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In this windy Pentecost episode of Holy Shenanigans, Tara Lamont Eastman reflects on the simple childhood joy of flying a kite and how it connects to spiritual renewal, communion, and the movement of the Holy Spirit.Through stories, scripture from Acts 2, prayer, and poetry, Tara explores what it means to lift up our hearts, release burdens that weigh us down, and open ourselves to bold new directions inspired by God's Spirit. Like a kite carried by the wind, Pentecost invites us to trust, let go, and move forward in love.This episode offers: A reflection on Pentecost and the Holy Spirit as wind  A kite-inspired spiritual practice and prayer  Connections between playfulness, faith, and renewal  Encouragement to embrace new beginnings with courage and joy  An original Pentecost poem celebrating freedom, wonder, and grace So grab your metaphorical kite string, step into the wind, and discover how the Spirit may be calling you toward something new.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020.  Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Andrew is a psychotherapist, comparative religion scholar, and survivor of high-control Evangelical and Pentecostal Christianity. Raised  as the son of a minister, he served as a missionary to India and worked as a minister before experiencing a profound deconversion and recovery from religious trauma, which informs both his clinical work and academic research on high-control religion. Andrew holds an MPhil in Classical Indian Religion from the University of Oxford, an MDiv from Princeton Seminary, and an MA in Counseling Psychology from Golden Gate University. His training across Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and psychological traditions enables him to examine religious systems comparatively and understand how belief, authority, and practice shape psychological experience in high-demand groups.  He specializes in working with survivors from Christian, Evangelical, Pentecostal, charismatic, New Age, neo-tantric, Hindu- and Buddhist-influenced, and other high-control environments. His approach integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, depth therapy, mindfulness, and faith deconstruction. Through Life After Dogma (www.lifeafterdogma.org), he combines survivor insight, scholarship, and trauma-informed psychotherapy to help clients unwind conditioning, heal shame, reclaim agency, and rebuild identity. Andrew is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT146397) supervised by Dr. Crystal Quarry. The article we discussed in today's interview can be found HERE.Andrew's website:  www.lifeafterdogma.org

Step into the spirit of Easter and Spring renewal with a conversation about creativity, nature, and the sacred rhythms of everyday life. In this episode of Holy Shenanigans, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman sits down with floral artist Kate Fenstermacher of Bough and Bend Floral to explore how beauty, art, and the natural world can help us slow down, heal, and reconnect.Together, they reflect on the power of flowers to mark life's most meaningful moments—from joy to grief—and how creative expression opens the door to deeper connection, mindfulness, and personal growth. Kate shares her journey of building a floral business rooted in belonging and authenticity, while Tara offers a moving poem that reminds us: we each carry a universe within us.Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, emotional healing, or simply a gentler way of living, this episode invites you to embrace the “simple gifts” of life—and discover how renewal is always within reach.✨ In this episode, you'll discover: How creativity supports healing and mental health  Why nature helps us feel more connected and grounded  The spiritual practice of slowing down and simple living  Encouragement for personal growth during seasons of change 

In a world where loneliness is more common than ever, what if the path back to connection is simpler than we think?In this episode of Holy Shenanigans, Tara shares a heartfelt story of an unexpected friendship that began with ordinary morning walks—and became a lifeline of encouragement, belonging, and lasting connection. Through this personal reflection and the powerful story of the road to Emmaus (Luke 24), we explore how meaningful relationships are often formed in the most everyday moments.What can a simple walk and conversation teach us about healing, hope, and spiritual growth? And how might we already be encountering the sacred—without even realizing it?You'll be invited into a gentle, imaginative Lectio Divina practice to experience scripture in a fresh way, while also reflecting on your own relationships: When was the last time you truly felt encouraged?  Who might need your encouragement today?  And what could happen if you simply reached out? This episode is for anyone longing for deeper connection, navigating loneliness, or seeking to rediscover the presence of God in everyday life.✨ You might just find that the walk you've been needing… is already waiting for you.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020.  Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

At fifteen, Martin Luther King Jr. didn't want to be a preacher—he wanted to be a lawyer, a sharp dresser, and nothing like his father. Stanford scholar Lerone A. Martin joins Mark Labberton to discuss Young King—a revelatory new account of Martin Luther King Jr.'s childhood, adolescence, and calling to ministry. "He's extraordinary and ordinary and everything in between." In this episode, Martin reflects on how MLK's early formation forged the conviction and courage of the man the world would come to know. Together they discuss King's childhood encounters with racism, the transformative summer in Connecticut where King first preached, his courtship of Coretta Scott, his first sermon at Dexter Avenue, the theology of Personalism, and Martin's own formation in Black Baptist and Pentecostal traditions. Episode Highlights "His mother tells him a message that really sticks with him his entire life and is really core to his ministry. And that is that you are somebody and that you're in God's eyes. You are just as good as anybody else." "I kept my mind at the front of that streetcar, and I said to myself, one day, I'm going to put my body where my mind is." "She says within the first 20 minutes he starts to become handsome because they start talking about dismantling Jim Crow." "He's extraordinary and ordinary and everything in between." "God has chosen to work with us and to invite us to be coworkers with God, to bring about God's will in the world." About Lerone A. Martin Lerone A. Martin is the MLK Jr. Centennial Professor in Religious Studies at Stanford and director of the King Research and Education Institute. His books include Young King, The Gospel of J. Edgar Hoover, and Preaching on Wax. He holds a BA from Anderson University, MDiv from Princeton Seminary, and PhD from Emory. His commentary has appeared on NBC's Today Show, PBS, CNN, and NPR. Helpful Links and Resources Young King by Lerone A. Martin https://www.amazon.com/Young-King-Making-Martin-Luther/dp/0063340941 The Gospel of J. Edgar Hoover https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691218939/the-gospel-of-j-edgar-hoover Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu Lerone A. Martin on X https://x.com/DirectorMLK The Luminous Darkness by Howard Thurman https://www.amazon.com/Luminous-Darkness-Anatomy-Segregation/dp/0913408468 Show Notes Martin's upbringing between Black Baptist and Pentecostal traditions Parents debating religion and politics during the Moral Majority era Anderson University, Princeton Seminary, Emory PhD Martin's mother told him he was "a child of God" and "beautiful"—a refrain shaped by her awareness of sending her darkest-skinned child into a world defined by colorism and racism "He's extraordinary and ordinary and everything in between." King and his brother dismembering his sister's Barbie dolls Incessant curiosity—trying big words on the Auburn Avenue librarian Racism at age six: white friends' parents ending the friendship "You are somebody and in God's eyes you are just as good as anybody else" King's mother explained racism to a six-year-old as something manmade, not what God intends—a distinction that became core to his ministry for the rest of his life "One day, I'm going to put my body where my mind is." Jitterbug dancer, sharp dresser, speech contest competitor King Sr. as fighter and provider—but King Jr. was sensitive, nonconfrontational, and determined to find his own path outside his father's shadow Resisting his father's model of ministry—wanting to be a lawyer Appearing to acquiesce to Dad, then doing what he wanted Connecticut tobacco fields at 15—first time outside the segregated South King wrote letters home marveling that he sat anywhere he wanted in restaurants, went to a white church, and didn't have to sit in the balcony at the movies "His sister says he left a boy and came back a man." Professor George Kelsey's Bible course at Morehouse—King's only A Howard Thurman's The Luminous Darkness and the enormous psychological energy required just to maintain a sense of "somebodiness" under Jim Crow's built environment of dehumanization "Within the first 20 minutes he starts to become handsome because they start talking about dismantling Jim Crow." Coretta wrestled with giving up her music career to become a minister's wife, ultimately deciding that partnership with King was itself an act of service toward justice First sermon at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church: "Love Your Enemies" Theology of Personalism—humanity as coworkers with God #YoungKing #MLK #LeroneMartin #KingInstitute #CivilRights #BlackHistory #FaithAndJustice #ConversingPodcast Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.

