Bethlehem Backchat
59 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratingsBethlehem Backchat--Where we talk about the background and backstory of our worship and community as Lutherans. We dive into our Lutheran history, heritage, and beliefs, and unravel concepts and understandings of Lutheran doctrine. We address the questions you were shy about asking and we also laugh a lot! Join us!
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Episodes
Understanding the Psalms
February 27, 2024 00:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBIn this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss how to engage in the Psalms. They are unique and need to be approached in a way different from other scriptures. Are the Psalms poetry, songs, or prayers? How do we read them to get the most understanding? Why do we read them responsively in worship? Understanding the way to read the Psalms is the best way to understand the writer of the Psalms' intention.
Josh Kenst on Mission in Senegal, West Africa
January 27, 2024 01:00 - 44 minutes - 23.3 MBIn this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone speak with Josh Kenst, who is serving as a missionary/volunteer in Senegal, West Africa. Josh is part of the YAGM (Young Adults in Global Mission) initiative through the ELCA. His mission is for one year and he shares his experience in building relationships. As part of his welcome there, he was able to choose fabric for his clothing...a nod to his hometown colors! See the picture! Enjoy this discussion as we find out about this global missi...
Spiritual But Not Religious or Spiritual AND Religious
November 30, 2023 03:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBIn this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the common phrase, "I'm spiritual but not religious." What does that actually mean? Discussion surrounds the cultural meaning of 'spiritual' compared to the Christian meaning of 'spiritual.' In addition, there is some interesting insight into what it means to be religious...it's not all about going to church! Listen to determine if you are Spiritual AND Religious after all!
How to Listen to a Sermon
September 12, 2023 02:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MBListening for specific things within a sermon can help you get the most out of the sermon message! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone offer suggestions that may plant a seed that helps your understanding grow. We will discuss the purpose and intention of the sermon, how long a sermon should be, and how best to listen utilizing the acronym 'SEA'--Scripture, Engagement, and Action into our lives. Intro/Outro Music by Myson Robles-Bruce
Seeking Spiritual Counsel
August 15, 2023 22:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MBLife is stressful and we all need help getting through difficult times! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the importance of reaching out for guidance and support when needed. Our special guest, Mark Heinbockel of Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry, offers services available such as counseling, tutoring, groups and workshops. Further, the importance of faith and spirituality in healing the whole person and family system is discussed. Not in Pittsburgh area? Check out ...
Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Sayings That are not Biblical
June 15, 2023 03:00 - 46 minutes - 31.7 MBIn this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss those sayings that we say all the time that are not often used as the scripture intended or are not biblical at all! Does God close a door and open a window? Does everything happen for a reason? Does God have a plan for you and what is that plan? Is it true that nothing happens in God's world by mistake? Listen for Pastor Dan's least favorite saying (he gets passionate!) and why that is so!
Atonement: A Relationship Restored
May 07, 2023 18:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBIn this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss "at-one-ment" in other words, atonement. God promises us relationship with Him and He is faithful in doing so. But, we keep messing up--it is in our human nature. How do we reconcile or make repentance for such a situation? We don't have to because God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to do it for us. That's the Good News!! That's how much he loves us! A lot of learnin' going on in this one! Thanks be to God!!
Easter the Reason for the Season
March 27, 2023 03:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MBJust in time for Easter! Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone explain the background and backstory of Holy Week. Maundy Thursday through Easter Sunday are described so that full meaning and understanding can be experienced in worship. This is a podcast you will surely want to listen to before and during Holy Week. "He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!" Pastor Dan will even explain what that call-response is all about!
Chatting with the Bethlehem Youth
February 14, 2023 23:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBThis year our 8th grade confirmands reach their formal learning toward becoming official members of the church. They have participated in 3 full years of learning about the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), the New Testament, and Lutheranism. During this discussion, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone chat a bit with the 2023 confirmands: Lauren, Blake, Ethan, and Tanner. We talk about the importance of being part of the church and how they can become even more involved with the engagements and ac...
