Podcasts about united methodist

Psalm 126Dr. David Thomas serves as Senior Advisor to New Room and Vice Chair of Alpha USA. A former United Methodist pastor, he has spent decades calling individuals and churches back to the transforming power of prayer and the reality of revival. His ministry with New Room has mobilized countless believers to pray boldly for God's kingdom to come, and through Alpha he helps create spaces where people can explore faith and encounter Jesus in a personal way. Known for his clarity, warmth, and focus on the Holy Spirit's work, Dr. Thomas brings a timely message for all who long to see God move.First Methodist Church of Opelika is an exciting, historic, and growing Methodist church that is inviting our community to find and follow the Spirit-led life in Jesus. Founded in 1837, First Opelika has a rich history of influencing and impacting families in the Opelika/Auburn and surrounding community. The church is currently in a season of revitalization and is laying the foundation for effective ministry in the next season of her life as an independent Methodist church.For more information, check us out at www.firstopelika.org or www.facebook.com/firstopelika

This week, Pastor Joe continues our sermon series called Faith Reclaimed by turning 1 Timothy 1:12-17 and inviting us to reimagine regret. What might it mean for us to become guardians of the truth, and not defenders of national ego? What might it mean for us to to allow mercy to meet us in the places we're finally brave enough to name?

Today we continue our sermon series "United Methodist Responsibilities, Between Now and Then." Pastor Rushing shares a sermon titled "The Two Unmentionables: Church and Politics." referencing 1 Samuel 8:1-22.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

DateSeptember 14, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we confront the heavy religious baggage many of us carry around prayer and discover a liberating alternative. Through Jesus's radical teaching of the Lord's Prayer, we explore a transformative framework—Attend, Align, Act—that moves us from empty ritual to revolutionary practice. Instead of treating prayer like a spiritual vending machine, we're invited into a dynamic rhythm that awakens us to God's presence, reshapes our desires, and unleashes us as agents of healing in a broken world. This isn't just about changing how we pray. It's about reimagining how we live.ReferencesScripture: Matthew 5:5–15About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

This month, we will be looking at what it is that United Methodists believe about salvation. We'll look at what Wesley called "The Scripture Way of Salvation." We begin this series with these key points - all are made in the image of God, all need Jesus, all can be saved, and all can be saved to the uttermost!

This month, we will be looking at what it is that United Methodists believe about salvation. We'll look at what Wesley called "The Scripture Way of Salvation." We begin this series with these key points - all are made in the image of God, all need Jesus, all can be saved, and all can be saved to the uttermost!

Today we continue our sermon series "United Methodist Responsibilities, Between Now and Then." Pastor Vance shares a sermon titled "Making Your Own Sandwich." referencing 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

In this episode of Wesleyan Ways, Martha Stokes and Bishop Sue Halpert Johnson engage with Reverend Charlie Baber to explore the identity of United Methodists through the lens of John and Charles Wesley's teachings. They discuss the importance of a relationship with Jesus Christ, the role of Scripture, and the necessity of holy living. The conversation emphasizes the Wesleyan tradition of interpreting faith through experience, reason, and community, while also addressing the need for a compassionate understanding of God's love. The episode concludes with a call to reclaim the essence of Jesus in modern contexts and to embody the transformative power of faith in everyday life.

This month, we will be looking at what it is that United Methodists believe about salvation. We'll look at what Wesley called "The Scripture Way of Salvation." We begin this series with these key points - all are made in the image of God, all need Jesus, all can be saved, and all can be saved to the uttermost!

