Podcasts about Pittsboro

DateMay 4, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we deconstruct the "happily ever after" myth and explore how meaningful relationships are built through intentional practice. Drawing from biblical wisdom and contemporary research, we examine five essential building blocks for stronger marriages: equal partnership, committed presence, cultivated closeness, practiced forgiveness, and shared mission. These elements form the architecture of not just thriving marriages, but all relationships that embody Christ's transformative love in our world.ReferencesScripture: 1 Corinthians 13What's HappeningAs the summer approaches, we could use your help on Sunday mornings! Find joy and deeper connection by serving to help make our gatherings happen. Learn more and sign up here.Your old bikes could become a needed lifeline through The Re:Cycle Project. Donate your old bike in any condition, or get involved here.About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateApril 27, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we kick off "We Just Click: God's Design for Meaningful Relationships," a post-Easter series exploring how authentic connections can transform our lives and world. Pastor Brent unpacks how Jesus spent his "bonus time" after resurrection not on tasks or teachings, but on being present with others—showing us that connection isn't just nice, it's necessary. He reveals four powerful ways relationships transform us: they combat loneliness, bring joy, provide support, and create space to practice love in ways that draw us closer to God's heart.ReferencesScripture: Genesis 2:15–25About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateApril 20, 2025SynopsisOn this Easter Sunday, we explore how resurrection hope spreads not through arguments or explanations, but through personal encounter. Beginning in darkness with Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, we discover that Easter's power lies in the moment hope becomes tangible and personal—when Jesus calls our name. This isn't just ancient history; it's an invitation to recognize resurrection breaking into our own lives and share that transformative hope with others. Like Mary's simple testimony "I have seen the Lord," our encounters with new life are meant to be shared, creating a chain reaction of hope that continues to this day.ReferencesScripture: John 20:1-18About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

North Carolina has added another transfer to the roster for next season, this time in the form of a very familiar name. Jarin Stevenson from Pittsboro, NC, has committed to transfer back to UNC after two seasons at Alabama. The 6'11" Stevenson has versatility and played in some very big games while in Tuscaloosa, and will look to raise his game in Chapel Hill. Sherrell McMillan and Sean Moran join host Joey Powell to discuss the whys and the hows of Stevenson's return, and how he may improve the Tar Heels in 2025-2026.  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

DateApril 13, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore pride—not as confidence or dignity, but as our stubborn refusal to embrace our human limitations. Through the lens of Palm Sunday, we discover how pride manifests in our desperate attempts to appear self-sufficient, invulnerable, and in control. The sermon weaves together baseball statistics, "scruffy hospitality," and the revolutionary context of palm branches to illuminate a powerful truth: our healing begins precisely when we stop pretending to be superhuman and embrace our beautiful, messy creatureliness. The final installment in the "Glitch" series examining the Seven Deadly Sins.ReferencesScripture: John 12:12–16About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateApril 6, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we join worship leader Leah Benn Miller and pastor Brent Levy for a raw, honest conversation about lust and love as part of the Lenten series "Glitch: Reframing Sin and Finding Reconnection." Through their exploration of Ephesians 5:21-33, they flip the script on shame-based theology, revealing how our deepest desires point to a God whose power flows through intimacy and mutual submission. Rather than weapons of control, both scripture and sexuality become invitations to see each other as sacred beings worthy of tender care, creating spaces where vulnerability blooms into grace.ReferencesScripture: Ephesians 5:21–33 About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateMarch 30, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore anger as both gift and glitch in the spiritual life. Anger can be holy—alerting us to injustice and moving us toward righteous action—or destructive when we nurse grudges that consume our souls. Jesus himself models this tension, flipping tables in righteous indignation while warning against harboring resentment that corrodes our capacity for love. The invitation is not to eliminate anger but to transform it: letting our rage reveal what we truly value, then channeling that energy toward healing and reconciliation rather than letting bitterness define us.ReferencesScripture: Matthew 5:17–26About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateMarch 23, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we tackle envy—the belief that someone else's success threatens our own—through Jesus's parable of the vineyard workers. Envy isn't just comparison; it's the corrosive lie that another's blessing diminishes yours, scaling from personal insecurity to systemic oppression. The antidote? Generosity rooted in knowing your belovedness. When we celebrate others' wins instead of competing, we disrupt envy's isolating power and reconnect to what matters: in God's economy, there's more than enough for everyone.ReferencesScripture: Matthew 20:1–16About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateMarch 16, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon from our Lenten series "Glitch: Reframing Sin and Finding Reconnection," we tackle the often-overlooked sin of acedia—a soul-numbing apathy that convinces us "this is just how things are." Jesus' encounter with the paralyzed man at Bethzatha reveals how we can become stuck in narratives of despair, our imaginations dried out by years of disappointment. But Jesus creates threshold moments, disrupting our cynicism with invitations to "stand up"—to crack open our shells and step into new possibilities. Like acorns beneath an oak tree, we're called to see beyond what is to what could be.ReferencesScripture: John 5:1–9About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

