm at The Establishment in Bradburn (11885 Bradburn Blvd. Westminster 80031). Connect with us:kindredchurch.co@kindredchurch.cofacebook.com/kindredchurch.co

The Advent story is showing us that something beautiful can come from the unexpected, even the misunderstood.  The journey might start with hope-but it will take us through surrender before arriving at peace.

We aren't given very many details about Mary's pregnancy in Scripture, though it's unlikely she escaped the unique discomfort of morning sickness as she carried this baby to be born. By exploring this very human dimension of the Christmas story, we're inspired to see the way the presence of God is felt even in seasons of our own unease, discomfort, and stretching.Inspiration for this series is drawn from Scott Erickson's reflections in his book, "Honest Advent".  This message is from our Wednesday night service on December 4th, 2024.We gather on Wednesday nights at 6:00pm at The Establishment in Bradburn (11885 Bradburn Blvd. Westminster 80031). Connect with us:kindredchurch.co@kindredchurch.cofacebook.com/kindredchurch.co

Hope isn't a way to deny our current pain by envisioning a happier future. Hope is present in the messiness of our lives, giving us the courage for the next step forward.

By the time we begin to sing Christmas songs, and by the time the tree and lights are up, by the time Mary is showing, we are already in the middle of something.  The Magi have already left Persia heading east towards yonder star.  Let's be Honest.

In this engaging conversation, Scott challenges us to think about our obsession with the afterlife and invites us to trust in grace, as matters of birth, death, and rebirth are beyond our control. We'll uncover the richness of Jesus's narrative, exploring how the Christmas season isn't just about the commerce that clamors for our attention, but a time to ponder the profound meaning of Jesus's birth.Scott shares insights from his art, which strays from the trodden path of traditional Christmas illustrations while reflecting on the deeply spiritual encounter with the biological miracle of childbirth. Through his work, Scott seeks to bridge the distance between our societal aversion to vulnerability and the need to embrace our tender hearts for deep understanding.Together, we'll unpack why Jesus's embodiment as a human requires us not only to reflect but also to engage physically through practices like pilgrimage. Scott's transformative art and stories urge us to consider Jesus's incarnation not just as a historical event, but as an ever-present reality. And as Scott will reveal, our journey with Christ also means apprenticeship to our own mortality.----View this episode on YouTube = https://youtu.be/OuDt1bvm_oA----Scott Erickson is an artist, author, performance speaker, and creative curator who mixes autobiography, mythology, and aesthetics to create art and moments that speak to our most profound experiences.Using his passion and commitment to craft, Scott has been a working artist for over a decade and has had his work appear on CNN, National Geographic, and various magazines, newspaper outlets, and book covers.He is the co-author of Prayer: Forty Days of Practice and May It Be So, the author of Honest Advent and Say Yes.

We were so lucky to have Scott Erickson on the podcast this season! Not only did he share his wisdom and thoughtfulness, but he also shared his art and his spiritual director expertise! Over on Patreon each week we chose one of the pieces of art discussed in the episode and Scott walked us through a Visio Divina practice with that image. As a Christmas gift to all our listeners we wanted to share the first visio divina practice from episode one.   First you'll hear Ruth introduce you to the practice of Visio Divina and help you to settle in. Then at 5:35 you'll hear Scott begin the practice. We've left lots of room at the end to give you time and space to continue your practice.   As always we encourage you to do this in a set apart time, free from distraction and noise. You can find the image HERE (it's the first image from episode 1, the picture of Mary holding her belly), or you can find this same image at the beginning of Chapter 11, Assumptions, on page 88, of Scott's book, Honest Advent.   Let us know how this practice was for you! We'll be doing this each week during Advent. Praying for you as you open yourself to the unseen work of God this Advent season.

See the image discussed in today's episode HERE.   We've reached the end of our Advent journey. Ruth, Scott, and Charity come together one last time to wonder where God is in the darkness, the unfolding, and the journey. Scott shares a story of God's intimate revelation during his own pilgrimage, and the three ponder how we move from revelation to participation. They also discuss the Magi's journey and what God reveals about light and darkness in their story.   This season, we've invited artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson to join us. Transforming Center team member Charity McClure is also on the microphone. Together with Ruth, the three will discuss how an honest Advent leads to honest hope. Using images from his book, Honest Advent, they will explore issues of vulnerability, humanity, and uncertainty, all while wondering where is God in these things?  Scott Erickson is an artist, author, performance speaker, and creative curate who mixes autobiography, mythology, and aesthetics to create art and moments that speak to our deepest experiences. He is the writer and performer of two one man shows, “We Are Not Troubled Guests”  and his current show, "Say Yes: A Liturgy of Not Giving Up On Yourself”. He is the co-author of Prayer: Forty Days of Practice and May It Be So, the author of Honest Advent and Say Yes , a Spiritual Director and a professional dishwasher for his food blogging wife. Scott lives in Vancouver, WA and is most loved by his wife Holly and his children Anders, Elsa, and Jones.   Charity McClure has served the Transforming Center in several capacities over the past 10 years, most recently as Director of Strategy and Communications. During this time her work has deepened her own longing, not only for a way of life that works, but a way of life that creates space for beauty, purpose and meaningful connection with those around her. Charity is a tentative writer, an optimistic traveler and a committed bruncher. She lives in Glen Ellyn, IL with her husband Kyle and our three children Finn, Rhys and Elin.   Mentioned in the Episode: Honest Advent by Scott Erickson This season will not follow the lectionary readings as closely as past seasons. Scripture for Advent 2023 can be found HERE. If you'd like to listen to our previous season on Cycle B you can go back to Season 11 of the podcast, Advent Reflections (Cycle B).   Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist O Come O Come Emmanuel from Advent Music in Solitude   Support the podcast! This season patrons at all levels will have access to unedited video replays of the episodes and at the $10/month level you will also receive guided Visio Divina practices to accompany the artwork discussed in the episodes.  Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self! We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.

12/10/23 - Rector's Forum - Honest Advent 3 - Father Joe Gibbes by Our Saviour

SLO City Together: Conversations on everyday life and the way of Jesus.Welcome to episode 120 of the SLO City Together Podcast! In this episode, Brent, Tim, and Luke discuss their favorite Christmas movies, takeaways from the Advent season, and they share some reflections on 2023.

What a joyful morning! Not only were we able to witness six people declare in front of their church family that they believe in and will follow Jesus throughout their lives, but we also received the blessing of hearing from our friend Pastor Steve as he continued our series, Honest Advent. Today we stared together at Fatherhood.There are desires and expectations we have of our earthly Fathers. We want them to be present, loving, even corrective. It's a desire that is within us all. And yet, when our Fathers don't meet these expectations, there's a sense of longing, even disappointment. Often, these feelings are transferred and projected onto God. Feelings and beliefs that we need to work in order to get attention from God, that He is uninterested in us, that God is cruel or critical, or that God is absent and inaccessible. What advent shows us, is that God loves us so much, his desire to be with us so great, He comes to us. He enters the mess, vulnerability, and brokenness of humanity to be with us. Advent is proof that there is nothing God won't do to bring us back to Him. And in the mess of our daily lives, He continues to invite us into relationship, healing, and wholeness in Him.Pastor Steve extended three invitations to us today:Invitation into relationship with God. A prayer you can pray: Jesus, I trust with you my life.Invitation to healing. A prayer you can pray: Jesus, I give you my _____ today.Invitation to action. A prayer you can pray: Jesus, I'm here. Show me where you can use me.

December 17, 2023 | John 1:1-18 | Pastor Matt Tinken Digital Bulletin | Watch Video The post Honest Advent | Embodiment appeared first on First Free Church Chicago.

See the image discussed in today's episode HERE.   Ruth, Scott, and Charity continue their journey through Advent with a conversation around Scott's pieces, Sacred and Mighty. With these images, they explore where God is in our humanity, in our broken, imperfect bodies, and in the mightiness God displayed when he came to earth in the form of a tiny baby, choosing to go through the world in all his humanness, just as we do. They discuss how to make the ordinary sacred and the invitation to pause and notice our experiences in our very human bodies this Advent, searching for what they reveal about God.   This season, we've invited artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson to join us. Transforming Center team member Charity McClure is also on the microphone. Together with Ruth, the three will discuss how an honest Advent leads to honest hope. Using images from his book, Honest Advent, they will explore issues of vulnerability, humanity, and uncertainty, all while wondering where is God in these things?  Scott Erickson is an artist, author, performance speaker, and creative curate who mixes autobiography, mythology, and aesthetics to create art and moments that speak to our deepest experiences. He is the writer and performer of two one man shows, “We Are Not Troubled Guests”  and his current show, "Say Yes: A Liturgy of Not Giving Up On Yourself”. He is the co-author of Prayer: Forty Days of Practice and May It Be So, the author of Honest Advent and Say Yes , a Spiritual Director and a professional dishwasher for his food blogging wife. Scott lives in Vancouver, WA and is most loved by his wife Holly and his children Anders, Elsa, and Jones.   Charity McClure has served the Transforming Center in several capacities over the past 10 years, most recently as Director of Strategy and Communications. During this time her work has deepened her own longing, not only for a way of life that works, but a way of life that creates space for beauty, purpose and meaningful connection with those around her. Charity is a tentative writer, an optimistic traveler and a committed bruncher. She lives in Glen Ellyn, IL with her husband Kyle and our three children Finn, Rhys and Elin.   Mentioned in the Episode: Honest Advent by Scott Erickson Good is the Flesh by Brian Wren (a poem) The Wisdom of Your Body by Hillary McBride   This season will not follow the lectionary readings as closely as past seasons. Scripture for Advent 2023 can be found HERE. If you'd like to listen to our previous season on Cycle B you can go back to Season 11 of the podcast, Advent Reflections (Cycle B).   Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist A Light Unto My Path from Advent Music in Solitude   Support the podcast! This season patrons at all levels will have access to unedited video replays of the episodes and at the $10/month level you will also receive guided Visio Divina practices to accompany the artwork discussed in the episodes.  Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self! We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.

12/10/23 - Rector's Forum - Honest Advent 2 - Father Joe Gibbes by Our Saviour

What a blessing to hear from Danny this morning as he continued our series, Honest Advent. Our goal in this series is to consider the humanity of Christmas. Today we paused and stared at three words: she gave birth. Those three words carry significant meaning. Birth is vulnerable, messy, complicated, stressful, painful, risky, and always traumatic to some extent.If Jesus, God in human likeness, was willing to submit himself to the mess and risk and vulnerability of childbirth, let alone the dependency of a child, he's undoubtedly willing to enter into the rest of the mess of humanity. The mess that we wade through every day: broken relationships, self-doubt, fear, anxiety, pain, sorrow.“She gave birth” sets the tone for the rest of Jesus' story and it is why the words in Matthew 1:23 are so important. “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel.” Matthew's use of Immanuel links back to the prophecy of Isaiah and isn't used for anyone else. It is only used of Jesus and means "God with us." This says that we have a God who has experienced what we have, or are, experiencing. It means we can go through pain knowing the pain is temporary because the God who broke through and became like us, loves us. He's been there and one day, in this lifetime or the next, he will take all the pain away. While we wait, "she gave birth" reminds us that Jesus came as one of us, for us. As Scott Erikson writes, “A saving way came into the world just like we did - in all its goopy humanity. A birth is a rite of passage in human vulnerability…The Christ was born of blood – like we are. The Christ partook in the powerless vulnerability of coming into the world naked and weak – like we often still feel. That the Christ was born into the muck of human biology, which we seem to wade through for the rest of our lives.”  This Christmas, may "she gave birth" remind us Jesus came as one of us, for us. The invitation of the reality of the doctrine of incarnation is that anything is possible. That is the honesty of Christmas.

December 10, 2023 | John 3:16-20 | Pastor Matt Tinken Digital Bulletin | Watch Video The post Honest Advent: Love appeared first on First Free Church Chicago.

See the image discussed in today's episode HERE.   This week, as Ruth, Scott, and Charity examine Scott's “cover” of Sister Grace Remington's beautiful painting Mary and Eve, they delve into womanhood, mothering, and the invitation to embrace vulnerability this advent. Why is it so scandalous to talk about God as a mother? What does the vulnerability of God coming into the world as a baby have to teach us about our own vulnerability? How does our obsession with meritocracy (defined in this conversation as the earning of God's good grace by our deeds, awards, and success) rob us of actual grace and love?   This season, we've invited artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson to join us. Transforming Center team member Charity McClure is also on the microphone. Together with Ruth, the three will discuss how an honest Advent leads to honest hope. Using images from his book, Honest Advent, they will explore issues of vulnerability, humanity, and uncertainty, all while wondering where is God in these things?  Scott Erickson is an artist, author, performance speaker, and creative curate who mixes autobiography, mythology, and aesthetics to create art and moments that speak to our deepest experiences. He is the writer and performer of two one man shows, “We Are Not Troubled Guests”  and his current show, "Say Yes: A Liturgy of Not Giving Up On Yourself”. He is the co-author of Prayer: Forty Days of Practice and May It Be So, the author of Honest Advent and Say Yes , a Spiritual Director and a professional dishwasher for his food blogging wife. Scott lives in Vancouver, WA and is most loved by his wife Holly and his children Anders, Elsa, and Jones.   Charity McClure has served the Transforming Center in several capacities over the past 10 years, most recently as Director of Strategy and Communications. During this time her work has deepened her own longing, not only for a way of life that works, but a way of life that creates space for beauty, purpose and meaningful connection with those around her. Charity is a tentative writer, an optimistic traveler and a committed bruncher. She lives in Glen Ellyn, IL with her husband Kyle and our three children Finn, Rhys and Elin.   Mentioned in the Episode: Honest Advent by Scott Erickson   This season will not follow the lectionary readings as closely as past seasons. Scripture for Advent 2023 can be found HERE. If you'd like to listen to our previous season on Cycle B you can go back to Season 11 of the podcast, Advent Reflections (Cycle B).   Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist There is Room from Advent Music in Solitude   Support the podcast! This season patrons at all levels will have access to unedited video replays of the episodes and at the $10/month level you will also receive guided Visio Divina practices to accompany the artwork discussed in the episodes.  Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self! We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.

12/3/23 - Rector's Forum - Honest Advent 1 - Father Joe Gibbes by Our Saviour

This morning Kristi continued our series as we stared together at the mother of Jesus and the idea of motherhood to see how this binds us together with Jesus in our shared humanity. In the Advent story, we see an angel go to Mary and tell her that she will conceive and bear a son. Mary then asks the angel a question, "How?" While on the surface it seems as though Mary is asking a purely practical question of how this will be, a deeper question also seems possible. This is the first glimpse we get of Mary stepping into motherhood as she wonders “How can this be? And how can this be that I am enough?"The angel Gabriel responds to Mary's question of “how” with words that answer both the logistical and heart perspectives. The conception will take place through the Holy Spirit coming upon Mary. The promise of the Most High overshadowing Mary brings the answer her heart needs to hear. Through Gabriel, God reassures Mary that His power will overshadow her. God will hover. God will protect. Mary doesn't have to be enough, because God is more than enough.When we ask the question "Are we enough?," our Heavenly Father provides His gentle response that, “no, we are not enough.” There is a second part to this answer that we cannot miss and we see it throughout scripture. We do not have to be, nor were we created to be enough on our own. We need our Father. We need our Savior. We need His Holy Spirit, because He is more than enough for all our needs. That means all of the fear, striving, wondering, hiding, pretending, and avoiding can all be brought to the feet of Jesus and left there. In return we can take up the knowledge that His grace is sufficient, His power is perfected in our weakness, and we acknowledge that through the humanity of a teenage mom, God revealed himself as our all-sufficient shepherd, the one who is more than enough.

December 3, 2023 | Matthew 2:1-20 | Pastor Matt Tinken Digital Bulletin | Watch Video The post Honest Advent: Vulnerability appeared first on First Free Church Chicago.

As we mark the first week of Advent we are examining the Annunciation. How do we define a revelation and what does it expose in us? What does a revelation do to our plans and certainty? Where is God in the midst of it all? Ruth, Charity and Scott discuss Mary's response to the news of what God was doing in her, how we know when God is doing a new thing and why we can sometimes feel crazy when we sense a sacred revelation in the middle of our very ordinary existence.   This season, we've invited artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson to join us. Transforming Center team member Charity McClure is also on the microphone. Together with Ruth, the three will discuss how an honest Advent leads to honest hope. Using images from his book, Honest Advent, they will explore issues of vulnerability, humanity, and uncertainty, all while wondering where is God in these things?    See the image discussed in today's episode HERE.   Scott Erickson is an artist, author, performance speaker, and creative curate who mixes autobiography, mythology, and aesthetics to create art and moments that speak to our deepest experiences. He is the writer and performer of two one man shows, “We Are Not Troubled Guests”  and his current show, "Say Yes: A Liturgy of Not Giving Up On Yourself”. He is the co-author of Prayer: Forty Days of Practice and May It Be So, the author of Honest Advent and Say Yes , a Spiritual Director and a professional dishwasher for his food blogging wife. Scott lives in Vancouver, WA and is most loved by his wife Holly and his children Anders, Elsa, and Jones.   Charity McClure has served the Transforming Center in several capacities over the past 10 years, most recently as Director of Strategy and Communications. During this time her work has deepened her own longing, not only for a way of life that works, but a way of life that creates space for beauty, purpose and meaningful connection with those around her. Charity is a tentative writer, an optimistic traveler and a committed bruncher. She lives in Glen Ellyn, IL with her husband Kyle and our three children Finn, Rhys and Elin.   Mentioned in the Episode: Honest Advent by Scott Erickson   We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.   This season will not follow the lectionary readings as closely as past seasons. Scripture for Advent 2023 can be found HERE. If you'd like to listen to our previous season on Cycle B you can go back to Season 11 of the podcast, Advent Reflections (Cycle B).   Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist Journey from Advent Music in Solitude   Support the podcast! This season patrons at all levels will have access to unedited video replays of the episodes and at the $10/month level you will also receive guided Visio Divina practices to accompany the artwork discussed in the episodes.  Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!   The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self! We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.

What a joy to come together with you this morning as Pastor Dale kicked off our new series, Honest Advent. In this Christmas season, we will look at the birth of Jesus with honesty, staring at the very humanity of Advent. As Paul famously wrote, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” - Philippians 2:5-7Advent is the literal story of "becoming human." Throughout our series, we will explore that humanity and be given the opportunity to enter into a deeper intimacy with the one whom we celebrate and anticipate returning again. Pastor Dale began our series today as we stared together at something right in the middle of the Advent story, fear. We see Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and even Herod experiencing fear. Fear is an emotion God created in us and there is both reason and purpose for it. In scripture, when God says, “Do not fear,” he is not commanding us to shut off a part of our brain. God wants us to wrestle with what we do with the fear. While fear is real and can be paralyzing and powerful, God is more powerful. Experiencing fear might not be the problem, it could just be that we are trying to fight it or simply denying it. When life is out of control, fear says: “Life is happening to me.” Trust starts to develop by seeing, “God is forming me into something better than I could imagine.” Courage says, "I refuse to miss out on what God wants to do in me, my relationships, my family, and my life." In reality, Advent is a master class in courage. A beautiful quote from Jesus Lives, by Sarah Young, was read over us during our response time. We invite you to read it again:“Most of your fear stems from pondering bad things that could happen, leaving me out of that imaginary scenario. This is a very harmful practice; it's also an exercise in unreality. Although your future stretches all the way into eternity, there is not even one second that I will be absent from you. Whenever your mind wanders into the future, make the effort to include me in that imagery. See me helping you, strengthening you, encouraging you. Instead of being intimidated by tough times ahead, view them as adventures that you and I together can handle." – Jesus Lives, by Sarah Young

Advent is upon us again. This season, we've invited artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson to join us. Transforming Center team member Charity McClure is also on the microphone. Together with Ruth, the three will discuss how an honest Advent leads to honest hope. Using images from his book, Honest Advent, they will explore issues of vulnerability, humanity, and uncertainty, all while wondering where is God in these things?    In today's episode, Ruth and Charity introduce us to Scott. He shares why he wrote Honest Advent, what he was trying to convey with the images in the book and what he means by this idea of “Honest Advent.” They all discuss what longing and waiting look like in this church season, why it's important to honestly hold both, and how the hope that God might still be doing something deeper, bigger, and truer than we can see keeps them present to what could be. See the image discussed in today's episode HERE. Scott Erickson is an artist, author, performance speaker, and creative curate who mixes autobiography, mythology, and aesthetics to create art and moments that speak to our deepest experiences. He is the writer and performer of two one man shows, “We Are Not Troubled Guests”  and his current show, "Say Yes: A Liturgy of Not Giving Up On Yourself”. He is the co-author of Prayer: Forty Days of Practice and May It Be So, the author of Honest Advent and Say Yes , a Spiritual Director and a professional dishwasher for his food blogging wife. Scott lives in Vancouver, WA and is most loved by his wife Holly and his children Anders, Elsa, and Jones. Charity McClure has served the Transforming Center in several capacities over the past 10 years, most recently as Director of Strategy and Communications. During this time her work has deepened her own longing, not only for a way of life that works, but a way of life that creates space for beauty, purpose and meaningful connection with those around her. Charity is a tentative writer, an optimistic traveler and a committed bruncher. She lives in Glen Ellyn, IL with her husband Kyle and our three children Finn, Rhys and Elin.   Mentioned in the Episode: Honest Advent by Scott Erickson   This season will not follow the lectionary readings as closely as seasons past. Scripture for Advent 2023 can be found HERE. If you'd like to listen to our previous season on Cycle B you can go back to Season 11 of the podcast, Advent Reflections (Cycle B).   Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist There is Room from Advent Music in Solitude   Support the podcast! This season patrons at all levels will have access to unedited video replays of the episodes and at the $10/month level you will also receive guided Visio Divina practices to accompany the artwork discussed in the episodes.  Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self! We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.

Ruth sits down with producer Colleen to wrap up season 20 of the podcast. They share their learnings and highlights from these conversations and Ruth answers a listener's question about how to bring transformative worship to your congregation if you are not a part of the planning process. To close Ruth gives us a few key takeaways to help us understand and embody transformative worship.    This season we're focusing on worship, particularly worship that is transformative. Our season long guest is Rory Noland and we will be working with his book, Transforming Worship: Planning and Leading Sunday Services as If Spiritual Formation Mattered. In addition to Ruth and Rory, we will also be bringing other guests into the conversations about worship with spiritual formation at its core. This season is for all who worship, not just pastors and leaders who plan the weekly services!   Advent is just around the corner! Our guest this season will be author, artist and speaker Scott Erickson. Ruth, Scott and Transforming Center team member Charity McClure (whose voice you'll recognize from this season!) will be exploring the themes from Scott's book, Honest Advent. This season starts Friday, November 24. Purchase Honest Advent wherever you buy books and let's discover how an honest Advent leads to an honest hope! We are now accepting applications for Transforming Community 20! Use the code Podcast20 to receive $50 off your application fee. Learn more and apply HERE.   Mentioned in the episode: Transforming Worship: Planning and Leading Sunday Services as If Spiritual Formation Mattered by Rory Noland Kelly Latimore Icons Honest Advent by Scott Erickson Music Credit: Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist Support the podcast! This season, patrons will receive bonus conversations, extra content and guided practices relating to Rory's book.  Become a patron today by visiting our Patreon page!     The Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. You are invited to join our next Transforming Community:® A Two-year Spiritual Formation Experience for Leaders.  Delivered in nine quarterly retreats, this practice-based learning opportunity is grounded in the conviction that the best thing you bring to leadership is your own transforming self!

This week I'm thrilled to celebrate another milestone: six years of The Next Right Thing podcast. Can we even believe it? Reflection is a key part of my own rhythm of life, so when I approach anniversaries of any kind, but maybe particularly annual ones, I like to pause and look back before moving ahead. Listen in.   LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Episode 238: State of the Podcast 2022 Episode 198: Be Present Not Perfect with Shauna Niequist Episode 254: Honest Advent with Scott Erickson Episode 213: How to Make Embodied Decisions with Dr. Hillary L. McBride Episode 212: How to Walk Out of A Room Episode 206: What Worked in 2021 Episode 208: Hold the Tension Longer The Quiet Collection app Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download the transcript

Message from Iki Taimi on December 24, 2022

How do we carve out the kind of Christmas Day that is nourishing and life-giving, rather than harried and rushed? How do we create new traditions in our family that align with our purpose and values, or even reclaim a holiday season that has gotten out of control? Join me in this episode as I share about our Slow + Sacred Christmas Day, breaking down the day into morning, afternoon, and evening and about how the day can be both a time of drawing inward and also outward as you welcome others in community. I'm giving you ideas for a rustic, delicious Christmas dinner menu, too! No matter how or where you'll be spending the day, I think you'll find something helpful and inspiring in this episode! As usual, I also share a gratefulness practice at the end and invite you to join me. LISTEN IN, and breathe in some fresh inspiration for the rest of your week. ~ ~ ~ ~ SHOW NOTES: Easiest Bread Recipe Ever Julia Child's Boeuf Bourguignon Pioneer Woman's four-layer chocolate cake recipe with peppermint cream cheese frosting Favorite Advent resources: Shadow & Light by Tsh Oxenreider, All Creation Waits by Gayle Boss, Unearthing Wonder by The Peaceful Press, Honest Advent by Scott Erickson Favorite Christmas albums: Tennessee Christmas by Amy Grant, Snow Globe by Matt Wertz, Very Merry Chrsitmas by Dave Barnes, A Johnnyswim Christmas by Johnnyswim, Behold the Lamb of God by Andrew Peterson Advent candleholder DIY Go to this episode's blog post for photos and more at ChristineMarieBailey.com/blog Grab a copy of my new book, The Kindred Life: Stories and Recipes to Cultivate a Life of Organic Connection. Join my email community at ChristineMarieBailey.com and get some fun freebies for signing up, including the first chapter of my audio book! Follow me on Instagram @organicstine and @thekindredfarm. Share your Simple Joys: leave me a voicemail. Links to Amazon Smile are affiliate links that benefit Peace Gospel International. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thekindredlife/message

One mystery at the heart of the Christmas story is that God comes to be with us as one of us–that is, as a human person with a body. This flies in the face of our typical assumption that ‘being spiritual' or ‘getting closer to God' has nothing to do with our bodies. Christmas reveals to us that God doesn't just love our souls, but God loves our bodies as well. This has important implications for how we relate to our bodies, how we treat others, and how we experience the presence of God. We'll explore some of these implications in today's sermon. Join us as we wrap up our series, ‘Honest Advent.'    Share: Know someone who needs this message right now? Send them the link!   Connect: https://rb.gy/0gguyc   Announcements: https://mailchi.mp/kindrednc.church/12-18-2022     Give: https://pushpay.com/g/kindredumc   Prayer: https://rb.gy/xwmuok   Watch previous services: https://vimeo.com/showcase/7155719 Kindred's Website: https://kindrednc.church/

Message from Devo Kritzinger on December 17, 2022

TCT’s December Book Club - Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God - With Us - Then, Here, and Now by Scott Erickson In a world that's difficult to make sense of, and a season that's so often overtaken by consumerism, here you'll find heart-stirring illustrations and thought-provoking meditations designed to show you the raw, powerfully sacred story of Christmas in a new light.From celebrated artist and storyteller Scott Erickson comes Honest Advent, 25 days of illustrations and meditations that will help you rekindle the wonder of this season. Honest Advent creates a space for you to encounter the Incarnate Christ in unexpected places: like a pregnancy announcement in an era of political unrest and empirical bloodshed, the morning sickness of a Middle Eastern teenager, and the shocking biology of birth that goes far beyond the sanitized brand of Christmas as we know it today.Through powerful benedictions, prayers, and questions for honest reflection, you'll discover how the wonder of God-with-Us is still happening today: in your unexpected change of plans, your unaccomplished dreams, your overcrowded lodging, and your humble stories of new beginnings. If you're looking for something to spark your faith and renew your relationship with the holiday season, Erickson invites you to experience a new way to celebrate this Christmas. Keep up with Scott on Instagram @scottthepainter This is a recording of our live Q&A which took place on December 15th, 2022.

Every day we're bombarded with different voices telling us what we should do and who we should be if we want to attain the satisfaction in life that we long for. And yet, that sense of satisfaction often seems as far away as ever. So how can we make sure we're listening to the right voices? How can we hold onto the right understanding of who we are and what we should do amid all the noise? In today's sermon, we'll learn about a biblical figure who faced similar questions and we'll see how he models for us a helpful way to deal with the many (often misleading) voices in our lives. Join us as we continue our series, Honest Advent.    Share: Know someone who needs this message right now? Send them the link!   Connect: https://rb.gy/0gguyc   Announcements: https://mailchi.mp/kindrednc.church/12-11-2022    Give: https://pushpay.com/g/kindredumc   Prayer: https://rb.gy/xwmuok   Watch previous services: https://vimeo.com/showcase/7155719 Kindred's Website: https://kindrednc.church/

Message from Iki Taimi on December 10, 2022

This Christmas season, Crossroads Church will reflect on the opening line of the famous Christmas Carol in the teaching series What Child Is This. Explore how the birth of a Jewish peasant over 2000 years ago lights our darkness and guides our feet on the path to peace.__In the heartfelt Mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will visit us, to shine on those sitting in darkness, in the shadow of death, to guide our feet to the way of peace. Luke 1:78-79Week 01: This Child Lights the Path to PEACEWhat's the Issue Anyway?What do you think of when you hear the word SIN?Some of us have been told that sin SEPARATES us from God.Some of us have been told that we DESERVE eternal fire because of sin.Some of us have been manipulated, shamed, and TRAUMATIZED by the word sin.The TensionOur understanding of sin SHAPES our understanding of God, others and ourselves.What Wisdom does Matthew 1:18-21 offer us about Jesus, Sin and God?For Matthew, Jesus is both Son of God and Son of David at BIRTH. Who are his PEOPLE?What is SIN?Sin is a DESTRUCTIVE and DECEIVING force.Sin is an INHERITED and UNIVERSAL experience. Sin results in WOUNDEDNESS.Sin is a bigger problem for us than GOD.How will he SAVE them?Jesus saved his people from their sin by teaching and modeling RADICAL loveand forgiveness.Don't Miss This!Jesus lights a path to peace with God by ending sin's power over our MINDS.How can I live this in my everyday, normal life?Acknowledge your participation in the WOUNDING.Don't let your wounds separate you from the HEALER.Participation in the BODY of CHRIST reminds us that sin cannot separate us from God. How does this make me a better person and the world a better place?Freedom from sin's power and deception produces a BOLDNESS to love God and others. What is God inviting you into today?Live a life of confession and honesty about my wounds and the wounds I cause, knowing that I am perfectly loved by God.Invite friends and family to one of the Candlelight services and share on my social media networks.Jump into the Honest Advent journey.Thought-provoking questions:How does your understanding of sin shape your view of God? Do you think that sin separates us from God? Do you think that sin separates us from others?Matthew believes the ultimate purpose of Jesus was to save his people from their sins. How has this been explained to you in the past? Does anything in those explanations no longer resonate with you?What metaphors for salvation resonate with you and your spiritual journey?Liberation from bondage - ExodusReturn from Exile – BabylonianLight in the Darkness and Sight to the BlindLife to the DeadFood and DrinkSaved from SinIn your own words describe the lie that disrupts our peace with God and way that Jesus' life shines a light on the path that creates peace with God.What does confession look like in your normal life? How do you reflect on your wounds and wounding?Who do you talk with about the pain you carry and are tempted to transmit back into the world rather than have it transformed by grace?Can you think of a person in your life who lives with a boldness to love God and love others, free from the power of sin's lie of separation? What stands out to you about them?

Our daily lives are filled with transactions. From going to work to buying our groceries, we know that in order to get something, we first have to give something. We tend to assume our relationship with God functions the same way: If we give God what God wants, then God will give us what we want. But the birth of Jesus shows us very clearly that that's not at all what God's love is like. In today's sermon, we'll explore what God's love is really like and the powerful difference it makes in our lives and in our world. Join us as we continue our series, “Honest Advent.”    Share: Know someone who needs this message right now? Send them the link!   Connect: https://rb.gy/0gguyc   Announcements: https://mailchi.mp/kindrednc.church/kindreds-latest-16705489    Give: https://pushpay.com/g/kindredumc   Prayer: https://rb.gy/xwmuok   Watch previous services: https://vimeo.com/showcase/7155719   Kindred's Website: https://kindrednc.church/   “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” words and music by Charles Wesley, Rowland Hugh Prichard © Public Domain

Message from Iki Taimi on December 3, 2022

We have officially wrapped up Season 3 and we'll be taking a few weeks off for the holidays. But! We really wanted to leave you with an episode about the season of Advent. We chat a bit about what Advent is and then we explore several possible practices you could apply to anticipating the coming of the Christ. Books mentioned: "Honest Advent", by Scott Erickson; "Advent Reflections", by Ruth Haley Barton; "Shadow & Light", by Tsh Oxenreider; "The Season Nativity", by Sybil MacBeth. Get our 4 audio reflections on Advent called "The Arrival" at www.breatheandbe.net/store

Hop on the podcast and hear from a returning guest, Scott Erickson! Scott is the author of several books including Honest Advent. In this conversation Willow and Scott deep dive into what is honest advent versus dishonest advent, and how we experience the invisible God in a felt way. The pressures we feel in a branded Christmas and can our faith exists outside of that brand. This conversation will make you think and make you yearn to experience God "with us-ness." As promised, here are the resources we mentioned in the podcast. We hope you love them as much as we do.  Learn more about Scott Erickson on his website at scottericksonart.com or connect on Facebook or Instagram Let's be friends! Check out Collide's website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry. Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide! Collide and Converse: A Group Video Bible Study for Women This 6 week series centers around New Testament stories of people having life-changing collisions with Jesus. For so many of us, when we go through tough times, when our prayers have not yet been answered, when we see our worst fears coming true, we can have a very hard time finding God. Our 6 Places to Go Looking for God guide will help you look for, find, and experience God, and we're confident that by using it, you will be refreshed in your faith, challenged to grow in your relationship with God, and experience God's presence in new and life-giving ways.