DateSeptember 7, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we unpack the loaded word "evangelism" and discover a fresh perspective that moves beyond pressure-filled conversion tactics to something more life-giving. Pastor Brent challenges us to reimagine evangelism not as a two-seater transaction but as a communal journey where there's always room for one more – complete with our questions, doubts, and full humanity. Through the lens of Philip's invitation to Nathanael to "come and see," we explore how authentic relationship and radical welcome can transform both ourselves and our world.ReferencesScripture: Matthew 28:16–20, John 1:43–51About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

In this episode originally recorded in 2021, Word&Way President Brian Kaylor talks with Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) about faith and politics as a United Methodist minister and U.S. congressman. Cleaver also discusses his experience on Jan. 6, attacks on voting rights, and what gives him hope. First released four years ago, this episode is being reissued as Republicans in Missouri are citing Christianity to justify an attempt to gerrymander Cleaver out of office. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, and politics. And preorder the forthcoming book by Brian Kaylor, The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power.

Assembly 2026 plans are underway, and early registration opens September 2 at uwfaith.org/assembly. The once-every-four-years event takes place May 15-17, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Stacey Abrams—politician, lawyer, activist, and writer—has officially signed on as a keynote speaker. Abrams is best known for her work involving voting accessibility and turnout. She made history by becoming the first woman and first African American woman to hold positions in state and national politics. Abrams will be joined on stage by her mother, the Rev. Carolyn Abrams, retired United Methodist clergy. This gathering of women committed to faith, empowerment, and making a difference includes events designed to uplift your soul, strengthen your faith, and bring you together with an unstoppable sisterhood.From the Sept/.Oct. 2025 issue of response magazine.

This fall, the Virginia Annual Conference will debut a new web series, Wesleyan Ways: Exploring Our Methodist Roots. Guided by Jim Harnish's book The Journey to the Center of Faith, the series will take us on a deeper exploration of what it means to live and grow as United Methodists. Watch this promo to the series with Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson, Rev. Dr. Jason Stanley, and Jim Harnish. Find the curriculum and more information at https://vaumc.org/wesleyanways/

Welcome to worship. Today we continue our sermon series "United Methodist Responsibilities, Between Now and Then." Pastor Vance shares a sermon titled "Believing in God's Abundance for All." referencing Genesis 47:13-26.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

DateAugust 31, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore God's radical, relentless love through the beloved children's show Bluey. Diving deep into the episode "Sleepytime," we unpack how cultural narratives of an angry, punitive God have caused profound harm, while scripture actually reveals a tender, compassionate Divine Parent who never gives up on us. Through beautiful imagery of a mother's cosmic love and ancient words from Hosea, we discover that God's essence isn't wrath or disappointment, but an unwavering love that transforms how we see ourselves and how we build community. Scripture: Hosea 11:1-9, 1 John 4:7-12About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Rev. Jaime Nieves, “The Creature Preacher” is an ordained United Methodist pastor with a passion for all of God's creatures and promoting the exploration of exercising compassionate and respectful dominion over animals the right way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rev. Kara Eidson has spent a decade crafting a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate Advent, and now she's sharing it with the world. Her new book, The Advent Tree, is more than just a story; it's a full worship resource for the Advent season. It weaves together the history of the Hebrew people leading up to Jesus's birth with various worship materials, making it a powerful tool for churches and families alike.Eidson, a rural United Methodist pastor serving in the Great Plains Annual Conference, recently shared the journey behind her book. She talked about her passion for intergenerational ministry and how she developed these comprehensive Advent study materials to bring people of all ages together. Her approach is rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures, incorporating these ancient texts and visual elements to help people see the story of Jesus in a new light.The conversation wasn't all serious, though. Eidson discussed the importance of balancing both playful and serious elements in church worship.

In this heartfelt episode of People of the 'Burg, Pastor Sarah sits down with Todd Shiverdecker to explore his faith journey, his deep roots in church life, and the powerful role community has played in shaping his walk with Christ. Todd's story begins in a small United Methodist church where his grandmother—his spiritual rock—instilled in him the importance of faith. Though his church attendance varied through the years, it wasn't until he and his wife Donna found their home at Ginghamsburg Church that his faith truly deepened.