3-11-25 Tonight we're hanging out with Jason Elder, a home mead maker from Kansas City. His name shows up regularly on the comp results, and I can confirm he makes some pretty ‘ok' mead. Jason has been homebrewing in Kansas City since 2010 and started making Mead and Cider in 2016. He wanted to broaden his brewing experience and found that his love for making mead was higher than for making beer. He's won awards at several competitions such as NHC and Mazer Cup. He's considered the "Honey person" for Kansas City as since he has over 2000lbs of honey in storage and about 110 different varieties. He loves talking and drinking anything mead and enjoys mentoring people that are new to mead and are interested in making it for themselves. Jason is a BJCP Judge in Beer, Mead and Cider and is also a proctor for Cider exams. Jason was President of the Kansas City Bier Meisters for 2 years as well as an officer on their board for 2 years before that. He has also been the First Round site organizer in Kansas City for the past 5 years as well as part of the Mazer Cup staff for the past 2 years. He believes that he brings a unique perspective from his experience and knowledge along with a flair from the Plains! Join us to chat with Jason and talk mead! To listen live, you can find us on Youtube, Twitch, X (Twitter), and Facebook on the Gotmead Page. On our new platform, chat is part of the podcast! Just comment from wherever you are watching, and we'll see it!! If you'd like to call in, we can get you a link to come on! Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/meadwench YouTube: YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@Gotmead X(Twitter): https://x.com/RealGotMead Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GotMead Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GotMead Sponsor: Look no further than Honnibrook Craft Meadery in Castle Rock, Colorado, for your go-to destination for wonderful, light, and refreshing mead! We have 20 meads on tap and four seasonal mead slushees.  Go to honnibrook.com for review our tap list, upcoming events and to order online! Crafting excellent mead requires excellent honey. Luckily The Honey Jar is here to help. Since 2005 The Honey Jar has been supplying delicious pure raw honey in easy to handle 12-pound pails to hobbyist brewers around the United States. Visit us at TheHoneyJarHome.com/gotmead If you want to ask your mead making questions, you can call us at 803-443-MEAD (6323) or send us a question via email, or via Twitter @realGotMead and we'll tackle it online! 9PM EDT/6PM PDT (United States) Join us on live chat during the show Upcoming Shows March 25 - TBD April 8 - TBD April 22 - Arne Defurne, Clockwork Bee Meadery, Antwerp, Belgium Show links and notes Let There Be Melomels by Rob Ratliff The Big Book of Mead Recipes by Rob Ratliff Let There Be Session Meads by Rob Ratliff Upcoming Events March 12 - Cloud City Modern Mead, Leadville, CO - Mindfulness Meadup March 12 - Green Mountain Mashers, Essex, VT - Mead Series Part 3: Spiced Meads March 13 - Scale and Feather Meadery, Avondale, AZ - Mead and a Medium March 14 - Blöm Mead and Cider, Ann Arbor, MI - Femme Feedback Mic Night March 15 - Dawg Gone Bees Apiary and Meadery, Hanover, PA - Mead Making Class March 15 - Four Brothers Mead, Festus, MO - Five Year Anniversary Party and St. Paddy's Day Party March 15 - Grimsby Hollow Meadery, Middleville, MI - Drink Mead, Learn Things: Spirit Dragon Jar Workshop March 15 - Viking Alchemist Meadery, Smyrna, GA - Mead and Minis: Dragons March 15 - Starrlight Meadery, Pittsboro, NC - CLAWS Avian Rehab March 16 - Harvest Ridge Winery, Toughkenamon, PA - Mead and Cheese Pairing March 16 - Scale and Feather Meadery, Avondale, AZ - Spring Mead-eval Market March 19 - Cloud City Modern Mead, Leadville, CO - Mindfulness Meadup March 19 - Kingview Mead, Mt Lebanon, PA - Trivia Night

DateMarch 9, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we kick off our Lenten series "Glitch" by confronting our impulse to possess rather than receive. When we move from "wow" to "mine," we reveal the twin sins of greed and gluttony—not moral failures to be ashamed of, but glitches in our connection to God and others. Through Jesus's loving encounter with the rich young man, we discover how our grasping hands reflect a deeper grief about our limitations, and how true liberation comes when we unclench our fists. What if the path to resurrection begins with honest recognition of what's "eating at the rind" of our souls?ReferencesScripture: Mark 10:17–22About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateMarch 2, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we conclude our "Holding It Together" series by exploring how anxiety festers in uncertainty and our desperate attempts to control the uncontrollable. Pastor Brent unpacks the Transfiguration story, revealing how Peter's impulse to build tents mirrors our own anxious grasping for security when facing the unknown. The good news isn't found in certainty or control, but in the transformative presence of Jesus who meets us in our fear, touches us, and says, "Get up and do not be afraid." When everything else fades away, we're left with the liberating truth that we don't need to hold it all together because we are already held.ReferencesScripture: Matthew 17:1–9About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