Experience Holy Week in a deeper, more imaginative way.

We might be living through the most consequential technological moment in human history. In this episode, Greg Cootsona—theologian, pastor, and executive director of AI and Faith—joins Mark Labberton reflect on a lifetime's convergence of work in faith, science, and ethics now fully engaged at the frontier of artificial intelligence. "AI is not simply a technical project. It is an expression of human hopes and fears, our longings for power, our craving for convenience, and our hunger for transcendence and meaning. In that sense, every AI model carries an implicit anthropology and an embedded moral vision." Together they discuss why religious wisdom belongs in the room where AI is shaped, the ethical stakes of human dignity and representation in AI systems, and the strategic power of interfaith collaboration with leading tech companies. Together they also explore how individual users can exercise genuine agency over AI, the risks of AI-mediated relationships, and what it would mean to make AI truly for us—in the deepest theological sense of that phrase. Episode Highlights "You among mortals are chosen to solve every problem effectively and efficiently."—on Silicon Valley's unspoken gospel "The gospel is not fragile and it grows best in situations that are not ideal and conditions that are not ideal." "AI is not simply a technical project. It is an expression of human hopes and fears, our longings for power, our craving for convenience, and our hunger for transcendence and meaning. In that sense, every AI model carries an implicit anthropology and an embedded moral vision. Whether or not its designers name it." "A third of teenagers say they prefer to have a relationship with a chatbot." "I think hope is taking steps today for a vision of tomorrow that you want to see occur. And that is what makes positive change in us as human beings and positive change in the world around us." About Greg Cootsona Greg Cootsona (PhD, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley) is the executive director of AI and Faith, a global interfaith organization bringing religious wisdom to the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence. He is a lecturer in comparative religion and humanities at California State University, Chico, and an ordained Presbyterian Church (USA) minister. Cootsona co-founded Science for the Church, directed multiple Templeton Foundation–funded projects connecting science and religious communities, and is a recognized specialist in C.S. Lewis, theology, and science. He has authored nine books, including Science and Religions in America: A New Look (Routledge, 2023) and Mere Science and Christian Faith (InterVarsity Press, 2018). He has appeared on The Today Show, CNN, NPR, BBC, and in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Helpful Links and Resources AI and Faith https://aiandfaith.org Greg Cootsona's website: https://www.gregcootsona.com Forthcoming book, An AI Made for Us: https://www.gregcootsona.com Science for the Church https://scienceforthechurch.org Mere Science and Christian Faith: https://www.ivpress.com/mere-science-and-christian-faith Science and Religions in America: A New Look https://www.routledge.com/Science-and-Religions-in-America-A-New-Look/Cootsona/p/book/9781032102122 AI and Faith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aiandfaith AI and Faith on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AIandFaith Show Notes Greg Cootsona's background: grew up in Menlo Park, California—Silicon Valley before it had that name His engineer father modeled a problem-solving worldview; transcendence not required "You among mortals are chosen to solve every problem effectively and efficiently."—the unspoken gospel of Silicon Valley Grew up in a non-religious, even "anti-religious" household Became a Christian his first year at UC Berkeley—a conversion he describes with a laugh as the obvious outlier C.S. Lewis's writings on meaning and love: too reasonable, too wise to dismiss Earl Palmer at First Presbyterian Berkeley: preaching that gave confidence amid secular challenge "The gospel is not fragile and it grows best in situations that are not ideal." Princeton Seminary for biblical studies; study years in Tübingen and Heidelberg PhD dissertation at GTU: Karl Barth (theology from above) in dialogue with Alfred North Whitehead (science from below) Advisors Robert John Russell (PhD in quantum physics) and Ted Peters at the Graduate Theological Union Pastoral ministry at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian, New York City, then Bidwell Presbyterian, Chico Began working with Templeton Foundation through early exposure to science-faith dialogue during the Human Genome Initiative years Two $2 million Templeton projects: Scientists in Congregations and Science and Theology for Emerging Adult Ministries (STEAM) Bidwell Presbyterian received what may have been the first Templeton Foundation grant ever given directly to a local church AI and Faith founded by Thomas Osborne and David Brenner in Seattle—building near Amazon and Microsoft, they saw the need early Cootsona became the organization's first executive director on October 1, 2025 The network: 220 experts in 20 countries, partnering with 34 organizations "AI is not simply a technical project. It is an expression of human hopes and fears, our longings for power, our craving for convenience, and our hunger for transcendence and meaning." Interfaith strategy: shared ethical ground across traditions is broader than divisions—and tech companies respond better to a multi-religious voice Currently invited to provide Anthropic feedback on the Claude Constitution—because of AI and Faith's interfaith structure Human dignity at stake: between 2 and 2.5 billion people not on the internet are absent from AI training data Only 0.06 percent of AI models are trained on Arabic-language sources—600 million speakers AI data centres consume potable water and enormous energy to cool GPU processors Senior tech leaders at a major company admitted to Labberton: "None of us has any training in ethics"—a real and witnessed crisis "A third of teenagers say they prefer to have a relationship with a chatbot." Three publics: AI industry experts, religious congregations, and the broader public—AI and Faith works across all three Forthcoming book: An AI Made for Us—riffing on Jesus's Sabbath words: the Sabbath was made for humanity, not humanity for the Sabbath Users have more agency than they think: we can set limits, log off, choose not to be defined by our AI engagement Harvard Human Flourishing Project: in-person worship is the highest correlate with religious flourishing—embodied community cannot be replaced Community—not the individual—is the right unit of moral accountability for navigating AI "I think hope is taking steps today for a vision of tomorrow that you want to see occur." AI's genuine promise: accelerating medicine for rare diseases; recalibrating cosmological understanding; reducing human suffering at scale Five to one: more people fear AI than welcome it—AI and Faith works to change that ratio with grounded, religious wisdom #AIandFaith #ArtificialIntelligence #FaithAndTechnology #AIEthics #HumanFlourishing #ScienceAndFaith #ChristianFaith #TechAndReligion #AIandHumanity #GregCootsona Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary.