Pleasure to have former United Methodist minister Dodie on with us this week to talk about Father Gabriel's first appearance and everything else in this episode. Links: Jason's interview with Andrew J. West (Gareth): https://podcastica.com/podcast/the-cast-of-us/episode/156-no-sanctuary-s5e1-andrew-j-west-gareth  Next up: TWD S5E3 “Four Walls and a Roof”. Let us know your thoughts! You can email or send a voice message to talk@podcastica.com.  Or check out our Facebook group, where we put up comment posts for each episode, at facebook.com/groups/podcastica. Seen Alien: Earth yet? It's been pretty great so far. Join Jason, Randy, and Kara to talk it out on Wax Episodic. Available wherever you get podcasts, or at waxepisodic.com   Show support and get ad-free episodes and a bunch of other cool stuff: patreon.com/jasoncabassi  Or go to buymeacoffee.com/cabassi for a one-time donation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reposted from The ‘Cast of Us, which you can find at: https://podcastica.com/podcast/the-cast-of-us — Pleasure to have former United Methodist minister Dodie on with us this week to talk about Father Gabriel's first appearance and everything else in this episode. Links: Jason's interview with Andrew J. West (Gareth): https://podcastica.com/podcast/the-cast-of-us/episode/156-no-sanctuary-s5e1-andrew-j-west-gareth  Next up: TWD S5E3 “Four Walls and a Roof”. Let us know your thoughts! You can email or send a voice message to talk@podcastica.com.  Or check out our Facebook group, where we put up comment posts for each episode, at facebook.com/groups/podcastica. Seen Alien: Earth yet? It's been pretty great so far. Join Jason, Randy, and Kara to talk it out on Wax Episodic. Available wherever you get podcasts, or at waxepisodic.com   Show support and get ad-free episodes and a bunch of other cool stuff: patreon.com/jasoncabassi  Or go to buymeacoffee.com/cabassi for a one-time donation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how to build a vibrant digital church community that thrives beyond traditional walls in this inspiring episode of the MyCom Church Communications and Marketing Podcast! Host Ryan Dunn sits down with Erin Beasley and Sean Stanfield to unpack the story behind The Vine United Methodist Church, a digital United Methodist faith community born out of disaffiliation. Whether you're starting an online ministry, seeking fresh discipleship strategies, or looking to deepen authentic connections in a digital world, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, innovation, and hope for the future of church communications. Connect with The Vine: https://www.thevineumc.church/ ⏰ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction: Reimagining Church After Disaffiliation 01:45 – The Origin of The Vine: Meeting a Real Need 04:14 – Going Global: Leveraging Social Media for Outreach 06:08 – Creative Content: Short Sermons, Podcasts, & Tough Topics 08:59 – Building Community: Engaging Feedback & Discipleship Pathways 11:53 – Online Communion: Creating Sacred Moments Virtually 16:40 – From Viewers to Disciples: Inviting Deeper Connection 18:38 – Vulnerability Online: Why Digital Spaces Foster Openness 21:06 – Branch Groups & ‘Branch Managers': Small Group Strategies 23:10 – Digital Church Planting Models: From Branches to Congregations 26:18 – Hot Topics: Church Hurt, Justice, and Connecting the Margins 29:30 – Lessons Learned & Advice for Aspiring Digital Ministers 33:37 – What's Next for The Vine? Dreams and Missional Expansion 38:06 – Social Media Tactics: Growth on TikTok & Instagram 41:09 – Key Takeaways & Episode Close This episode brought to us by: RootedGood.org Cokesbury.com/Call-Response

This week, we welcome our Pastor of Community Engagement, Rev. Kristin Joyner, to the pulpit as she launches this four-week series on what it means to live a life of faith! Welcome in to another episode of Bothell Amplified, I'm Mack Britton.This week, Reverend Kristin Joyner leads Bothell into a continuation of the Life of Faith sermon series, preaching from Hebrews Chapter 12 verses 18 through 29.Check it out now on Bothell Amplified.