2-25-25 Tonight we're talking with Rob Ratliff, meadmaker and author of “The Big Book of Mead Recipes”, “Let There Be Melomels” and “Let There Be Session Meads”. An experienced meadmaker, Rob has been studying mead and its creative aspects since 2006. He has won multiple awards during competition with his meads at the Annual Mazer Cup International Mead Competition over the years and is regularly sought out for his input on recipe ideas. As a certified BJCP Mead Judge, Robert also enjoys offering pointers to entrants in upcoming competitions.His extensive collection of meads, and meadr ecipes, has been gathered from around the world. A retired soldier (and former sailor), he is a veteran of the Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan wars, has lived in 7 states, and visited most of the rest. Between his civilian and military careers, he has lived in or travelled to approximately 20 countries spanning the globe. Wherever he goes, he looks for local meads to sample and local mead makers with whom to share his knowledge with and to learn and unique local brewing techniques from. Come and listen and lets talk recipes with Rob!   This player will show the most recent show.  [break] To listen live, you can find us on Youtube (Youtube starting 1-15-25), Twitch, X (Twitter), and Facebook on the Gotmead Page. On our new platform, chat is part of the podcast! Just comment from wherever you are watching, and we'll see it!! If you'd like to call in, we can get you a link to come on! Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/meadwench YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClXObw9sufjUx3NWRX02CxA X(Twitter): https://x.com/RealGotMead Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GotMead Sponsor: Look no further than Honnibrook Craft Meadery in Castle Rock, Colorado, for your go-to destination for wonderful, light, and refreshing mead! We have 20 meads on tap and four seasonal mead slushees.  Go to honnibrook.com for review our tap list, upcoming events and to order online! Crafting excellent mead requires excellent honey. Luckily The Honey Jar is here to help. Since 2005 The Honey Jar has been supplying delicious pure raw honey in easy to handle 12-pound pails to hobbyist brewers around the United States. Visit us at TheHoneyJarHome.com/gotmead If you want to ask your mead making questions, you can call us at 803-443-MEAD (6323) or send us a question via email, or via Twitter @realGotMead and we'll tackle it online! 9PM EDT/6PM PDT (United States) Join us on live chat during the show Upcoming Shows Show links and notes Let There Be Melomels by Rob Ratliff The Big Book of Mead Recipes by Rob Ratliff Let There Be Session Meads by Rob Ratliff Upcoming Events Feb 26 - Cloud City Modern Mead, Leadville, CO - Mindfulness MeadUp Feb 26 - Cupka's Bee Good Meadery, Auburn, IN - Mead Makers Night Feb 28 - European Mead Makers Conference, Kraków, Poland March 1 - Dawg Gone Bees Apiary and Meadery, Hanover, PA - Mead Making Class March 1 - Grimsby Hollow Meadery, Middleville, MI - Drink Mead, Learn Things - Fantasy Drawing Workshop March 1 - Four Brothers Mead, Festus, MO - 3 Pints Gone live music March 5 - Kingview Mead, Mt. Lebanon, PA - Trivia Night March 6 - Kingview Mead, Mt. Lebanon, PA - Cover 2 live music March 7 n- Bumbling Fools Mead, Minneapolis, MN - Viking Mead Tour - Party Bus!! March 8 - Starrlight Mead, Pittsboro, NC - Mead and Food Pairing Experience March 8 - Four Brothers Meadery, Festus, MO - JJ Live Music March 9 - The Parched Pug, Libertyville, IL - Mead Making Class March 9 - Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery, Chicago, IL - Cookies and Mead Pairing March 10 - Happy Butts Honey, Watertown, SD - Mead Making Workshop March 12 - Green Mountain Mashers, Essex, VT - Mead Series Part 3: Spiced Meads March 13 - Scale and Feather Meadery, Avondale, AZ - Mead and a Medium

DateFebruary 23, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, part of the series "Holding It Together: Good News for an Anxious Time," we confront the myth that spiritual and emotional maturity means complete self-sufficiency. Through the story of the prophet Elijah's darkest moment, we discover how anxiety often breeds in isolation—and how God disrupts our loneliness in three powerful ways: with nourishment, presence, and the revelation of community we couldn't see. True growth isn't about learning to hold it all together alone; it's about discovering we were never meant to. ReferencesScripture: 1 Kings 19:1–18 About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateFebruary 16, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we launch the series "Holding It Together: Good News for an Anxious Time" by exploring what it means to be honest about our anxiety in an increasingly overwhelming world. Pastor Brent challenges the "this is fine" mentality and examines how our instinct to avoid discomfort—through scrolling, busyness, or distraction—only allows anxiety to deepen its roots. Instead, he invites us to embrace the radical act of naming our struggles before God—not as a sign of weak faith, but as a profound expression of trust. Drawing from both modern psychology and ancient wisdom, we discover that we don't have to hold everything together because we're already being held.ReferencesScripture: Psalm 55:1–8About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateFebruary 9, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore what it means to be fully alive to God's world through the lens of Howard Thurman's teachings and the courageous story of two Hebrew midwives. We discover that transformative change often begins with small acts of faithful resistance, whether it's a stranger's $2 gift or midwives choosing life over empire. The core message is radically hopeful: we each have a unique role in God's restoration of the world, and our calling isn't to do everything, but to do what makes us come alive. When we root ourselves in divine love and step into our authentic purpose, we join a larger story of liberation and justice.ReferencesScripture: Exodus 1:8–22About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Welcome back to Heel Talk, where AV Editor Natalie Bradin recaps the biggest local news stories with colleagues Kshitiz Adhikari, Lauren Zola and Lucy Wu. In this episode, the group discusses the appointment of a new trustee, the latest Regional Principal of the Year and the grand opening of a Tree Museum down the road in Pittsboro.