July 23, 2019. Founders Ministry drops a documentary trailer that flashes a blurred silhouette for just over a second. Nine days later, three board members resign. Not over a scandal. Because they didn't want to be associated with questioning one woman. Four years later, court documents proved the questioning was right. An unlicensed investigation. A lead attorney wearing four hats simultaneously: advocate, editor, advisor, and opposing counsel. $1.05 million to her client. $13 million drained from the largest conservative Protestant denomination in America. This is a story about a five-phase playbook documented by economist Gary North in 1996 for taking over a conservative institution from the inside. With procedure. With moral pressure. With guilt. The SBC followed every step. Phase one: find the moral vulnerability they can't defend. Phase two: make institutional self-defense look like complicity. Phase three: force the procedural surrender. Phase four: use the surrendered weapons. Phase five: inherit everything. Harvard. Yale. Princeton Seminary. The PCUSA. Now the SBC. Same playbook. Every time. The question isn't whether it's coming for your institution. It is. The question is whether your men will stand. ABOUT CROSSPOLITIC CrossPolitic exists to put Jesus over Politics and reclaim the public square through bold, joyful, biblically grounded media. We confront the chaos discipling America and build the next generation of Christian media infrastructure. Our mission is simple: all of Christ for all of media for all of America. Mainstream media is collapsing. Eighty-seven percent of journalists identify as progressive, and even many conservative outlets prioritize profit over principle. Meanwhile, billions of hours of digital content are discipling the world every day. CrossPolitic stands in that gap, producing courageous, entertaining, truth-filled media for households, churches, and leaders across the nation. Become a CrossPolitic Club Member Support the mission and unlock exclusive content, behind-the-scenes shows, and theology series. https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/menu/checkout Subscribe & Share! Every like, comment, and share helps push Christian media back into the algorithm where it belongs. Join Us at Our Next National Conference Sign up for Fight Laugh Feast 2026: Holy Wars and lock in Early Bird pricing. https://tickets.flfnetwork.com/holy-wars-conference Follow CrossPolitic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSPOLITIC X: https://x.com/CrossPolitic Facebook: https://facebook.com/crosspolitic Instagram: https://instagram.com/crosspolitic Join our Email List: https://crosspolitic.com/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NRBTV, DirecTV, Dish, and everywhere podcasts are found.

July 23, 2019. Founders Ministry drops a documentary trailer that flashes a blurred silhouette for just over a second. Nine days later, three board members resign. Not over a scandal. Because they didn't want to be associated with questioning one woman. Four years later, court documents proved the questioning was right. An unlicensed investigation. A lead attorney wearing four hats simultaneously: advocate, editor, advisor, and opposing counsel. $1.05 million to her client. $13 million drained from the largest conservative Protestant denomination in America. This is a story about a five-phase playbook documented by economist Gary North in 1996 for taking over a conservative institution from the inside. With procedure. With moral pressure. With guilt. The SBC followed every step. Phase one: find the moral vulnerability they can't defend. Phase two: make institutional self-defense look like complicity. Phase three: force the procedural surrender. Phase four: use the surrendered weapons. Phase five: inherit everything. Harvard. Yale. Princeton Seminary. The PCUSA. Now the SBC. Same playbook. Every time. The question isn't whether it's coming for your institution. It is. The question is whether your men will stand. ABOUT CROSSPOLITIC CrossPolitic exists to put Jesus over Politics and reclaim the public square through bold, joyful, biblically grounded media. We confront the chaos discipling America and build the next generation of Christian media infrastructure. Our mission is simple: all of Christ for all of media for all of America. Mainstream media is collapsing. Eighty-seven percent of journalists identify as progressive, and even many conservative outlets prioritize profit over principle. Meanwhile, billions of hours of digital content are discipling the world every day. CrossPolitic stands in that gap, producing courageous, entertaining, truth-filled media for households, churches, and leaders across the nation. Become a CrossPolitic Club Member Support the mission and unlock exclusive content, behind-the-scenes shows, and theology series. https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/menu/checkout Subscribe & Share! Every like, comment, and share helps push Christian media back into the algorithm where it belongs. Join Us at Our Next National Conference Sign up for Fight Laugh Feast 2026: Holy Wars and lock in Early Bird pricing. https://tickets.flfnetwork.com/holy-wars-conference Follow CrossPolitic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSPOLITIC X: https://x.com/CrossPolitic Facebook: https://facebook.com/crosspolitic Instagram: https://instagram.com/crosspolitic Join our Email List: https://crosspolitic.com/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NRBTV, DirecTV, Dish, and everywhere podcasts are found.

July 23, 2019. Founders Ministry drops a documentary trailer that flashes a blurred silhouette for just over a second. Nine days later, three board members resign. Not over a scandal. Because they didn't want to be associated with questioning one woman. Four years later, court documents proved the questioning was right. An unlicensed investigation. A lead attorney wearing four hats simultaneously: advocate, editor, advisor, and opposing counsel. $1.05 million to her client. $13 million drained from the largest conservative Protestant denomination in America. This is a story about a five-phase playbook documented by economist Gary North in 1996 for taking over a conservative institution from the inside. With procedure. With moral pressure. With guilt. The SBC followed every step. Phase one: find the moral vulnerability they can't defend. Phase two: make institutional self-defense look like complicity. Phase three: force the procedural surrender. Phase four: use the surrendered weapons. Phase five: inherit everything. Harvard. Yale. Princeton Seminary. The PCUSA. Now the SBC. Same playbook. Every time. The question isn't whether it's coming for your institution. It is. The question is whether your men will stand. ABOUT CROSSPOLITIC CrossPolitic exists to put Jesus over Politics and reclaim the public square through bold, joyful, biblically grounded media. We confront the chaos discipling America and build the next generation of Christian media infrastructure. Our mission is simple: all of Christ for all of media for all of America. Mainstream media is collapsing. Eighty-seven percent of journalists identify as progressive, and even many conservative outlets prioritize profit over principle. Meanwhile, billions of hours of digital content are discipling the world every day. CrossPolitic stands in that gap, producing courageous, entertaining, truth-filled media for households, churches, and leaders across the nation. Become a CrossPolitic Club Member Support the mission and unlock exclusive content, behind-the-scenes shows, and theology series. https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/menu/checkout Subscribe & Share! Every like, comment, and share helps push Christian media back into the algorithm where it belongs. Join Us at Our Next National Conference Sign up for Fight Laugh Feast 2026: Holy Wars and lock in Early Bird pricing. https://tickets.flfnetwork.com/holy-wars-conference Follow CrossPolitic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSPOLITIC X: https://x.com/CrossPolitic Facebook: https://facebook.com/crosspolitic Instagram: https://instagram.com/crosspolitic Join our Email List: https://crosspolitic.com/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NRBTV, DirecTV, Dish, and everywhere podcasts are found.

Tara reflects on Matthew 4:1–4, where Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit, fasts for 40 days in the wilderness and faces the accuser's first temptation to turn stones into bread. She connects Jesus' response—recalling God's provision—to Jesus' grounding in the Torah and his calling to be the bread of life. She also explores stones as Old Testament markers of encounters with God (Jacob's pillow and Joshua's stones), suggesting stone and bread symbolize God's presence and provision even in temptation. She offers reflection questions, a Lenten practice of carrying a stone with a prayer, and shares her poem “A Stone to Re-member."Send Tara a Text MessageJoin Tara for Worship on Sunday morning at 10 am. Warren First Presbyterian Church at 300 Market Street in Warren Pennsylvania. A live stream is provided via FaceBook for people out of the region... During Lent Tara is facilitating a book club based on Madeline L'Engle's book A Circle of Quiet. Tuesday mornings at 10;30 am at the church.Support the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020.  Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Jonathan Lee Walton, Ph.D., is a social ethicist, religious educator, and the eighth president of Princeton Theological Seminary. A leading voice on American religion, he is the author of Watch This! and A Lens of Love, and his scholarship has appeared widely in academic journals and national media including The New York Times, CNN, and the BBC. Prior to Princeton, Dr. Walton served at Harvard University and Wake Forest University, where he was dean of the School of Divinity. A graduate of Morehouse College and Princeton Seminary, his work engages ethics, race, media, and public life with intellectual rigor and moral imagination.