Today we continue our sermon series "United Methodist Responsibilities, Between Now and Then." Pastor Vance shares a sermon titled "Green Christianity: Caring for God's Creation."While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

Today we begin a new sermon series "United Methodist Responsibilities, Between Now and Then." Rev. Dr. Sharon Austin shares a sermon on justice. This week's scriptures are Isaiah 5:1-7 and Luke 12:49-56.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

This week, Pastor Joe continues our four-week series on what it means to live a life of faith by turning to the great cloud of witnesses. How can we be buoyed by those who have gone before us, and how might we be part of that cloud of witnesses for generations to come? 

DateAugust 17, 2025SynopsisIn this service, we witnessed The Local Church officially becoming a United Methodist congregation through a powerful chartering ceremony. Bishop Connie Shelton illuminated how God's creative work continues through local communities, reminding us that we are all "co-creators" with the Divine in bringing healing and wholeness to our neighborhoods. The service celebrated both the formal constitution and the confirmation of seven young people, embodying the church's core message that everyone belongs and is beloved. From Genesis 1:1-5 to Ezekiel 17:22-24, scripture grounded this celebration of new beginnings and inclusive community.About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

John Wesley grew the Methodist movement by following a simple format that incorporated field preaching, small accountability groups, empowering leaders and serving his community. In “Calling on Fire: Reclaiming the Method of Methodism,” co-author Rev. Dr. Chris Heckert challenges United Methodists to reclaim Wesley's practices that empowered everyday disciples—not just clergy—to lead, serve, and grow … Continue reading "‘Calling on Fire': Reclaiming Wesley's method to renew the church"

DateAugust 10, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we wrestle with that universal ache of unfinished business—from summer bucket lists to life's deeper longings. Drawing from personal experience and the ancient wisdom of Hebrews 11, we discover something liberating: faith isn't about checking off every box, but about trusting God in the midst of our incompleteness. Through the story of Abraham and Sarah, we learn that the divine often shows up not in our achievements, but in life's ordinary, unpolished moments—transforming our "undone" into holy ground where grace and humanity meet. (Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16)About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

It's Witness Wednesday! In this episode of Wretched Radio, Todd Friel engages in a series of dialogues with students on campus in Gainesville, GA. Friel challenges their theological stances, encouraging them to contemplate their paths to heaven, sin, and the core tenets of Christianity. Segment 1: • Seventh-Day Adventist believes salvation is through commandments and Sabbath; admits breaking them. • Todd shows law reveals guilt; salvation is by grace in Christ alone. • Urged to repent and trust Jesus' finished work, not his own. Segment 2: • Sikh student believes in reincarnation and good works; admits moral failures. • Todd explains all die once, face judgment, and fall short. • Presents gospel: Jesus took punishment, offering forgiveness to all who repent. Segment 3: • United Methodist student is polite, but unsure of gospel, no assurance of salvation. • Todd explains sin, judgment, and Christ's atonement as only hope. • Challenged to examine if he's truly trusted Christ. Segment 4: • Two postmodern students believe all paths lead to happiness; reject absolute truth. • Todd shows opposing beliefs can't both be true; Jesus' claim is exclusive. • Gospel offered as God's kindness: turn to Christ who died for sinners. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

What does it mean to live out faith in real, tangible ways? In this moving episode, Compass host Ryan Dunn sits down with Rev. Ingrid McIntyre—a United Methodist pastor and seasoned community organizer based in Nashville, Tennessee—to explore activism, justice, and the spiritual fuel that sustains hope in challenging times. Ingrid shares her journey from … Continue reading "[162] Championing Justice and Hope with Ingrid McIntyre"

This week, we turn to the letter to the Colossians and explore how we are being called to posture ourselves clothed with love. Pastor Joe challenges us to consider what it might mean for us to be known, not only for what we are for or against, but also for our compassion, forgiveness, patience and humility? 