DateFebruary 2, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we dive into what it means to truly "come alive" through the wisdom of Howard Thurman. We explore how recognizing the divine spark in ourselves—and in those we struggle to love—transforms how we show up in the world. This message wrestles with Jesus's call to let our "yes be yes and no be no," inviting us into a life of radical integrity and courageous love. Drawing from Matthew 5:37 and Thurman's theological legacy.ReferencesScripture: Matthew 5:1–16, 33–37About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateJanuary 26, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore Howard Thurman's powerful concept of "Inner Authority" and what it means to truly come alive to ourselves. Through the lens of Christian mysticism and social justice, we discover how the Holy Spirit empowers us to speak truth and act boldly in the face of injustice. Thurman teaches us that spiritual formation and social transformation are inseparable – when we learn to listen deeply to the divine presence within, we find the courage to stand on holy ground and work for justice in community.ReferencesScripture: John 14:15–21About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateJanuary 19, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we launch our new series, "Come Alive: A Series on What the World Needs," by exploring the transformative practice of "centering down" through the wisdom of Howard Thurman and the example of Jesus. Drawing from Thurman's profound connection with an oak tree in his youth to Jesus's regular retreats for prayer, we discover how intentional pause and contemplation aren't just spiritual luxuries—they're essential practices for anyone seeking to make a difference in the world. This counter-cultural message reminds us that our inner work directly shapes our outer witness, and we can't fully come alive for others until we're fully alive to the divine within.ReferencesScripture: Psalm 1; Matthew 6:5–13About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateJanuary 12, 2025SynopsisWhen God writes "Beloved" on our hearts, it transforms how we see ourselves and each other. Like a child proudly writing their name, like friends recognizing each other's baby pictures, like communities holding space for both joy and sorrow—we're called to live as if we actually believe we're beloved, and to create spaces where others can discover they are too.ReferencesScripture: Luke 3:15–17; 21–22 About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateJanuary 5, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore how God's faithfulness mirrors the constancy of stars in the night sky. Drawing on the Epiphany story of the magi following the star to Jesus, Pastor Brent illuminates how God's steady presence guides us through life's uncertainties and dark moments - just as celestial bodies have faithfully oriented travelers for millennia. Like the persistent star that led the wise men to an unexpected encounter with divine love, God's light remains constant, leading us to hope and revelation in surprising places.ReferencesScripture: Matthew 2:1–12 About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateDecember 24, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore how God disrupts and rewrites our expected endings through the lens of a surprising Christmas carol and a fresh look at the nativity story. By examining how the traditional interpretation of "no room at the inn" might actually be a story of radical hospitality, we discover a God who consistently shows up in unexpected places and subverts our assumptions about how things "must" end. This message of divine disruption reminds us that our seemingly fixed endings are never truly final in God's economy of grace and possibility.ReferencesScripture: [Luke 2:1–20](URL here) About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateDecember 22, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we dive into what happens when vulnerability meets blessing through the lens of Mary's visit to Elizabeth. We explore how creating safe spaces for truth-telling—like Elizabeth's home and the muskrat's winter den—allows us to encounter transformative love that empowers us to sing new songs of hope. This fourth Sunday of Advent reminds us that authentic love makes room for our whole selves, not just our highlight reel.ReferencesScripture: Luke 1:39–55 About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateDecember 15, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we unpack the revolutionary nature of joy through the dual lenses of ancient prophecy and creation's wisdom. Moving beyond shallow optimism, we discover joy as a daily practice of drawing from God's deep wells of salvation—a practice that, like the pink candle interrupting Advent's purple hues, breaks through darkness with unexpected light. This exploration reveals how joy becomes both protest and prayer in a world longing for wholeness.ReferencesScripture: Isaiah 12:2–6About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateDecember 8, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon from our Advent series "All Creation Waits: Rewilding Advent," we explore how God's transformative work of peace unfolds not in dramatic moments, but through slow, steady change—just like mountains eroding and valleys filling over time. Drawing wisdom from John the Baptist's call to prepare the way and insights from the natural world, we discover that real, lasting peace requires our active participation through daily practices that shape us. Like rivers changing course or flamingos taking on the color of what they consume, we are gradually transformed as we turn toward God's vision of peace.ReferencesScripture: Luke 3:1–6 About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

12-3-24 We are headed for the warmer climes down in Mexico today for our last show of the year. We'll be talking with Alberto Leyva, owner of Hidromiel Aliens Kaab in Bacalar, Mexico. Alberto has been a Beekeeper in the Riviera Maya, Bacalar, Quintana Roo since 2013,  and founded of Aliens Kaab in 2019. His expertise ranges from hive management to the fermentation of artisanal mead, ensuring a product that embodies the richness of local honey. Alberto is passionate about fermentation processes and wild yeasts, and crafts his mead through cold and wild fermentation, which in his point of view results in unique flavors and aromas while making the mead gentler on the body. His goal is to reflect the natural wealth of our surroundings in every bottle. Alberto has won some medals and recognitions and considers himself an eternal learner. The motto at Aliens Kaab is "let yourself be abducted by new experiences", and they take the term abduct as arousing in someone a powerful attraction and that is what they are looking for, to abduct more people to discover this great world of Mead. Join us to hear more about Alberto and his mead making adventures! This player will show the most recent show, and when we're live, will play the live feed. If you are calling in, please turn off the player sound, so we don't get feedback.[break] Sponsor: Look no further than Honnibrook Craft Meadery in Castle Rock, Colorado, for your go-to destination for wonderful, light, and refreshing mead! We have 20 meads on tap and four seasonal mead slushees.  Go to honnibrook.com for review our tap list, upcoming events and to order online! If you want to ask your mead making questions, you can call us at 803-443-MEAD (6323) or send us a question via email, or via Twitter @realGotMead and we'll tackle it online! 9PM EDT/6PM PDT (United States) Join us on live chat during the show Upcoming Shows On break for the month of December, we're back in January!! Show links and notes Let There Be Melomels by Rob Ratliff The Big Book of Mead Recipes by Rob Ratliff Let There Be Session Meads by Rob Ratliff Upcoming Events Dec 4 - Kingview Meadhouse and Winery, Mount Lebanon, PA - Trivia Night Dec 7 - Honeytree Meadery, Nashville, TN - Mead Making Classes Dec 7 - Four Brothers Mead, Festus, MO - Emma Nobbe Rocks the House live music Dec 7 - Honey & Hops Breworks, Fredricksburg, VA - Winter Wine Festival Dec 8 - Starrlight Mead, Pittsboro, NC - Tasting with the Meadmakers Dec 10 - Oppegaard Meadery, Tukwila, WA - Trivia Night Dec 12 - KingView Mead, Mount Lebanon, PA - Good Brother Earl live music Dec 12 - Oppegaard Meadery, Tukwila, WA - Mead and Cheese pairing Dec 13 - Blom Mead + Cider, Ann Arbor, MI - Permanent Jewelry with BOGO deal for multiple chains! Dec 14 - Crafted Artisan Winery, Mogadore, OH - Mead 101 Class Dec 18 - Kingview Meadhouse and Winery, Mount Lebanon, PA - Trivia Night Dec 20 - Valkyries Horn Mead Competition Entries open! Dec 20 - Midwinter Homebrew Competition Entries open! Dec 20 - Apis Mead and Winery, Carnegie, PA - Springs and Arrows live music Dec 21 - Four Brothers Mead, Festus, MO - Blight of Many live music Dec 21 - Mjodgard, Haslev, Denmark - Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a 2 course dinner, mead and a solstice ceremony Jan 25 - Crafted Artisan Winery, Mogadore, OH - Mead 101 Class Feb 6 - Mjodgard, Haslev, Denmark - Mead and Food Pairing at Bregnen You can buy mead online at https://shopmeads.com