Tara and guest Rev. Ellen Corcella—author of "Walk With Me: A Journey Through the Landscape of Trauma" and host of Faith and Resilience Podcast—talk about resilience during Lent and in everyday life. They discuss resilience as both internal and beyond oneself, rooted in meaning-making, adaptability, and connection rather than individualism. Tara shares her evolving definition of theopoetics as creative engagement with God in community, and reflects on Julian of Norwich's hazelnut vision—God made it, loves it, and keeps it—as a grounding way to notice “thin spaces” of the sacred in ordinary moments. Tara describes practices like Lectio Divina and Visio Divina, using scripture, art, doodling, and poetry for contemplation, and reads her poem “Thin Space Day,” which locates pilgrimage-like holiness in daily routines (carpool, mailbox walks, lunchtime, coffee, commutes). The conversation connects thin spaces to Lent's wilderness metaphor, emphasizes God's presence in both mountaintops and valleys, and reframes “all manner of things be well” (AMOT) as holding both consolation and desolation. Ellen shares where to find her book, podcast and website (www.ellencorcella.com).Send Tara a Text MessageJoin Tara for Worship on Sunday morning at 10 am. Warren First Presbyterian Church at 300 Market Street in Warren Pennsylvania. A live stream is provided via FaceBook for people out of the region... During Lent Tara is facilitating a book club based on Madeline L'Engle's book A Circle of Quiet. Tuesday mornings at 10;30 am at the church.Support the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Think Lent is only about giving things up? Join Tara as she describes the season as a way to “make room” - for meditation, reflection, and acts of service. She invites you to take up a new spiritual practice or write your own spiritual autobiography. She describes how two stories - Madeleine L'Engle's Circle of Quiet & the Transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew 17 - taught her how transformation involves commitment, community, and action.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

My friend Rev. Jamie White (Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Salt Lake City, theological/pastoral education from Vanguard University and Princeton Seminary, married mother of three) joins us to share her story including: Being raped at age 18, becoming pregnant, keeping her child—now her eldest son/recently married Feeling her life was ruined. No hope. Deep anger. Could have killed her abuser Writing letters to her unborn son The support that saved her; parents and faith community, and her mom's tough advice Therapist jolting comment: “This tragedy must become your greatest treasure.” Initial anger at this comment—but became true. Hard work to find peace and forgiveness—loving your enemies. Finding her husband Dave—and building a life together. Creating space in her congregation for diversity rather than uniformity, tough work but worth it Acceptance and love of queer members of her congregation—including the story of a thriving transgender member. If you are looking for hope/healing from difficult experiences (or better tools to help others), please listen and share this episode. Jamie brings a rare combination from her academic background, profession experience, love of Jesus, and her personal story of being a rape survivor to authentically help each of us overcome difficult experiences and find more hope, peace, healing and forgiveness. This is a super powerful podcast. I encourage everyone to listen and share with others. Links: Paster Jamie White Bio: https://www.fpcslc.org/staff Faith Matters/One America Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yLO12ykbCU First Presbyterian Church Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fpcslc

Tara interviews Dr. Crystal Hall from Crystal Hall Coaching about supporting and affirming women in ministry. Dr. Hall shares her journey, the challenges women face in ministry, and the importance of cultivating sustainable and life-giving ministries. The conversation explores themes of patriarchal structures and the significance of women's voices in proclaiming the gospel. Listen in on an inspiring discussion of the intersections of St. Brigid's Day, earth traditions, and the contributions of women saints like Brigid and Hildegard of Bingen.Hearth Keeper Prayer of St. Brigid - from St. Brigids.orgBrigid of the Mantle, encompass us,Lady of the Lambs, protect us,Keeper of the Hearth, kindle us.Beneath your mantle, gather us,And restore us to memory.Mothers of our mother,Foremothers strong.Guide our hands in yours,Remind us how to kindle the hearth.To keep it bright, to preserve the flame.Your hands upon ours,Our hands within yours,To kindle the light,Both day and night.The Mantle of Brigid about us,The Memory of Brigid within us,The Protection of Brigid keeping usFrom harm, from ignorance, from heartlessness.This day and night,From dawn till dark,From dark till dawn.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Tara welcomes Emily Goodstein, the Founder + CEO of Greater Good Strategy. They discuss how to find fulfillment and purpose while contributing to the greater good. Emily shares her journey of establishing a digital marketing and fundraising firm that supports mission-driven organizations, emphasizing the power of community and sustainable work practices. She wears really cool glasses too!Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Kickstart the New Year as we embrace 2026 through the lens of love-inspired New Year's resolutions. Dive into reflections from Bonnie Smith Whitehouse's 'Season of Wonder' and hear uplifting stories of simple, everyday acts of love—from sharing pens and art to donning joy sweaters and making Sunday soup. Let's explore how ordinary gestures can bring more life, liberation, creation, and love into our world. Join us in walking the way of love in this special New Year's episode.Gratitude to Rev. Ellen Corcella for her support of HSP!Book References:Seasons of Wonder by Bonnie Smith Whitehouse - at InstagramCrone Zone by Nina Bargiel - Slack Mistress at InstagramPlaces to Visit:The Plaza Restaurant Bough and Bend FloralFirst Presbyterian Church of Warren, PASend Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Join pastor and podcaster Tara Lamont Eastman as she explores the sacredness in everyday life during the Advent season. This episode delves into the significance of the Advent wreath, the lighting of the pink candle for Gaudete Sunday, and the story of a special purple and pink stole gifted to Tara. Through personal anecdotes, biblical stories, and inspirational quotes, Tara invites listeners to embrace joy, love, and everyday acts of kindness as we journey toward Christmas. Tune in for blessings, reflections, and a call to celebrate the holy shenanigans of the season.To learn more about Lori Kochanski's weaving, visit hereThe Poet, Cleo Wade's website is: https://cleowade.com/Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