This week, we welcome former intern, Angela Molloy, as we celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Angela is a congenitally disabled cradle Methodist who is currently studying in Denver in the Iliff/DU Joint Doctoral Program, and she challenges us in her sermon to expand God's table for all!

“Start with the way that you structure your rehearsal, your classroom, your feedback. In terms of feedback, we talk about not giving people more than three pieces of information to work on. Working memory is affected by ADHD in particular. ‘Here's what you're doing well, here's what you can improve on, here's how you can improve it.' That structure helps with their ability to anticipate what you're going to say and quickly implement that into their own music making.”Dr. Peter Haley serves as Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at Ohio University, where he conducts the Ohio University Singers and Singing Men of Ohio and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in conducting, choral literature, and music education. He previously spent seven years as a high school choir director in North Carolina where his students were consistently chosen for honor choirs on the local, state, and regional level, while being immersed in a program that stressed collaborative music-making and artistic excellence.Dr. Haley's research interests include pedagogy for neurodivergent learners in the choral rehearsal, and Arvo Pärt's sacred choral music. He has been invited to present at state and regional ACDA and MEA conferences and served as a clinician or adjudicator in Alabama, North Carolina, Ohio, and South Carolina. He has served as a pastoral musician for Baptist, Presbyterian, Reformed Jewish, and United Methodist congregations and held leadership roles on the Executive Board of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians and the Southern Region Conference of the American Choral Directors Association.Dr. Haley holds the Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from the University of South Carolina, as well as a B.A. in Music from Wingate University and an M.M. in Church Music from Samford University. He has the honor of being the second-best teacher in his house, behind his wife, Ashley, and is a proud parent to Patrick and Libby Kay.To get in touch with Peter, you can e-mail him at pahaley@ohio.edu or find him on Instagram: (@peterallenhaley).Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson

SUMMER PODCAST: TRAVEL & SPIRITUALITY // Ep 4 "Boomers On Outreach Mission" // B.O.O.M. to Hinton

This week, Pastor Joe wraps up our five-week series on Calling by turning to Colossians 1:15-28. He challenges us to be a church that knows our "why" so that we can participate in God's ongoing work towards a world where all are welcome and all belong!

Rajeev Tiwari, Director of Student Ministries at The Local Church, preaches a sermon on what sabbath is and how we can enter into it.

Hope isn't about ignoring reality, says Natalie Justice, who has experienced two different cancer diagnoses. Through the uncertainty and tough days, the United Methodist minister learned that, by leaning into God, hope can be a holy medicine. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here. Learn more and/or order a copy … Continue reading "When hope meets hardship: Faith as a healing force"

In this episode of Clemenz With a Z, I sit down with Jeremy Steele, also known as The Skeptic Pastor for a conversation that's honest, wide-ranging, and refreshingly unpretentious. Jeremy is a United Methodist pastor, author, podcast host, and the founder of Not Church, a faith community for people who've been hurt by religion but haven't given up on the sacred. We talk about what it means to unlearn harmful theology, live with doubt, and stay curious without becoming cynical. If you've ever wondered how to hold onto your spirituality without the baggage, or if you've walked away from church but still long for something deeper, this one's for you. You can follow Jeremy on Instagram @skepticpastor, check out his podcast Unbelief (available wherever you listen to podcasts), and learn more about his inclusive, online community at notchurch.net. His book including How to Not Suck at Being Christian, and others, are available wherever books are sold. As always, you can find more episodes, blog posts, and ways to support the show at clemenzwithaz.com, or follow me on Instagram @clemenzwithaz. or you can contribute to the GoFundMe here:  https://gofund.me/7ebb0524.  Every little bit helps keep this going, and I'm so grateful for it. Thanks for being here and for staying open.

This week, Pastor Joe continues our sermon series on Calling by turning to Amos 7:7-17. He wonders if we're in a season when we are called to be modern-day prophets in a world that desperately needs them, especially as we notice the ways the state is coopting religion. Perhaps we are being called to confront the systems and structures that keep us out of alignment with God; to confront the ways the church has cozied up to power, even when it means silencing the prophets; to confront injustice, even when it's legal, even when it's profitable. 

David Jordan, President and CEO United Methodist Health Ministry Fund | 7-10-25See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Pastor Joe continues our sermon series on Calling by turning to the words of the Third Isaiah in Isaiah 66. He reminds us that we are living in a time when Christianity—particularly in the U.S.—is being reshaped by loud voices who are not offering comfort, but fear. Not presence, but power. Not good news for the poor, but political dominance disguised as faith. And he challenges us to to reimagine what it means to be people of faith—not as defenders of systems, but as bearers of comfort. 

Episode HighlightsThe queer theology anthem that happened to be Jesus' favorite song lyricJesus' street pageantry entering Jerusalem parodying the imperial occupation;Merch tables in the part of the temple dedicated to hosting outsiders;Jesus' mounting sense of his looming lynching;Jesus' GTFO clapbacks;and much moreOur guest co-host is Naphtali Renshaw (she/they). Naphtali is the director of the BeLonging Space, a United Methodist ministry which resources faith communities to support LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-led liberation groups as acts of solidarity and reparations, including as de-escalators at Pride events. They are also the on-site support for the Maxwell Community Hub, a UMC building reimagined for neighborliness and queer liberation.https://www.facebook.com/naphtali.renshawhttps://thebelongingspace.org/...Read LIT online: https://www.litbible.net/matthew-21 and https://www.litbible.net/matthew-22More about the Liberation & Inclusion Translation: https://www.litbible.net/translation-commitmentsSupport LIT & FIT: https://donorbox.org/found-in-translation-1...Opportunity Walks by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In light of all that's happening in the world, Pastor Joe launches a new sermon series about calling, focusing this week on rest. He reminds us that in the midst of challenging empire and crying out for peace, the arc of the universe is long, so we must be intentional to have strength and sustenance for the struggle and journey towards God's justice ahead. 

About The RenewingThere's a way the world teaches us to live—fast, anxious, disconnected. And there's another way. The Renewing is a podcast about resisting what deforms us and returning to what makes us whole. Inspired by Romans 12:2, it's a space to question the patterns we've inherited—hustle, disconnection, exhaustion—and imagine what healing might look like instead. Through honest conversations and deep listening, host Brent Levy explores the sacred, slow work of renewal—for ourselves, our communities, and the world.This EpisodeWhat happens when the faith you inherited no longer fits, yet something sacred still lingers? In this episode, Brent sits down with writer and creative Lauren Cibene, whose debut book, Tiger in a Lifeboat, explores deconstruction, travel, and the slow, surprising reconstruction that follows. Together, they discuss what it means to witness rather than persuade, how grief and unlearning are essential parts of healing, and why the red letters of Jesus keep drawing Lauren back.You'll hear about the holiness of hospitality, the healing power of presence, and the sacred invitation to trust yourself again. If you're navigating a spiritual shift, tender with your past, or just longing to see God in unexpected places, this conversation is for you.Learn more about Lauren here, check out her Substack here, and find her on Instagram here. Get her book, Tiger in a Lifeboat on Amazon, Bookshop, or Audible.The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

In this episode of The Louisiana NOW podcast, we are joined by Dr. Carla Cardoza, President of Lydia Patterson Institute and Bishop Delores J. Williamston. In a powerful response to an unfolding immigration crisis affecting the Lydia Patterson Institute (LPI), the Council on Finance and Administration of The Louisiana Conference, in partnership with the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana, announced a $240,000 gift to support the El Paso-based United Methodist school. The decision was made in an immediate series of meetings following emotional scenes at the 2025 Annual Conference, where LPI President Dr. Carla Cardoza broke down in tears during her address. Dr. Cardoza had just received news that the U.S. Consulate would no longer schedule visa interviews for students. It's a decision that could prevent 30% of LPI's student body from attending school this fall. Please call, write, or email your local, state, and federal officials. Urge them to restore access to student visa interviews and support educational institutions like LPI that stand at the intersection of faith, education, and opportunity. Lives are being shaped at LPI—let your voice be part of the story.

This week, we welcomed Dr. Cee E. Adamson for a conversation with Pastor Joe on the theme of Freedom. How does God's liberating work continue on in us and through us, especially as we honor Pride and Juneteenth? 

DateJune 15, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore how genuine hope emerges not just from knowing stories of faith, but from actively living them out. Through the lens of the Road to Emmaus narrative, we discover how participatory hope—showing up and embodying God's presence in the world—transforms our "we had hoped" moments into encounters with the living Christ. Drawing on experiences as a hospital chaplain and weaving together contemporary challenges with ancient wisdom, we examine how the Spirit opens our eyes to recognize Christ's presence in our midst, especially in moments of deep disappointment.Scripture references: Luke 24:13-35, Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 27:13ReferencesScripture: Luke 24:13–35About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

DateJune 1, 2025SynopsisThis week, we welcome special guest preacher Mallory Wyckoff, who first leads us in an imaginative exercise with scripture, inviting us to step into the story and feel its weight. We then explore how Jesus meets us in our deepest weariness and transforms the emptiest of places into spaces of abundance. Join us as we discover the power of trust in the deep places of our lives, where Jesus weaves nets of liberation and hope.ReferencesScripture: Luke 5:1-11About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Show Notes:We hear a lot about the rapid decline in church attendance across the country, but there are many churches who are experiencing growth. So what, exactly, are these churches doing to attract new members? Matt Miofisky has a few ideas.Matt is the founder of The Gathering, a multi-site United Methodist congregation in St. Louis, Missouri. As the founder and leader of a consistently growing urban church and the co-author of Eight Virtues of Rapidly Growing Churches, Matt is more than qualified for today's conversation.Matt is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, where he majored in mathematics before earning his Master's of Divinity at Emory University. He founded The Gathering in 2006, which was recently named the third fastest growing large United Methodist church in the US.Resources:Learn more about The Gathering hereBuy Eight Virtues of Rapidly Growing Churches hereBuy The Methodist Book of Daily Prayer hereBuy Matt's other books hereListen to The F Word, Matt's podcast on Spotify or Apple PodcastsFollow Matt on Instagram or Facebook

Thursday, May 2nd, 2024The Arizona Senate has voted to repeal the 1864 abortion ban which now heads to Katie Hobbs' desk for signature; Florida's six week abortion ban goes into effect; Democrats win a New York special election Congressional seat; Marjorie Taylor Greene says she will force a vote to vacate Speaker Johnson next week; United Methodists repeal a longstanding rule against LGBTQ+ clergy; the Manhattan DA says they will retry Harvey Weinstein after the court overturned his conviction; plus Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Our Guest Norm Eisen:Book: https://www.amazon.com/Trying-Trump-Election-Interference-Criminal/dp/B0D1BR9333Twitter: https://twitter.com/NormEisenWebsite: https://www.normaneisen.comBrookings: https://www.brookings.edu/people/norman-eisenFlorida's 6-week abortion ban takes effect as doctors worry women will lose access to health care (AP News)Manhattan District Attorney prosecutor says they will retry Harvey Weinstein sex crimes case (CNN)Marjorie Taylor Greene says she will force vote next week on ousting House Speaker Mike Johnson (CBS News)United Methodists repeal longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy (AP News) Federal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen.Share your Good News or Good Trouble:https://www.dailybeanspod.com/good/ Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Substack|Muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewrote , Threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWrote,Dana GoldbergTwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, BlueSky|@dgcomedyHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/Patreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts