Podcasts about lead minister

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard interviews David Suk Brown, co-author of 'Identical Opposites: Find Your Voice and Speak.' They discuss practical strategies for boosting workplace productivity, overcoming the fear of speaking up, and leveraging the power of authenticity and alliances. David shares insights from his research and professional experience, emphasizing the importance of consistent communication and understanding behavioral models to enhance team dynamics. They also explore the impacts of AI on the workforce and how to maintain relevance amid rapid technological advancements.    Tune in as they discuss the challenges and opportunities in today's workplace, the significance of the speak framework, and how these concepts can transform not just productivity but also happiness and fulfillment in your life.   What We Discuss [00:00] Introducing David Suk Brown and His New Book [06:16] Finding Your Voice in the Workplace [14:53] The SPEAK Framework for Effective Communication [20:37] The Human Element vs. AI [21:13] Leveraging Networks and Skills [24:09] The Importance of Authenticity and Empathy [25:23] Navigating Vulnerability and Consistency [32:25] Adapting Voice and Culture Strategies [36:27] Connecting with the SPEAK Framework Authors [37:55] Podcast Conclusion and Call to Action Notable Quotes  [7:00] "Sometimes people can get lost in their position or lost in their responsibilities and not find their individual gifts and talents, and it just made sense for us to make that connection." - David Brown, Sr. [7:46] "95% of employees struggle just to be able to speak and share their voice and opinions." - David Brown, Sr. [9:57] "Get people to understand that there are values that could come from every member of the team, but you let them shine. You let them speak first. You let them flush out their ideas and thoughts, and then you act in a position where you're curious and you're asking more questions, 'cause you want them to bring everything out that they're thinking." - David Brown, Sr. [20:38] "AI, even as much as we're seeing technology advance and progress, it cannot replace certain aspects of the human element." - David Brown, Sr. [24:11] " It's not just about how many degrees you have, your depth of experience. It's about bringing who you are, your whole authentic self to that role, to that environment. That's gonna be the defining factor." - David Brown, Sr. Our Guest David Suk Brown is a seasoned strategic communication and presentation coach who empowers executives, thought leaders, and business owners to enhance their impact through public speaking and executive coaching. As President of DSB Leadership Group, author, and university communications instructor, he has delivered over 2,500 inspiring messages that equip audiences with tools for lasting success. A Lead Minister and identical twin, David brings unique insight into communication, leadership, and collaboration as co-host of the Twins Talk it Up and Twins Talk Tech Leadership podcasts. Resources and Links David Suk Brown Website - https://www.dsbleadershipgroup.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsbrownsr/ Book: Identically Opposite: Find Your Voice and SPEAK - https://www.amazon.com/Identically-Opposite-Find-Voice-SPEAK/dp/B0FSKWKDZQ Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

"Jesus Sees"Matthew 4:18-22Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Psalm 105Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

"Paul says, “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in…” Now I just want you to imagine how you would anticipate this verse ending. How do you think it ends? It welled up in … welts … beatings? That would make sense. Maybe it welled up in … gold stars and a thumbs-up from God? Maybe even better. Maybe welled up in … eternal rewards … heaven? Paul says, “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in RICH GENEROSITY.” Rich generosity. God gives them something great — Paul calls it a grace. Then Paul says that their life is hard, but Paul says that they have overflowing joy … and they have extreme poverty. And then Paul says all of those things turn into … rich generosity. Rich generosity." Ben Webb, Lead Minister

"Unshaken: Courageous Living" 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching Worship service given November 2, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 We all have to reckon with mortality--other's and our own. If we zoom back from that finality, we recognize that every moment is already a mini death and rebirth. How do we cope with so many changes? What do we continue and what inevitably has to change? Where do we find comfort in the midst of all that grief? Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For November 2025, Chaplains On The Way will share half the plate. Founded in 2010, Chaplains On The Way is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers spiritual support to people experiencing homelessness in Waltham, MA. We believe that no person living in homelessness should feel they have to walk alone. We live out our mission by building trusting relations with people in Waltham, MA who are experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. They offer compassion and companionship through life's struggles and triumphs, welcoming all into relationship and loving community. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text "fpuu" to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching Worship service given November 16, 2025 Prayer by Loren Gomez, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 What is the difference between looking back at history and what we can learn from it versus nostalgia? Were things really as good as we thought it was or have certain versions of the past romanticized in our own minds? How does history affect our present reality, thereby shaping our future? Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For November 2025, Chaplains On The Way will share half the plate. Founded in 2010, Chaplains On The Way is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers spiritual support to people experiencing homelessness in Waltham, MA. We believe that no person living in homelessness should feel they have to walk alone. We live out our mission by building trusting relations with people in Waltham, MA who are experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. They offer compassion and companionship through life's struggles and triumphs, welcoming all into relationship and loving community. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text "fpuu" to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