This interview explores the deep connection between childhood trauma and the rise in transgender identification among young people. Dr. Jennifer Bauwens, a clinical social worker specializing in trauma, joins the conversation to explain how unresolved wounds, disrupted attachments, and cultural messaging influence identity formation. Drawing on clinical experience, research, and real-life stories—including the journey of Walt Heyer—she sheds light on why compassion, truth, and proper psychological care are essential for true healing. Dr. Jennifer Bauwens is the Director of the Center for Family Studies at Family Research Council. She researches and advocates for policies that will best serve the health and well-being of families and communities. Jennifer earned her Ph.D. from New York University with an emphasis in trauma studies. She has worked extensively as a clinician providing trauma-focused treatment to children in foster- care and behavioral health settings and to adults who've experienced interpersonal traumas, such as sexual abuse and assault. Her scholarship and publications have focused on the effects of psychological trauma, including man-made and natural disasters. Additionally, Jennifer has taught on psychological trauma and research methods in several graduate programs, including Rutgers University and Princeton Seminary. https://embracethedesign.com/ Jennifer Bauwens' Book: https://a.co/d/9yLRZy0 Walt Heyer Interviews:  https://youtu.be/07_JatfRsss https://youtu.be/0qZpwPtVNcA https://youtu.be/6K7QgYOKThw 00:00 Understanding Gender Confusion and Its Roots 03:26 Walt Heyer's Journey: From Trauma to Transformation 07:04 The Clinical Perspective on Gender Affirming Care 23:40 Comparing Experiences: Abuse Survivors and Transgender Individuals 30:54 The Impact of Family Dynamics on Identity 37:01 The Influence of Social Factors on Gender Identity 42:46 Navigating the Complexities of Gender Dysphoria 43:33 Understanding the Trans Movement and Social Contagion 47:18 The Importance of Attachment in Development 52:51 Exploring Attachment Theory and Its Implications 01:03:27 Connecting Attachment Issues to Gender Identity 01:10:51 The Role of Family and History in Identity Formation 01:22:42 Practical Guidance for Supporting Individuals in Transition 01:29:12 Real Estate Commercial  Subscribe to our newsletter to get this amazing report: Refuting the Top 5 Gay Myths https://ruthinstitute.org/refute-the-top-five-myths/ Have a question or a comment? Leave it in the comments, and we'll get back to you! Watch the full episode, uncensored, on Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/Theruthinstitute Subscribe to our YouTube playlist:  @RuthInstitute   Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/theruthinstitute https://twitter.com/RuthInstitute https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthInstitute/ https://theruthinstitute.locals.com/newsfeed Press: NC Register: https://www.ncregister.com/author/jennifer-roback-morse Catholic Answers: https://www.catholic.com/profile/jennifer-roback-morse The Stream: https://stream.org/author/jennifer-roback-morse/ Crisis Magazine: https://crisismagazine.com/author/jennifer-roeback-morse Father Sullins' Reports on Clergy Sexual Abuse: https://ruthinstitute.org/resource-centers/father-sullins-research/ Buy Dr. Morse's Books: The Sexual State: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/the-sexual-state-2/ Love and Economics: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/love-and-economics-it-takes-a-family-to-raise-a-village/ Smart Sex: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/smart-sex-finding-life-long-love-in-a-hook-up-world/ 101 Tips for a Happier Marriage: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/101-tips-for-a-happier-marriage/ 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/101-tips-for-marrying-the-right-person/ Listen to our podcast:  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ruth-institute-podcast/id309797947 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1t7mWLRHjrCqNjsbH7zXv1 Subscribe to our newsletter to get this amazing report: Refuting the Top 5 Gay Myths https://ruthinstitute.org/refute-the-top-five-myths/ Get the full interview by joining us for exclusive, uncensored content on Locals: https://theruthinstitute.locals.com/support

Welcome to Season 7 of the Holy Shenanigans Podcast with Tara Lamont Eastman. This Advent-themed episode explores the intersection of faith and art through storytelling, reflections on hope and peace, and poetry. Tara shares a personal story from the AKG Art Museum and introduces the concept of theopoetics—speaking about the divine through the arts. Dive into the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love as we journey through Advent. Featuring insights from theologians Shelly Rambo and Heather Walton, and a poignant poem by Morgan Harper Nichols, this episode invites listeners to pause amid the holiday rush and reflect on the sacredness in everyday life.Show notes:The painting referenced in this episode is Mäntykoski Waterfall', by Finnish Artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela.Thanks to musician and poet Morgan Harper Nichols for her permission to share her poem, Dark Purple.Gratitude to Theopoets - Professors Shelly Rambo and Heather Walton for their theological resources. Advent readings:HOPELight one candle to watch for Messiah.One little flame illuminates the darkness.Little flame, even from a distance, you offerWarmth and welcome, even in our wandering.We set out in HOPE, that God fulfills the promise… "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." Isaiah 2:3 PEACELight two candles to watch for Messiah.Two flames shine and give light to help us:see, navigate, and travel safely on our Advent journey.We carry PEACE with us, to gently be led homeward. “The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.” Isaiah 11:2Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Rev. Ann-Henley Nicholson serves as Vice President of Enrollment Management and Vocational Outreach at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. Ann-Henley grew up worshipping in the pews at Sec­ond Presbyterian Church in Roanoke, Virginia. She didn't imagine then that she'd later ex­perience a call to ministry, yet God is always faithful and often full of surprises. After graduating from the University of Virginia, she pursued her passion for theatre in New York before heading to Princeton Seminary to follow her call to ministry. Upon graduating, she served First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta before returning to Princeton Seminary to become their Director of Alumni Relations. In her role at Columbia, she enjoys identifying the next generation of pastoral leaders and worshipping with communities like ours.

Join Tara Lamont Eastman, host of the Holy Shenanigans podcast, as she welcomes her friends and classmates Kellie Brown and Joni Bouma for a heartwarming discussion about giving thanks. They reflect on small kindnesses, everyday graces, and the beauty in ordinary life. Listen for an inspiring online poetry slam and discover the power of gratitude practices in finding joy and meaning in life's simple moments. Gratitude to Professor and Poet Lynn Domina for her encouragement to read more poetry!Poems Read:Small Kindnesses by Danusha Laméris Mindful  by Mary Oliver The Facts of Life by Pádraig Ó Tuama Gratitude Pillow by Naomi Shihab Nye Song Lyric Reference: 'Look Up' by Joy Oladokun Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Tara discusses the significance of All Saints Day and different ways to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away. Tara shares her personal practices of remembrance and introduces listeners to the life and poetry of Welsh poet Ruth Bidgood, who dedicated her work to remembering the people and places of Wales. The episode includes a reflection on Bidgood's poem 'The Pause' and concludes with a poetic response by Tara, encouraging listeners to find meaningful ways to honor their loved ones. Find comfort and hope through remembrance and celebrate the legacy of those who have passed.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Pastor Tara welcomes Heidi Marsh Stayboldt, artist and founder of Sanctuary & Table. They discuss the intersection of art, spirituality, and the celebration of Halloween. They reflect on the origins of Halloween, emphasizing community, creativity, and remembrance of loved ones. Heidi shares experiences from her travels and the impact of art in her spiritual journey, including a profound encounter in Italy. The episode highlights the importance of embracing fear and using it to foster community and connection. They conclude by discussing the role of creativity and art in enriching spiritual practices and fostering a sense of belonging.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Join Tara in this episode of Holy Shenanigans, live from the Wild Goose Festival. Guests Charles Breton and Natalie Hamrick, Ph.D. explore how Psalms, songs, poetry, and people help them navigate life's challenges. Hear touching personal stories, powerful poems, and reflective thoughts that inspire hope, strength, and the recognition of holy moments. Engage with a community that values connection, healing, and spiritual growth.Listen to Charles Breton's insightful podcast A Jew and A Gentile walk into a Bar . . . Mitzvah!Purchase Natalie Hamrick's book here: Cope by Faith: Partnering With God to Get Through and Triumph From the Cancer ExperienceSend Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Join Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman and Charles Bretan of A Jew and A Gentile walk into a Bar . . . Mitzvah in this live crossover from the Wild Goose Festival 2025. Dive into discussions about the intersection of faith, social justice, inclusion, and intentional living. This episode covers thought-provoking insights on engaging deeply with texts, the impact of compression culture, and personal stories that highlight the importance of curiosity and expansive thinking. Don't miss engaging reflections on A Wrinkle in Time, political and theological commentary, and practical advice for fostering a deeper connection with the divine and with others.Interested in hearing more from Charles? Listen to episodes of A Jew and A Gentile walk into a Bar . . . Mitzvah here.Send Tara a Text MessageThe Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Today's sermon is called Welcome Home. Craig Barnes is a retired pastor and President of Princeton Seminary, and the author of several books.  One of those books is called Searching for Home.  In that book, Barnes tells his own story of how “home” and “family” are complicated.  When Craig was a teenager, his own father walked […]

Join Tara Eastman in this heartwarming episode recorded at the Wild Goose Festival 2025, as she interviews Ellen Corcella, an ordained minister with the Christian Church Disciples of Christ and author of the book Walk with Me. Ellen shares her transformative experience with Mary Oliver's poem 'Wild Geese,' which provided her with hope and clarity during a challenging time in her life. Ellen discusses how this poem, along with her journey through seminary and chaplaincy, led her to understand the importance of witnessing and being a compassionate presence for others. Listen as Ellen reads the powerful 'Wild Geese' poem and offers insights into the spiritual and theological connections she found within poetry.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Join Tara and her book club friends as they discuss the timeless wisdom of Madeleine L'Engle's 'A Wrinkle in Time.' Discover why this book remains vital today as a source of inspiration and insight into community, love, and inner strength. Hear personal reflections from Lynn, Ariel, and Janita on how the book has impacted their lives. Tara highlights the book's themes of vulnerability, courage, and the power of love, urging us to act together to make a difference in the world.Send Tara a Text MessageJoin Tara for a free online discussion about wholehearted living on Sunday, August 24 at 6 pm EST. The Wild Goose Festival is Thursday, August 28 to Sunday, August 31. It is a transformational community grounded in faith-inspired social justice. Come learn and grow by co-creating art, music, story, theater, and spectacle, and engaging in a wide variety of robust, courageous conversations with each other and with thought leaders and artists from other communities.Support the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Episode Summary: Being busy is a drug for most people. We believe that busyness is a badge of honor, that constant activity is good, and that productivity (whatever that means), makes us worthwhile. People like to talk about being busy all the time, but oftentimes their relationships suffer. So often we sleepwalk through our days, but there is a tremendous gift in practicing awareness in this present moment. In a culture that gives accolades for business and achievement, we run the risk of forgetting how to be present. Scripture reminds us to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) but how often do we willingly slow down? My guest, Courtney Ellis and I talk about how to be present in the moment and reap the benefits. Quotables from the episode: What would it look like to love my actual neighbors? What would it look like to press into this particular church? What would it look like to make our kids' schools our schools and really put our feet on the ground and help in all the ways that we can? And so this book came out of that desire that my husband and I had and that commitment we made before God to really try to live into the ministry of stability as long as he called us to. That's a big change after moving six times in six years. It is, it is. You learn some bad habits when you move a lot. Friends in the military, friends who have to move a lot and they say, yeah, you pick up some bad habits. So, we had to unlearn a lot of bad habits. You talk about leaning in and being present. So, what are some practical ways that we can choose to be present in the moment? And then what are some of the benefits? There are so many small, beautiful ways we can choose to be present. Often the easiest one is just to keep your phone in your pocket or your purse because it's fascinating. You'll be at the grocery store, and you see people standing in line and you can time it. People will stand in line patiently for about 30 seconds and then the hand goes down and the phone is out. And it's not that they're being impatient, but might as well use the time to do the word or scroll Facebook or whatever it is. And so, part of this, practicing this attentiveness toward God and being present in the moment is simply resisting that urge to do the easiest thing which is to pull out technology and distract ourselves. Sit near a window and just take a few minutes and observe what you see and it's almost like your soul is the shaken up snow globe and as you sit all of that snow starts to settle and you may hear from God, you may hear things in your own heart that you've been kind of stuffing down and as you're present to yourself, present to what you see around you, present to the Lord, beautiful things can happen. When we can make decisions in our lives ahead of time and leave them closed, it opens up our minds to new possibilities. It gives us new energy. And that's the difference between kind of leaving or living poised to leave and living planning to stay. And God may call us to go tomorrow, but today, if that decision is closed, we have all of these possibilities in front of us that we can turn our full attention to without already being fatigued. You refer to limits as a God -given grace. What do you mean by that? I don't like it. I'm going to start with that. I don't either. Talk about that for a minute. Yes. I want to be infinite. I want to keep going. I want to keep running. But limits ultimately are a grace and they're a reminder to us of our creatureliness that we are part of God's creation. We are not God. Even small things like coming to the end of a day and needing to go to sleep is a reminder of the limits God has set in our days, in our world, in our life. Multiple times a day we have to stop and eat. And that's an intentional creation of God. God could have created us to not need food. God could have created us to eat once a year. But these intentional checks and balances in our lives are an opportunity to practice dependence on God, to understand that our finitude is not burden, but it's grace, even if we are not always able to receive it in that way. Why do you call yourself an achievement addict and what does this have to do with learning to take a Sabbath rest? Yes, I would imagine I'm talking to another achievement addict here on the show. It takes one to know one. Yeah, I, especially early on in my life, that was where I would receive a lot of praise and adulation. And so I really grew into this. I am what I do. And if I've done enough in a day, I can feel good about myself, you know, when my husband and I compare notes at the end of the day and he'll say, "How was your day?" I still will most often jump to, "Well, I got a lot done and I feel really good about that." It's like, "Do you? Okay, let's talk about that. And there's nothing wrong with achievement, there's nothing wrong with being a driven person. But where you encounter some difficulty is when that becomes your identity. So, on a day where I'm ill, on a day where, you know, the kids didn't cooperate, on a day where something unexpected got thrown on my plate ministry -wise, does that mean I'm less of a person because I didn't check off my list? No, it doesn't. It means that God is the God of interruptions and God is the God of limitations. There's great grace in realizing that we are, you know, the old cliche, we're human beings, we're not human doings. and God has created us that way out of love and care and grace so we can rest at the end of the day even while leaving things undone. And that is the message of Sabbath is that once-a-week God commands doesn't invite doesn't suggest God commands that we rest from our labors and not because everything is done not because everything is polished and finished. And I love what Eugene Peterson, wonderful Presbyterian author has to say about Sabbath, which is that if you work with your mind, you should Sabbath with your hands. So, there should be worship, but also, you know, often my husband is out in the garden on Sabbath because that allows his mind to rest. But if you work with your hands, you should Sabbath with your mind. Busyness keeps us from stability and stability is what healthy people and a healthy society desperately needs. The United States has traditionally been one of the most mobile countries in the world with the average American moving about eleven times in their lifetimes. By contrast, Europeans move about four times. Busyness and the transitory nature of our lives and jobs means fewer deep connections with others. Fostering community is some of the toughest, most painful work we engage in. Being present means that we deliberately choose stability. In a world marked by transience, envy, and rootlessness, committing to stay put is a radical, unusual act. Transience threatens to dull our awareness of God. While stability may not always be our choice (like with a job relocation), it is something to be sought after. Remembering to pay attention can be the trickiest spiritual practice of all. Being present is about choices: setting aside time to rest (Sabbath) but also setting aside distractions (like technology). Sabbath is not a gift to you because you've achieved enough. It's actually a gift so that you will rest from your achievement and that's hard. In fact, you write remembering to pay attention can be the trickiest spiritual practice of to hack that a little think in many ways, those are the two primary spiritual disciplines, but what I'm learning is the older I get that the fundamental spiritual practice for all of us is learning to pay attention, to pay attention to God, to pay attention to our neighbor, to pay attention to what God is stirring up in our own souls, to pay attention to what God's stirring up in our broader culture. A lot of it comes back to those practices of noticing and being present with people. This is what Jesus did so well. Jesus was present with people who were very different than he was, people who had been wearing t -shirts with slogans that he did not agree with. And he did that by simply being present with people, by sharing meals with them, by having conversations, by noticing, he meets the woman at the well and through the power of the Holy Spirit, he knows things about her that we wouldn't have known, but we can notice, and we can love as Jesus loved. And so in building community, some of the best tools we have are not going on 100 miles an hour so we can pause at the mailbox and say, "Hey, how was your day?" So we can notice the person in the grocery store check-out line. So, it's slowing down and then practicing that same attentiveness, that spiritual practice of noticing with people. A big percentage of our listeners and viewers are dealing with pain, whether it's physical pain, it's emotional pain, relational pain, or even spiritual pain. So how can we learn to find God's presence in the present moment in the midst of our pain? What a good question. I think the first thing I'd say is sometimes you need to escape the pain a little bit and that's okay. Sometimes what you need are six episodes of the Great British Baking Show and God honors that and God blesses that. God doesn't always force us to face down our pain every minute of every day. So, it's kind of two feet of walking, we face it and then we take a breather, we take a rest, we take a nap. But I think the surprising thing, and we read this so often throughout the journey of Scripture, is that in those most painful moments, we find an intimacy with God that we don't find any other time. I would want to leave them with the gentle permission to slow down, to look up and look around, and to see what grace, God has strewn right in your path, right in front of you. It's easy to look for greener pastures. It's easy to lean into the dissatisfaction that our culture showcases all around us, but truly God has strewn our world with such delight. We slow down and start to look up. It's ours for the taking if we will slow down and be present in the moment. Scripture References: Matthew 5:34 We are warned not to “be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.” Matthew 24:42-44 “… keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Jeremiah 29:7 “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Recommended Resources: Present: The Gift of Being All In, Right Where You Are by Courtney Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Courtney Ellis: Website / Facebook / Instagram / X For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Guest: After six moves in as many years, Courtney Ellis found herself longing for the stability of one place. Her new book Present: The Gift of Being All In, Right Where You Are explores God’s call to be present, cultivating community and contentment right where we are. Courtney is a graduate of Wheaton College and Princeton Seminary. She trained to be an English lit professor before following God’s call to full-time ministry. She and her husband, Daryl, have three children and live in southern California where they pastor. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Join Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman and special guest Rachel Postler of Create Your Way Through as they delve into the importance of creativity and expressive arts in our lives. Rachel shares her journey from ministry and nonprofit work to founding Create Your Way Through, a unique space emphasizing the intersection of community and expressive arts. Discover how creative play can help us emotionally regulate and tap into our inherent creative potential. Learn about Rachel's various initiatives, including free monthly online workshops, and gain insights on overcoming barriers to creativity. Tune in for heartwarming stories, practical advice, and a reminder that play and creativity are divine acts of resistance and healing.Direct Links:https://www.instagram.com/createyourwaythroughhttps://www.createyourwaythrough.com/subscribeSend Tara a Text MessageJoin Tara for a free online discussion about wholehearted living on Sunday, August 24 at 6 pm EST. The Wild Goose Festival is Thursday, August 28 to Sunday, August 31. It is a transformational community grounded in faith-inspired social justice. Come learn and grow by co-creating art, music, story, theater, and spectacle, and engaging in a wide variety of robust, courageous conversations with each other and with thought leaders and artists from other communities.Support the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Join Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman in this enriching episode of Holy Shenanigans as she delves into the concept of wholehearted living, inspired by the actions of Captain Marvel and the wisdom of Parker Palmer and Brene Brown. Discover Parker Palmer's 'Habits of the Heart' and learn how integrating mind, body, and spirit can strengthen individuals and communities. This episode also invites listeners to participate in a Zoom discussion on the topic and offers practical questions for personal and communal reflection.Send Tara a Text MessageJoin Tara for a free online discussion about wholehearted living on Sunday, August 24 at 6 pm EST. The Wild Goose Festival is Thursday, August 28 to Sunday, August 31. It is a transformational community grounded in faith-inspired social justice. Come learn and grow by co-creating art, music, story, theater, and spectacle, and engaging in a wide variety of robust, courageous conversations with each other and with thought leaders and artists from other communities.Support the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Join us on this week's episode of the Holy Shenanigans podcast as we share powerful stories of love, healing, and divine presence in everyday life. Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman converses with Colleen Viegnere, a member of First Presbyterian Church of Warren, Pennsylvania. Colleen shares her personal journey of navigating divorce, rediscovering self-love, and the vital role her faith and community played in her healing process. Dive deep into the nuances of divine 'agape' love and its transformative power. This heartfelt episode underscores that love truly wins in the end.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Join Tara as she discusses the intersection of faith, pride, and visibility with special guest Reverend Serena Gideon Rice, an ally and LGBTQIA+ community member. Reverend Serena shares her profound theological insights on seeing and valuing each person as a creation of God, her personal journey within the church, and powerful stories of advocacy and acceptance. We also hear about her family's touching experience supporting their trans son and her own journey of self-discovery as part of the queer community. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about love, acceptance, and standing up for the LGBTQIA+ community within the faith context.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

In this episode, we celebrate the season of Pentecost and Pride Month with LGBTQIA+ ally and advocate Marla Taviano. Marla, a writer, poet, and artist, shares her journey of embracing joy and creativity through poetry and mixed media art. She discusses her books, including 'Please Cut Up My Poems,' and highlights the importance of accessible and inclusive art. We also dive into the impact of her teachers, her deconstruction process, and the power of joy as an act of resistance. Join us as we explore themes of love, acceptance, and creativity in this heartwarming and inspiring conversation. Don't miss Marla reading her poem 'It's a Rainbow Day' to celebrate Pride!Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Taradelves into the profound impact of good words in our lives. In this episode, she shares a favorite quote from Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go and explores inspirational words from various sources including scriptures like John 14 and Acts 16. Tara recounts personal stories and reflections, discussing the importance of words in offering encouragement, direction, and hope. Join her for a spiritual adventure that is always sacred but never stuffy.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

A bishop who served at Princeton Seminary during the 19th century was preparing to send 500 missionaries into an African country where they would risk their lives for the cause of Christ. The Bishop was asked, “Why would you send these young people to this place?” The response of the bishop was clear and simple. “Unless they go, the gospel will not go there. Unless the messengers are sent the gospel will not be heard and unless the gospel is heard they will not call upon the Lord to be saved.” This is the normal means by which the gospel comes to us. The Gospel is God’s. It comes from God. God sends His messengers to preach the gospel. People hear the gospel; they believe the gospel and call upon the Lord to be saved. This is how the gospel comes to us, and we have no reason to believe that God is going to do it some other way. This is the reason for Paul’s urgency in Romans. Paul is clear: those outside of Christ stand in the wrath of God under the judgment of God, and apart from the gospel we have no hope that they can ever be saved. That is why it is so urgent for us to take the gospel to our neighbors, our co-workers, the person we meet in line at the store, and even to the ends of the earth. We have no foundation to believe that they can be saved any other way. I pray that you will join us this weekend as we revisit Paul’s evangelistic zeal and passion to take the gospel to those who have not heard, for the glory of Christ. Come with prayerful and expectant hearts that the gospel will go forth even this weekend, and, having heard, someone would call upon Christ for salvation. — Pastor Chad McDonald

A bishop who served at Princeton Seminary during the 19th century was preparing to send 500 missionaries into an African country where they would risk their lives for the cause of Christ. The Bishop was asked, “Why would you send these young people to this place?” The response of the bishop was clear and simple. “Unless they go, the gospel will not go there. Unless the messengers are sent the gospel will not be heard and unless the gospel is heard they will not call upon the Lord to be saved.” This is the normal means by which the gospel comes to us. The Gospel is God’s. It comes from God. God sends His messengers to preach the gospel. People hear the gospel; they believe the gospel and call upon the Lord to be saved. This is how the gospel comes to us, and we have no reason to believe that God is going to do it some other way. This is the reason for Paul’s urgency in Romans. Paul is clear: those outside of Christ stand in the wrath of God under the judgment of God, and apart from the gospel we have no hope that they can ever be saved. That is why it is so urgent for us to take the gospel to our neighbors, our co-workers, the person we meet in line at the store, and even to the ends of the earth. We have no foundation to believe that they can be saved any other way. I pray that you will join us this weekend as we revisit Paul’s evangelistic zeal and passion to take the gospel to those who have not heard, for the glory of Christ. Come with prayerful and expectant hearts that the gospel will go forth even this weekend, and, having heard, someone would call upon Christ for salvation. — Pastor Chad McDonald

Join Tara as she reflects on the origins of Mother's Day as a day of peace and gratitude. She shares personal stories and insights from Good Shepherd Sunday, encouraging listeners to become good shepherds and shepherdesses in their own lives through acts of love, care, and nurture. Tara highlights the importance of extending gratitude and kindness beyond one day, drawing inspiration from the 23rd Psalm and influential figures in her life.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Tara is joined by Christina Gordon to discuss the 2025 Festival of Homiletics. They explore themes of connection, spiritual centering, and healing through faith and community. Christina shares her journey and insights about promoting faith narratives through the festival. They also discuss the importance of renewal for faith leaders and some actionable tips for church workers looking to participate in the event. The episode features a Celtic Daily Prayer meditation, personal stories, and an uplifting blessing for listeners.Send Tara a Text MessageThe Balance of GrayGod, doubt, and proof walk into a podcast... it goes better than you'd expect!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Tara shares a touching story of an early Easter morning prayer service. Discover the profound connections between humanity and nature, and listen to author Steven Case discuss his work and inspirations in youth ministry and writing. This episode highlights the power of prayer, the importance of nurturing our environment, and the beautiful moments that connect us all. Listen for an enriching conversation filled with spiritual insights and reflections.Steven Case's author page on Amazon.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Join Tara as she welcomes special guest Tim Kerr, Sponsor Relations Director of the Wild Goose Festival. They discuss the festival's new Labor Day weekend schedule, the variety of activities and workshops available, and the importance of creating an inclusive and engaging community. Tim and Tara share personal stories of spiritual journeys, the power of conversations, and the significance of deconstruction and healing in today's world. Tune in for an unpredictable spiritual adventure that is sacred but never stuffy.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

In this crossover episode with Created Creative, hosts Dawn Trautman, Ruth Hetland, and Tara engage in a delightful conversation about the intersection of creativity and spirituality, the value of live and in-person experiences, and strategies for effective social media use.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Intro: Skiing, digging holes, judo and kids aren't like chickens.15:00: 90s youth group culture, deconstructing19:55: God is still so much on the move - people whom God has called are encouraging.22:18: God moving through family generations, Molly's parents are new, my parents are the result of generations.25:40: Molly's Princeton Seminary adventure and family heritage.27:18: The Roberts Family Pew (Molly) at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian in Philidelphia.32:58: Molly's welsh heritage.34:50: The founder of Wikipedia is now a Christian…so is Nicole Shanahan?!42:24: Warmed cocoons, grounded obelisks, and celebrity conversions.48:09: Elon Musk should not be fathering this many children.50:27: We don't need more citizens, we need more healthy citizens, having kids for the sake of having kids.52:27: Show Close Too Busy to Flush Telegram GroupSend us a PostcardCanavoxThe Milk Frother Currently Being Tested!Pique Tea - Referral Link (it's super-delicious and healthy)Ledger Hardware Wallet - Referral Link (store your crypto securely!)

Tara explores the significance of the Lenten season starting with Ash Wednesday. She encourages listeners to incorporate new spiritual practices like fasting, prayer, and giving, rather than just giving up something. Drawing from Isaiah 55, Sister Joan Chittister, and the 'Stop, Look, Go' gratitude technique, Tara discusses how Lent can be a transformative period. She also introduces a free Lenten guidebook and shares a litany for Transfiguration Sunday. Tara invites you to join her in this sacred, but never stuffy, Lenten adventure.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Tune in to hear Head of School, Dr. Mark Carleton, chat with St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church pastor Jeff Smith about his career in ministry and his thoughts on responding to anxiety, parenting and more.  This episode is now live and available for download on our People of PS Podcast. Jeff was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana but got to Texas as fast as he could! After spending his elementary and middle school years in Houston, Jeff attended Texas A&M University and graduated with a BBA in Marketing. After graduation, he spent the first two years working in the business world before sensing a call to ministry. After 11 years of ministry, nine of which were at First Presbyterian Church, Houston, Jeff attended Princeton Seminary and earned his Masters of Divinity. Jeff served at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, New York City, and First Presbyterian Church, Pasadena, TX before receiving the call to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Houston in 2004. Jeff has very close ties to Presbyterian School as his wife, Amy, was a former PS teacher and Chaplain, his daughter Brenton, is an alum of the School and the School's current Chaplain, and his son, Craig is an alum of the School and a former member of the School's Alumni Board.  

What could it look like to build an egalitarian culture in our churches and organizations? In this episode, Rev. Lisa Johnson, executive director of leadership formation for the ECO denomination, joins Layla and Rob to discuss culture change through proactively inviting women into leadership, doggedly pursuing the 30 percent rule, and being intentional about representation. Beyond her many practical exhortations, listeners will be compelled by Lisa's description of a culture marked by God's “irresistible vision” for women and men partnering together in ministry.     Guest Bio  “Rev. Lisa Johnson grew up in Orange County, CA and received her BA in Communication Studies at Westmont College. She received her MDiv at Princeton Seminary and was ordained in 1999. She has ministered at five different churches in New Jersey, Santa Barbara, Orange County, and San Diego as an associate pastor. She now serves as the Executive Director of Leadership Formation for ECO and the Director of Mentored Ministry for FIT. Lisa has a passion for teaching, discipleship, leadership development, and spiritual formation, and loves serving ECO churches in this capacity. She lives in San Diego (Coronado), CA with her husband and has two young adult children, Ellie and Luke.” See more at https://eco-pres.org/staff.      Mentioned in this episode: Better Together: How Women and Men Can Heal the Divide and Work Together to Transform the Future    Related Resources    Video: Creating Cultures of Belonging: Cultivating Organizations Where Women and Men Thrive    Complementarianism Exists in Egalitarian Organizations and Churches Because of Patriarchy    Retreating from Retreats: An Egalitarian Vision for Church Conferences    Seven Egalitarian Leaders Reflect on the Movement's Past, Present, and Future      Disclaimer  The opinions expressed in CBE's Mutuality Matters' podcast are those of its hosts or guests and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers.