In the midst of chasing that warm fuzzy feeling during the holiday season, what if the fierce and flurrying preparations were more of a distraction than a vehicle for finding the presence of the holy among us? Kris talks about what it means to be Home for Christmas in the discussion of Isaiah 2:1-5 and … Continue reading Home for Christmas: Hope (Advent 1)
What Can’t Wait: Hope (Advent 1)
In the season of hustle and bustle, there are a few things that just can't wait. Hope is one of them, and the first one discussed by Susan during her sermon on Isaiah 2:1-5 and Matthew 24:36-44 on the first Sunday of Advent.
S2 E51: First Street Gospel – Everyone Loves a Parade
What can parades teach us about what we value, who we are, and how we relate to one another? Well, a whole lot. Kris talks about Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Mark 11:1-11, and Reno's LBTGQ Pride Parade. To read more about Joan Williams and the Pasadena Rose Parade debacle of 1958, check out this article from … Continue reading S2 E51: First Street Gospel – Everyone Loves a Parade
S3 E5: John the Baptist vs. Shopping Mall Santa
You better watch out, you better not cry... Actually, Advent is about watching out AND crying. Crying in the wilderness, that is! Changes we make because someone else ("Santa-God"?) might be watching rarely stick around. Changes we make because we are living into a preferred future have a much better chance. Susan digs into Luke … Continue reading S3 E5: John the Baptist vs. Shopping Mall Santa
S3 E4: Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Questions?
There are some things it is simple too taboo, too awkward, or too embarassing to talk about. And yet... in every question, there is a promise tucked away. Kris reflects on Malachi 3:1-4, and the prophets who are willing to help us look for the promises of God, even in our big, scary questions. Learn … Continue reading S3 E4: Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Questions?
S2 E43: Game of Thrones, Ezekiel Edition
Ever feel overwhelmed by political alliances and maneuvering that seem beyond your control? Well, you're not the first. Susan shares Ezekiel's words of hope to his people in Ezekiel 17: 22-24.
S2 E32: Can You Believe It?
It’s difficult to continue to believe in things we haven’t seen for ourselves, whether we are people of faith or not. It may be up to people of faith to show what is possible so that people can believe it… including finding unity in diversity, and modeling generosity in the midst of scarcity. Kris takes … Continue reading S2 E32: Can You Believe It?
S2 E9: Call Me By my True Names
What color is your underwear? Got any lentils in your pocket? Any gold in your champagne? Any black eyed peas on your plate? New Year traditions and resolutions that reflect our hopes abound this time of year as we visualize ourselves differently: with more money, more love, more travel, more beauty. Kris digs into how … Continue reading S2 E9: Call Me By my True Names
S2 E2: God Is Not Your Superhero
We love superheroes! Love them! But it occurs to us they only ever really fix the problems they have also created, and we cannot depend on them to sweep in and fix all the day to day stuff that breaks our hearts. This Advent, as we await God's breaking into the world again, it's important … Continue reading S2 E2: God Is Not Your Superhero
Episode 78: Context, Call, and Character — 60 Years at St. Paul’s UMC in Reno
Paul writes a letter to a church in Thessalonica to encourage them, and the same words apply to each congregation seeking to authentically live out God's call to love and serve. St. Paul's UMC in Reno, Nevada celebrated 60 years of service with a sense of humor on October 22, 2017, and we give thanks … Continue reading Episode 78: Context, Call, and Character — 60 Years at St. Paul’s UMC in Reno
Sunday Morning Sleep-In 