"Unshaken: Courageous Living"1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

"Unshaken: Courageous Living" 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

"Unshaken: Courageous Living" 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

"Unshaken: Courageous Living"1 Thessalonians 2:13-20Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching Worship service given October 19, 2025 Prayer by Lillian Povey, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 One of our core values as UUs is generosity. What does it mean to share our time and talent with one another? How can we view volunteerism as a spiritual practice? Join us as we formally launch Project ENGAGE! Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For October, The Record Company (TRC) will share half the plate. Since 2012, The Record Co. (TRC) has been the heartbeat of Boston's music community. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, they've grown from a single recording studio into Boston's largest provider of affordable creative space, operating both their original Mass Ave facility and their 90-room Morrissey Boulevard location. Their facilities serve over 400 active bands and creative professionals, making them more than just a space — they are a catalyst for Boston's creative community. TRC's mission remains clear: to remove the technical and social barriers between music makers and their creative visions. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text "fpuu" to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Unshaken: Courageous Living1 Thessalonians 2:1-12Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

"Unshaken: Courageous Living"1 Thessalonians 1Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching Worship service given October 5, 2025 Prayer by Mary Breen, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 The UUA's common read a couple of years ago was Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg's On Repentance and Repair. Repentance is part of the beginning, not the end, much like starting a clean slate during the new year is an important component of Yom Kippur. Let's go through the five-part reparation process suggested in the book. Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For October, The Record Company (TRC) will share half the plate. Since 2012, The Record Co. (TRC) has been the heartbeat of Boston's music community. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, they've grown from a single recording studio into Boston's largest provider of affordable creative space, operating both their original Mass Ave facility and their 90-room Morrissey Boulevard location. Their facilities serve over 400 active bands and creative professionals, making them more than just a space — they are a catalyst for Boston's creative community. TRC's mission remains clear: to remove the technical and social barriers between music makers and their creative visions. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

"Deadly" Matthew 5:27-30Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching Worship service given September 21, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of ten days of repentance in Judaism. It's meant to be a time for self-reflection and to wake up to the places we've fallen short. The word "woke," however, has been weaponized by some and perceived as an undesirable trait. How can we become more aware and compassionate in a world that prefers the opposite? Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For September, the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) will share half the plate. Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) is the first and only organization dedicated to preventing sexual violence systemically. As a national nonprofit, they work to prevent sexual violence before it happens by addressing root causes like rape culture and systemic oppression. Their work spans policy advocacy, research, institutional reform, and community education to create lasting, structural change. SVPA partners with schools, workplaces, unions, and government agencies to implement evidence-based prevention strategies and is proudly led by marginalized survivors—including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people—ensuring that their work is informed by the lived experiences of those most impacted. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

"Deadly" Matthew 25; Romans 12:9-11Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, bring the 5th message in the series.

"Deadly"Luke 12:13-21Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching Worship service given September 7, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Curious as to what the next two years will be like? Let's embark on this journey of unpacking the five interim tasks while also celebrating Ingathering Sunday and water communion. Water Ceremony: Please bring water from a place meaningful to you, whether you join us on Zoom or in the Sanctuary. During worship in the Sanctuary we join our waters together in our annual water ceremony, and we will symbolically incorporate the waters from our Zoom congregation This water will be used in child dedications and blessings through the year. Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For September, the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) will share half the plate. Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) is the first and only organization dedicated to preventing sexual violence systemically. As a national nonprofit, they work to prevent sexual violence before it happens by addressing root causes like rape culture and systemic oppression. Their work spans policy advocacy, research, institutional reform, and community education to create lasting, structural change. SVPA partners with schools, workplaces, unions, and government agencies to implement evidence-based prevention strategies and is proudly led by marginalized survivors—including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people—ensuring that their work is informed by the lived experiences of those most impacted. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

"Deadly"Luke 4Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings the 3rd message in the series - Jesus: The Relationship Rabbi.

"At the end of Hebrews, the writer gives some very simple, practical teaching about what it looks like to be a Jesus follower. It's true for those anxiously waiting for the promises to be fulfilled, and it's true for those building rock monuments to remember the victories. It's true for all Jesus followers in all times and situations. This is what we remember in the meantime." Ben Webb, Lead Minister

"Deadly" 1 Kings 21Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings the 2nd message in the series- Jesus: The Relationship Rabbi.

"Deadly"Matthew 5:21-26Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, begins a new series- Jesus: The Relationship Rabbi.

"Deadly" Philippians 2:1-11Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Joshua 1:1-9Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Abraham: A Man After God's PromisesGenesis 25:7-11Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Abraham: A Man After God's PromisesGenesis 21Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Abraham: A Man After God's PromisesGenesis 22Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

"The Bible describes Jesus as the way to God, the touchstone of all truth, and the means to life as God meant it to be lived. It also describes Jesus as: “full of grace and truth,” 100% grace, and 100% truth. So … because there is a God you don't get your own truth, and I don't get my own truth. Do you get that? But he is 100% grace, too. Which means, if you can't speak God's truth with grace, you kind of need to hush. Truth without grace is not God's truth. And grace without truth is not God's grace. The two have to go together, they are inextricably intertwined. And, that's kind of the way we want to do it here at CapCity … people following Jesus together, trying to live out his truth and grace, not compromising on either." Stephen "Doc" Pattison, Lead Minister

"Abraham: A Man After God's Promises"Genesis 18Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Abraham: A Man After God's PromisesGenesis 15Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

"Abraham: A Man After God's Promises"Genesis 14Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Abraham: A Man After God's PromisesGenesis 13Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Worship service given June 8, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister Offertory Music: "Benediction: When the Recall Sounds," music by Jennifer Kobayashi, words adapted from Rev. Dr. Vivien Pomeroy (1883-1961) Anthem: "Bidden or Unbidden: God is Present," music by Kenneth Seitz, words by Marta Morris Flanagan and Charles R. Duffy, spoken at their wedding on August 13, 2023 https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Join us for this special service!  Join us for song, reflection, music, and ritual as we say goodbye to Lead Minister, Rev. Marta Flanagan, and celebrate our annual Flower Communion.  Parish Minister, Rev. Erica Richmond, will be preaching.  Community-wide BBQ after worship! Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June 2025, The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) will share half of the plate. For nearly 50 years, BAGLY has been a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization, committed to social justice and creating, sustaining, and advocating for programs, policies, and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community in Massachusetts. After serving over 200,000+ youth since 1980, BAGLY is recognized nationally for its pioneering role in creating, sustaining, and advocating for social support, leadership development, and health promotion programs for LGBTQ+ youth. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. About our Lead Minister: Rev. Marta Flanagan began her ministry as our twentieth called minister at First Parish in the fall of 2009. She is a genuine and forthright preacher. In conversation she is direct and engaging. She speaks of prayer with as much ease as she laughs at human foibles. We call her “Marta.” Marta is a religious liberal, a theist, a feminist, and a lover of the woods. As a student of American history at Smith College she was captivated by the stories of social reformers who were motivated and sustained by their faith. That led her to consider the ministry and to study at Harvard Divinity School from where she was graduated in 1986. She was the first woman minister in the city of Salem, Massachusetts, serving at the First Universalist Church there (1987-1997). She served in a co-ministry at South Church (Unitarian Universalist) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, (1997-2005) from where she is minister emerita. Marta served as interim minister in Montpelier, Vermont (2008-2009). She is trained as a spiritual director. For three years she lived in the Vermont woods practicing voluntary simplicity and the spiritual life. Marta enjoys the vitality of First Parish and our strong sense of community. She celebrates the yearning for depth and the desire to make a difference in the world that she finds here.

Abraham: A Man After God's PromisesGenesis 12:10-20Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

Abraham: A Man After God's PromisesGenesis 12:1-9Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

"I think repentance also involves agreeing with God regarding his mercy, his forgiveness, his grace. It involves a leaning in, instead of a leaning away. Listen: when you ask God for forgiveness, do you trust him to forgive you? Do you really? Or, every time you have one of those “flinch moments” do you beg his forgiveness all over again? I think a whole lot of us don't really trust God. We don't really trust his forgiveness, his grace. … Do you? Do you ever wonder whether your sins are too big, or maybe you have committed the same daggon sin so many times … that you have out-sinned grace, maybe? And … did you know that to reject God's forgive3ness is, in a sense, to cling to your sin in a different way? Not by loving it, because you don't, I hope. But by believing that your sin is more powerful than God's grace. Did you know that refusing God's forgiveness is a form of unbelief, often rooted in pride, or despair? I think, for a lot of us Jesus followers, we get the first part of repentance … agreeing with God by owning our sin, accepting our guilt, experiencing perhaps regret and remorse. In fact, for many Jesus follower that kind of defines their life with God. But, I think, maybe, a whole lot of Jesus followers resist that second part of repentance: agreeing with God by accepting … actually accepting his forgiveness, his grace." Stephen "Doc" Pattison, Lead Minister

"Walk this Way" Ephesians 2:1-10Bryce Hotchkiss, Lead Minister

In this episode, Adam talks with Scott Smith, the lead minister of the Temple's Aries Ministry, associated with the Warrior, about the work of protection and Scott's work as a teacher and minister within the Temple. The post Voices of the Temple: Scott Smith, Aries lead minister appeared first on Temple of Witchcraft.

"Bottom line, guys, Mary is confused because she doesn't know the real Jesus. She is looking for the wrong Jesus … a Jesus of her own imagination … her kind of Jesus. She is blind to the real Jesus. And the real Jesus has to come after her, to break through her fog. You see, if Jesus had just sat back and waited for her to get it … You know, some of us are like, “You keep searching and eventually you will find,” right? “If you work at it hard enough, if you work at it long enough, you'll find the truth … your truth.” If Jesus had just stood there thinking, “I'll just wait here till she figures it out, till she discovers who I really am” … I don't think Mary would have ever found him. Because that's not how it works. Salvation is not about our finding him, it's about him finding us. God always loves us … first. God always nudges us, and draws us … first. God always calls us … first. And he always calls us, every one of us … first. Because God is prodigal with his grace. You've felt them, God's nudges. The real question is, how do you respond? So Jesus says to Mary, so gently, “Why are you crying?” Guys, he knew! Grief? Disappointment … they killed him! Were her tears because she felt broken? Was her hope gone, her direction gone, her purpose for living gone? Were they tears of unfaith, disbelief … stupidity?" Stephen "Doc" Pattison, Lead Minister

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings a message from Chapter 31 of The Story. The message begins by confronting the common fears and anxieties that grip people today—financial struggles, health worries, relationship pain—and reveals that underneath it all lies the fear of death. Drawing from Revelation, the sermon emphasizes that Jesus, who conquered death and now holds the keys to it, invites us to live without fear because He transforms whatever He passes through. John's vision of Jesus in Revelation contrasts worldly power, like that of the Roman emperor, with the true authority of the Lamb who was slain and now reigns on the throne. The sermon celebrates Easter as the declaration that the tomb is empty, the Lamb reigns, and the story is far from over—it is the beginning of a new creation. Ultimately, the hope of Easter is that Jesus makes all things new, and no matter where we are in our personal story, He offers to rewrite it with grace, victory, and eternal life.

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings a message from Chapter 30 of The Story.

This sermon was preached by Mark Ashton, Lead Minister of Christ Community Church in Omaha, Nebraska, on Leviticus 8–10.

"There are different ways of saying “again” in Greek. The one here is kind of odd. If you were to check it out in your Bible you'd probably see a little note next to the word “again.” If you go to the margin it will explain the note. It will tell you that the word “again” can also mean “from above.” “You must be born again.” Or, “You must be born from above.” One words, two definitions. And both work. Every one us was birthed once … physically. But you are not just a physical creature. We're kind of like “hybrids” – both physical and spiritual. And for us to be what we were meant to be, a spiritual birth … a “born again,” a “born from above,” is required, too. Our Creator must re-create, Jesus says. … So … have you been “born again … from above”?" Stephen Pattison, Lead Minister

"So... till death do us part: perseverance, endurance, faithfulness. That's what I preached 25 years ago. And it was solid stuff, I think. But we need to go deeper. Because it's missing, I think, maybe the most important part. Because... what if perseverance isn't measured just by time? What if endurance and faithfulness aren't measured just by time?" Stephen "Doc" Pattison, Lead Minister