DateDecember 1, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, launching the series "All Creation Waits: Rewilding Advent," we discover how Advent begins not in cozy certainty, but in holy chaos. When the world feels like it's falling apart, nature's winter wisdom - from chickadees mapping seeds of hope to fig trees pulsing with hidden life - teaches us a radical way forward. Instead of numbing our pain or turning away, we're invited to stay alert and present, trusting that God's renewal persists even in the dark.ReferencesScripture: Luke 21:25–36About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateNovember 24, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we wrestle with Bonhoeffer's piercing question: "Are we still of any use?" Through his life and writings, we explore what it means for the church to be more than furniture in the background of our lives—to become Christ's visible presence in the world. Bonhoeffer's journey from academic theologian to prophetic voice shows us how the Sermon on the Mount calls us beyond theoretical faith into tangible action, challenging us to be the church that makes Christ present in times of crisis and suffering. (Matthew 5:1-16)ReferencesScripture: Matthew 5:1–16About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateNovember 17, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we discover how a 19th-century French saint's radical embrace of smallness offers surprising wisdom for our exhausting, power-hungry world. St. Thérèse of Lisieux's "Little Way"—finding strength in weakness and trusting in small acts of great love—provides both a liberating alternative to our culture's demands for constant achievement and a radical roadmap for navigating our present moment of social upheaval and disillusionment. This message speaks directly to anyone feeling inadequate or overwhelmed, revealing how our perceived weaknesses might actually be the exact places where God shows up most powerfully.ReferencesScripture: Psalm 131; 2 Corinthians 12:2–10About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook and Instagram. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateNovember 10, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we journey with Fannie Lou Hamer, whose unwavering faith and resilience amid adversity offer profound lessons in justice and courage for anyone who has ever felt marginalized or weary from the struggle against injustice. Through her inspiring story and the lens of Hebrews 11:1, we explore how faith serves as our foundation, standing under us, especially when the world feels unsteady. This message invites us to reflect on our role in creating change, reminding us of Hamer's powerful conviction: "You can pray until you faint, but if you don't get up and try to do something, God is not going to put it in your lap."ReferencesScripture: John 1:1–5, Hebrews 11:1–3, 8–16 About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email us at hello@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

11-5-24 We are abandoning the election stuff (in the US) tonight, and visiting with Raul de la Garza, owner of Freya Brewing Company in Monterrey, Mexico. Raul is also a guest host here on Gotmead Live! We got the chance to hang out with him when Kevin and Vicky went to the Copa Hidromiel mead competition in Mexico City. Raúl de la Garza, meadmaker at Freya Brewing in Monterrey, Mexico started making mead as a hobby in 2008 and later went professional in 2015. Over the years Raul has won several awards (including best in Mexico) in Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica and Panama. They've sold mead all over Mexico and even in San Diego (crossing it through the border the Han Solo way). After a break thanks to COVID-19, they're trying to make a comeback with plans to relocate the meadery and open a taproom. This player will show the most recent show, and when we're live, will play the live feed. If you are calling in, please turn off the player sound, so we don't get feedback.[break] Sponsor: Look no further than Honnibrook Craft Meadery in Castle Rock, Colorado, for your go-to destination for wonderful, light, and refreshing mead! We have 20 meads on tap and four seasonal mead slushees.  Go to honnibrook.com for review our tap list, upcoming events and to order online! If you want to ask your mead making questions, you can call us at 803-443-MEAD (6323) or send us a question via email, or via Twitter @realGotMead and we'll tackle it online! 9PM EDT/6PM PDT (United States) Join us on live chat during the show Upcoming Shows November 19 - Kristeva Dowling, Stolen Harvest Meadery, Alberta, Canada December 3 - Alberto Leyva, Hidromiel Aliens Kaab, Mexico Show links and notes Let There Be Melomels by Rob Ratliff The Big Book of Mead Recipes by Rob Ratliff Let There Be Session Meads by Rob Ratliff Upcoming Events Nov 6 - Kingview Meadhouse & Winery, Mount Lebanon, PA - Trivia Night Nov 7 - KingView Mead, Mount Lebanon, PA - Day One (acoustic) live music Nov 7 - The Viking Alchemist Meadery, Smyrna, GA - Mead and Minis Two for One - Painting D&D Miniatures Nov 8 - Adesanya Mead & Microbrewery, Grandville, MI - TYFYS (Thank You For Your Service) Mead Release with Talons Out Honor Flight and Mosher Family Apiary Nov 9 - Dawg Gone Bees Apiary & Meadery, Hanover, PA - Mead Making Class Nov 9 - The Viking Alchemist Meadery, Smyrna, GA - Mead and Metal Artisan Market Nov 10 - Starrlight Mead, Pittsboro, NC - Tasting with the Meadmakers Nov 12 - Oppegaard Meadery, Tukwila, WA - Make Your Own Mead with Us! Nov 13 - Adesanya Mead & Microbrewery, Grandville, MI - West Michigan Pink Boots Society Chapter November Meet-Up Nov 14 - Apis Mead & Winery, Carnegie, PA - Thursday South Hills Group Run Nov 15 - Grimsby Hollow Meadery, Middleville, MI - Drink Mead, Learn Things: Viking Warrior Societies Nov 15 - Bumbling Fools Mead, Minneapolis, MN - Karaoke Mead-Up Nov 16 - Crafted Artisan Winery, Mogadore, OH - Mead 101 Class Nov 16 - Cigar City Cider & Mead, Tampa, FL - Celebrating 10 Year of Cigar City Cider and Mead Nov 16 - Kimmel Orchard, Nebraska City, NE - Mead Making Workshop Nov 16 - Dawg Gone Bees Apiary & Meadery, Hanover, PA - Mead Making Class Nov 17 - Oppegaard Meadery, Tukwila, WA - 8th Year Anniversary and Sea Wolf Voyages Mead Release Party Nov 22 - Oppegaard Meadery, Tukwila, WA - Make Your Own Mead with Us! Nov 23 - Four Brothers Mead, Festus, MO - Veronica Live Nov 23 - Red Lion Smokehouse, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada - Meadmaking with TBay Mead Nov 27 - The Cellar Wine Bar and Kitchen, South Bend, IN - Perry Vine Wine Mead Tasting Nov 29 - Dawg Gone Bees Apiary & Meadery, Hanover, PA - Mead Making Class Dec 8 - Starrlight Mead, Pittsboro, NC - Tasting with the Meadmakers Dec 14 - Crafted Artisan Winery, Mogadore, OH - Mead 101 Class You can buy mead online at https://shopmeads.com

Welcome to HempAware Radio, where we're diving into the heart of the hemp industry with a special guest, Arlo Estill from HempSmith Clothing. In this episode, we explore the unique entrepreneurial journey of Arlo, who took the reins of HempSmith to honor his late brother Zafer's legacy.Broadcasting from Pittsboro, North Carolina, HempSmith offers durable and stylish hemp apparel, including hand-dyed and printed clothing that everyone is buzzing about.Our discussion with Arlo covers everything from innovative marketing strategies that defy convention, like word-of-mouth and community events, to the profound environmental and health benefits of hemp-based materials. oin us as we delve into hemp's rich history, its challenges, and its promising future alongside Arlo's vision for sustainable growth through hemp in construction and beyond.Tune in to be inspired by how passion, personal relationships, and a focus on community can shape a thriving hemp business.About the Host and GuestTyler Hemp is the dynamic host of Hempaware Radio, where he engages listeners with his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for hemp innovation. Known for his energetic "Hempisodes," Tyler is dedicated to empowering and enlightening his audience about the vast possibilities of hemp.With a keen focus on eco-friendly lifestyle choices, he frequently collaborates with pioneers in the industry, such as Arlo Estill of HempSmith Clothing.This brand stands out for its creative fusion of style and sustainability, offering hemp apparel with unique designs through tie-dye, printing, and embroidery.Tyler Hemp continues to inspire and inform, making significant strides in the hemp industry.Key Topics we Covered in this Show1. Host IntroductionIntroduction of the show "HempAware Radio"Guest introduction: Arlo Estill from HempSmith Clothing2. HempSmith ClothingLocation: Pittsboro, North CarolinaProduct offerings: Durable and stylish hemp clothing, including socks, hats, and t-shirtsBackground on HempSmithFounded by Arlo's brother Zafer during high school in 2015Origin: Began with embroidering a hemp leaf on a t-shirtContinuation by Arlo after Zafer's passing in 2016Growth to a storefront location3. Marketing Challenges in the Hemp IndustryDifficulty in finding and engaging customersSkepticism towards conventional marketing strategiesHempSmith's ApproachReliance on word-of-mouth and organic growthBenefitting from physical location in PittsboroGuerrilla marketing strategies: annual fashion shows, support for local artists4. Event Participation and Community InvolvementPop-ups and music festivals like Shikori GrassrootsCommunity-driven event experiences5. Passion for Hemp Building MaterialsHempcrete and hemp wood flooring discussed as solutions to environmental issuesPotential to replace toxic traditional building materials6. Sustainability and Environmental DiscussionHemp's role in reducing carbon output in constructionAdvocate for replacing petroleum-based materials7. Economic Considerations and SupportDisparity in government support for hemp industriesCall for increased support to encourage sustainable practices8. Entrepreneurial Challenges and AdviceImportance of saying no and protecting one's...

DateNovember 3, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore the life of Henri Nouwen—Catholic priest, prolific author, and wounded healer—whose lifelong struggle with feeling worthy of love led him to discover God's grace in unexpected places. Through Nouwen's journey from prestigious academic positions to living among those with disabilities at L'Arche, we learn that our wounds aren't liabilities but pathways to healing, and that like trapeze artists, we're all called to trust in the divine Catcher who promises to hold us. This message will especially resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an impostor, struggled with feeling worthy of love, or longed to be enough—inviting us to consider how our own wounds might become sources of healing for others, just as Nouwen taught us that "when our wounds cease to be a source of shame and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers."ReferencesScripture: Matthew 3:13–17; Hebrews 12:1–2About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateOctober 27, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore the profound significance of feasting in the way of Jesus, juxtaposing it with Herod's feast of scarcity, exclusion, and death. You'll be inspired by stories of past community feasts and challenged to practice hospitality and generosity in a world often marked by division, echoing Pádraig Ó Tuama's call to "flex the muscles of hospitality" in the face of hostility. Reflect on the Feeding of the Five Thousand (Matthew 14:13-21) as a transformative invitation to embrace abundance and radical inclusion, and join us in finding life and hope at the table, where everyone has a seat and there's always enough.ReferencesScripture: Matthew 14:13–21 About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateOctober 13, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon from Duke Divinity intern Victoria Pannullo, we enter into the parable of the wedding banquet (Matthew 22:1–14) and explore what it means to be invited, welcomed, and clothed in compassion and kindness as we approach God's table. This message invites those who feel excluded or out of place to see themselves as cherished guests in God's kingdom, learning to clothe themselves in humility, love, and forgiveness. It will resonate with anyone grappling with belonging and identity, reminding us to release our judgments, embrace our welcome, and live into the generosity of God's invitation.ReferencesScripture: Matthew 22:1–14About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

10-8-24 Tonight we're talking with Dominic Roth, a relatively new meadmaker in Australia. Dominic feels he's 'new' in that he thinks there is much more he can learn about making mead. We'll be talking technique, styles, recipes and more! Dominic is a home mead maker in Australia. He started making mead a couple years ago, as a replacement hobby following the birth of his most recent child. A dodgy mead recipe in a cookbook led him to the hobby, and then to more reliable sources! He thoroughly enjoys the 'art and science of mead making'; consuming as much knowledge as possible on the craft, and playing around with different styles, techniques and ingredients. This player will show the most recent show, and when we're live, will play the live feed. If you are calling in, please turn off the player sound, so we don't get feedback.[break] Sponsor: Look no further than Honnibrook Craft Meadery in Castle Rock, Colorado, for your go-to destination for wonderful, light, and refreshing mead! We have 20 meads on tap and four seasonal mead slushees.  Go to honnibrook.com for review our tap list, upcoming events and to order online! If you want to ask your mead making questions, you can call us at 803-443-MEAD (6323) or send us a question via email, or via Twitter @realGotMead and we'll tackle it online! 9PM EDT/6PM PDT Join us on live chat during the show Upcoming Shows October 22 - Alberto Leyva - Aliens Kaab Mead November 5 - Kristeva Dowling, Stolen Harvest Meadery November 19 - Raul de la Garza - Freya Mead Show links and notes Let There Be Melomels by Rob Ratliff The Big Book of Mead Recipes by Rob Ratliff Let There Be Session Meads by Rob Ratliff Upcoming Events Oct 11 - Breeden's Orchard, Mount Juliet, TN - Charcuterie, Mead and Music with Graze Craze Oct 11 - Thistlerock Mead Co,, Charlottesville, VA - Conley Ray and the Joneses live music Oct 12 - Starrlight Mead, Pittsboro, NC - Mead Making 101 Oct 12 - Dawg Gone Bees Apiary and Meadery, Hanover, PA - Mead Making class Oct 13 - Skal Beer Hall, Seattle, WA - Fall Mead Festival Oc 16 - KingView Meadhouse and Winery, Mount Lebanon, PA - Trivia Night Oct 17 - Combgrown Mead, Auburn, NY - Mead and Whiskey Cocktail Class with Cellar and Folly Whiskey Company Oct 18 - Apis Mead & Winery, Carnegie, PA - 732 the Electric Duo & Mary Spayd-Armstrong live music Oct 19 - Iron Stone Meadery, Erie, PA - Mead and Bleed Craft Fair and Bleeding Disorder Fundraiser Oct 19 - Four Brothers Mead, Festus, MO - Blight of Many live music - the Halloween Show! Oct 25 - Windchaser Meadery, Williamsburg, VA - HallowMead Oct 27 - St. Ambrose Cellars, Beulah, MI - HallowCHEESE: A Mead and Cheese Pairing Event with the Cheese Lady Nov 2 - Amber Dragon Meadery, Abilene, TX - Meadfest 2024 Nov 2 - MeadKrieger, Loveland, CO - The Sogs live music Nov 2 - Honeytree Meadery, Nashville, TN - Mead Making class Nov 6 - KingView Meadhouse and Winery, Mount Lebanon, PA - Trivia Night Nov 7 - KingView Meadhouse & Winery, Mount Lebanon, PA - Day One acoustic music Nov 8 - Adesanya Mead & Microbrewery, Grandville, MI - TYFYS (Thank You For Your Service) Mead Release with Talohns Out Honor Flight and Mosher Family Apiary You can buy mead online at https://shopmeads.com If you want to get your event on GotMead Live, let us know at gotmead@Gotmead.com 

DateOctober 6, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we launch the series Potluck: Finding Hope in What We Bring to the Table by asking, "Whose table is it?" and examining Acts 2:42-47 to understand how the early church's table fellowship reflects Jesus' ministry and offers a model for our lives today. We explore Robert Farrar Capon's meditative approach to cooking an onion as a metaphor for slowing down and encountering the divine in everyday acts, challenging listeners to resist the cultural trend of disappearing gathering spaces. This message will resonate with those feeling disconnected or rushed in modern life, offering practical ways to create meaningful community and find hope through intentional table fellowship, reminding us that Jesus often did his best work around tables.ReferencesScripture: Acts 2:42–47About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateSeptember 29, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore the fourth chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians, focusing on cultivating a heart for blessing and the transformative power of living out God's future in the present. Those struggling with cynicism, seeking joy, or longing for a more meaningful spiritual practice will benefit from this message, learning how to "think about these things" (Philippians 4:8) and embody hope in their daily lives. By embracing this perspective, listeners will discover a path to joy and liberation, finding themselves in two places at once—present reality and God's promised future—thereby bringing glimpses of God's kingdom into their everyday experiences.ReferencesScripture: Philippians 4:4–13About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateSeptember 22, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore Paul's letter to the Philippians, focusing on cultivating a heart for trust through the practice of being a "regular" in our relationship with God. Those struggling with doubt, uncertainty, or a desire for deeper faith will benefit from this message, learning how consistent, intentional engagement with God—even in small, everyday moments—can foster a transformative intimacy that enables us to trust in God's promises amidst life's challenges. Drawing from Philippians 3:7-14, this sermon offers practical ways to integrate spiritual practices into daily routines, empowering listeners to move from a transactional faith to a relational one, ultimately leading to a more joyful and resilient spiritual life.ReferencesScripture: Philippians 3:7–16 About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateSeptember 15, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, as we celebrate five years of weekly worship, we explore more from Paul's letter to the Philippians, focusing on cultivating a heart for humility as exemplified by Jesus in Philippians 2:1-18. We learn how embracing humility and prioritizing others' interests over our own can lead to a more joyful and fulfilling life. This message inspires listeners to find joy in selfless service and to be "on the ground" for the sake of others, reflecting on how they can be "a gift that keeps on giving" in their daily lives.ReferencesScripture: Philippians 2:1–18About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateSeptember 8, 2024SynopsisThis week, we launch our new "Take Heart" series and explore the theme "a heart for prayer" through Philippians 1:1-11. Pastor Brent discusses the importance of genuine, attentive communication and how holding others in our hearts can bring transformative joy. This message is perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their prayer life and foster meaningful connections.ReferencesScripture: Philippians 1:1-11 About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateSeptember 1, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore James 1:17-27, unpacking its call for Christians to be "doers of the word" and not just hearers. We learn about the importance of being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, as well as the true meaning of pure religion. This message will benefit anyone seeking to align their faith with action, offering practical wisdom on how to live out Christian values in daily life and reconnect with our purpose as followers of Jesus.ReferencesScripture: James 1:17–27About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateAugust 25, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore the concept of unity and reconciliation through the lens o the Bluey episode, “Flat Pack," drawing parallels to Ephesians 2:11–22 and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of the Beloved Community. Listeners will learn about the power of coming together, the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully, and how pursuing reconciliation can lead to a more joyful, harmonious life. This message will benefit anyone seeking to build stronger relationships, foster community, and live out their faith in practical ways.ReferencesScripture: Ephesians 2:11-22About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateAugust 18, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, Pastor Brent explores the theme of comparison through the lens of the popular children's show "Bluey," specifically the episode "Baby Race." He delves into how comparison can corrode relationships and self-worth and even fuel larger conflicts. Listeners will learn about biblical examples of comparison-driven conflicts, from Cain and Abel to the disciples arguing over who is the greatest. Most importantly, the sermon offers a powerful antidote to comparison: Communion with God. Through exploring passages from Isaiah, Pastor Brent reminds us of God's unconditional love and presence, even in our struggles. This message will help listeners navigate feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and fear of not measuring up in their daily lives. By embracing the truth of God's love, listeners are encouraged to let go of harmful comparisons and move towards celebration of one another's gifts, beauty, and belonging in diversity.ReferencesScripture: Isaiah 43:1–7About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateAugust 11, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore the spiritual power of play through the lens of Bluey's "Daddy Dropoff" episode and Jesus's surprising playfulness in John 8:2-11, revealing how play can disrupt our routines, liberate us from pretense, and ignite our imagination. Discover why adults struggle with playfulness, how Jesus used play to defuse a life-threatening situation, and practical ways to incorporate play as a spiritual practice in your daily life. Join us for a playful exploration of faith that might just transform your understanding of God, yourself, and the world around you.ReferencesScripture: John 8:2–11About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateAugust 4, 2024SynopsisThis week, we kick off our wackadoo sermon series called “The Gospel According to Bluey” with our first episode: “Camping." Through this episode and the words of Jesus, we explore the theme of friendship.What you'll learn:How childhood friendships differ from adult relationshipsThe challenges of forming deep friendships as adultsJesus' perspective on friendship and its importanceHow friendship with Jesus can transform our relationships with othersHow this can help in your daily life:Gain a fresh perspective on the value of authentic friendshipsLearn to approach relationships with openness and vulnerabilityUnderstand how to cultivate deeper connections with othersDiscover how friendship can be a powerful force for personal growth and social changeReferencesScripture: Luke 10:25–28; John 15:12–17About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateJuly 28, 2024SynopsisWe all love a good underdog story, but what if the most famous biblical underdog tale has more to offer than we thought? Join Pastor Brent as he revisits the classic story of David and Goliath with fresh eyes and uncovers surprising insights for our modern lives.What You'll Learn:A new perspective on the familiar David and Goliath storyThree ways this ancient tale reveals how God is with us in our daily strugglesHow to find strength when facing your own "giants"How It Will Help You:Reclaim your true identity when others try to define youFace your fears with renewed courage and faithFind hope and purpose even in the messiest parts of lifeWhether you're wrestling with self-doubt, fear, or life's complexities, this fresh take on an old story will inspire you to face your challenges with the confidence that God is with you every step of the way.ReferencesScripture: 1 Samuel 17:1–50About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Duke Divinity Pastoral Intern Isabel Packevicz expands our understanding of the divine by exploring often-overlooked feminine imagery for God in scripture. The sermon encourages us to see God's presence in life's messy, painful moments, offering hope for transformation.In this sermon, hearers will:Explore often overlooked feminine imagery for God in the BibleDiscover how viewing God as a mother and midwife can provide comfort in times of pain and struggleLearn about the historical role of midwives and how it relates to our understanding of GodGain a new perspective on familiar Bible stories like Creation and ExodusHow this can help in daily life:Offers a more nurturing and intimate view of God for those struggling with traditional masculine imageryProvides comfort for those going through difficult times, showing God as present in pain and struggleEmpowers listeners, especially women, to see themselves as image-bearers of GodEncourages a more inclusive and diverse understanding of the divine

Queer indie singer/songwriter Spencer LaJoye joins The Local Church and friends for a sweaty night of hope, healing, and humanity at The Plant in Pittsboro, North Carolina. This recording features the full audio from Spencer's set.