Spiritual practices are spaces for the Holy Spirit to form us

Spiritual practices are spaces for the Holy Spirit to form us

All of us experience times of fear, or pain, or loss that leave us feeling vulnerable. And, as people of faith, we often ask God to take our vulnerabilities away. Sometimes that happens, but other times it doesn't. So how can we find hope and faith in times of vulnerability? That's the question we'll explore as we start our new series, ‘Honest Advent.'    Share: Know someone who needs this message right now? Send them the link!   Connect: https://rb.gy/0gguyc   Announcements: https://mailchi.mp/kindrednc.church/kindreds-latest-16704217    Give: https://pushpay.com/g/kindredumc   Prayer: https://rb.gy/xwmuok   Watch previous services: https://vimeo.com/showcase/7155719   Kindred's Website: https://kindrednc.church/

Today I'm glad to welcome back to the show author, artist, and spiritual director, Scott Erickson. We'll talk about one of my favorite Advent resources, his beautiful book Honest Advent. I read it last year and of course didn't finish it in time for Christmas, but I just kept right on reading through the new year, finishing it up in the middle of January and I wasn't a bit mad about it. We'll talk about vulnerability, his own Advent inspiration, and the fascination we both share this time of year. Listen in.   Links + Resources From This Episode: Find Scott online and on Instagram Honest Advent Add your name to this waitlist, and we'll let you know when the brand-new Quiet Collection for Christmas is available! Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing  Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.

Hey friends! I just wanted to give a quick trigger warning - especially if you have little ones in the car or around who may be listening … it might be a good idea to pop in some earbuds or save this episode for later. Also, I believe is this a great episode for those that have a team - encourage your team to listen to this as well. September is Suicide Awareness Month. Around the globe, someone ends their life every 40 seconds. Let that sink in. As a counselor, I've often listened to my clients discuss ending their lives. This takes so much courage! I'm always honored and grateful when my clients bravely talk about their thoughts, especially the dark ones. Kids and teens are more likely to think about and commit suicide: one in five adolescents contemplate suicide daily. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people from 10-24. Many people don't know that when I was a teenager, I was suicidal. I thought ending my own life was the only way to be done with all the pain. I'm so very grateful that my parents listened to me when I told them that I wanted to end my life, and within the week, I began counseling. This was the first of many steps that helped me become mentally healthy. As a parent or a loved one of a young person, you may wonder what you should do if your child or their friend is thinking about ending their life. Today we are talking about suicide prevention with Scott Erickson. He was on earlier this year to talk about what to do when things don't work out or go as you planned. Scott Erickson is a touring painter, performance artist, and creative curator who mixes autobiography, aesthetics, and comedic narrative to create experiences that speak to our deepest stories. He is the co-author of Prayer: Forty Days of Practice and May It Be So, the author of Honest Advent, a spiritual director to brave women and men, and a professional dishwasher for his food-blogging wife. Scott lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and three children. Great things we discuss: Behavior changes to be aware of that may indicate suicidality Mood changes to be aware of that may indicate suicidality A greater understanding of why people may feel suicidal Prevention awareness of suicide Helpful resources: Scott Erickson Hotline numbers: 988 - 24/7 Suicide Lifeline Trevor Project NAMI Helpline: 800-950-6264 SAMHSA - Substance abuse support helpline If you loved this episode, I'd love a 5-star review! You can find me: Website Instagram YouTube

In this episode of Oh My Heath ... There's HOPE! Jana talks with Scott Erickson.   Scott Erickson is a touring painter, performance artist, and creative curate who mixes autobiography, aesthetics, and comedic narrative to create experiences that speak to our deepest stories. He is the author of Say Yes: Discovering the Surprising Life Beyond the Death of a Dream and Honest Advent, the coauthor of Prayer: Forty Days of Practice and May It Be So, a spiritual director to brave women and men, and a professional dishwasher for his food-blogging wife. Scott lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and three children.   “We can only become the fullest version of ourselves, and honestly none of us know what our unique manifestation looks like yet.”   This 30-minute episode is on: 1) Is it too late for me? Are you asking yourself that? 2) Digging into your deepest desire and tapping into your purpose 3) What does it mean to be alive to you? 4) You have a universe of possibilities  5) Are you safe or not in this situation? 6) I'm on my way…   This episode is about: In this episode, Jana and Scott discuss that deep question we all ask ourselves from time to time, "Is it too late for me?" Digging into your deepest desires and tapping into your true purpose. What it means to "be alive" to you? and his book Say Yes!   Get in touch with Scott: https://www.scottericksonart.com/ https://www.instagram.com/scottthepainter/ https://www.facebook.com/scottthepainter https://twitter.com/scottthepainter   Get in touch with Jana and listen to more Podcasts: https://www.janashort.com/ Show Music ‘Hold On' by Amy Gerhartz https://www.amygerhartz.com/music. Get Your Free Copy of Best Holistic Life Magazine! One of the fastest-growing independent magazines centered around holistic living. https://www.bestholisticlife.com/   Grab your gift today: https://www.janashort.com/becoming-the-next-influencers-download-offer/ Connect with Jana Short: https://www.janashort.com/contact/