Pastor Dan Goes to Israel
January 21, 2023 04:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBIn this episode Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the Pastor's recent trip to Israel. A 13-hour trip to Tel Aviv, bus rides, security checks and travel in general seems to be worth the experience of visiting the Holy Land. Pastor Dan offers insight into what the people and landscape is like in modern day Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the Sea of Galilee where the biblical story unfolds. Further, we discuss a visit to a Lutheran Church with international flare. We also play a little charad...
Why is Jesus' Birth Such a Big Deal?
December 12, 2022 03:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBIn this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone answer many questions surrounding the true 'reason for the season' including: Why did Jesus have to be born in the first place? Why did God send Jesus as an infant? Why send Jesus into a place that is so lowly? What was God's hope for creation in sending Jesus? What is God's glorious design in this Savior? Think about what your life would be if Jesus was never born? How is God at work in the moment of Jesus' birth? We are hoping that this is...
You'll Never Experience Worship the Same Way Again! Part 2
November 20, 2022 02:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBIn this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone summarize the key points from Part 1 and discuss the meaning and significance in the worship service. This includes the pillars of worship including the Gathering, Word, Meal, and Sending. The liturgy is designed in such a way that our spirit, from beginning to end, is reshaped, reformed, and renewed so that we can "Go in Peace, Serve the Lord." Download a bulletin here and follow along or visit the website at www.belc.org and click on the...
You'll Never Experience Worship the Same Way Again! Part 1
October 06, 2022 00:00 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MBIn this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone walk through the first half of a worship service using the bulletin as a guide. Download a bulletin here and follow along or visit our website at www.belc.org and click on the Worship Bulletins button. You will be amazed by the intention and purpose of every minute of the worship service, the flow of the service, and meaning behind the Confession and Forgiveness, the hymns, and the prayers, the passing of the peace and even more! Bonus: Past...
Is God Mad at Me?
August 14, 2022 03:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBHave you ever said, "What have I done to deserve this? God must be mad at me?" Does God get mad at us and punish us for our behaviors? During this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone offer some guidance in this commonly misunderstood concept of God's character.
Is Free Will a Good Thing?
June 28, 2022 01:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBWe are free to choose, right? What are the consequences of our decisions? Are we making the correct ones? God gives humans the ability to choose. Therefore, humans do have free will. But, in our sinful, human nature, do we really make the ones that serve us and God well? In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss free will. The good, the bad, and the ugly! Further, explanation of Martin Luther's perspective that we are in 'bondage' to the will. We are free to choose salvation...
Getting Right With God
May 19, 2022 02:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MBIn this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss what it means to 'get right with God.' Many believe that being a 'good person' or doing 'good things' makes one righteous. Lutheran tradition is that we have "justification by grace through faith apart from the works of the law." How do we get justified or aligned with what God expects of us? What are God's expectations for us? The Bible tells us how to be in right relationship. We will share that, too!
Oh Lord, It's Hard to Be Humble
April 08, 2022 01:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MBThere is an old Mac Davis song called It’s Hard to be Humble that begins, “Oh, Lord, it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way.” This satirical song points out how quickly we determine our place as above that of others. At times we believe that the blessings we have received are of our own making, due to our brilliance and good works. Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the importance of understanding the true meaning of being humble…it’s harder that you think! Mac Davis...
Self-Control: Fruits of the Spirit
February 28, 2022 04:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBLove, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control. These are the Fruits of the Spirit. These are the attributes of a person living in accordance with the scripture (Galatians 5:22-23). Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss these attributes and how they apply to your life so that you can participate in these gifts and share them with others.
Why Should I Go to Church?
January 17, 2022 01:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MBShould you go to church? Yes, for a lot of reasons! By the way, guilt is not one of them. Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone share several reasons why you should come to church. The church community and the learning of the scriptures can bring fulfillment and blessings into your life. Who doesn't need that in their lives!? Listen to an honest and realistic conversation about the gifts of being a part of a church community.
Mysticism and the Church
December 03, 2021 04:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MBWhat does the word "mysticism" conjure up in your mind? And what does it have to do with church? In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail, Associate Pastor Ellen Lundie, and Wendy Farone discuss the true meaning of mysticism and what it could mean for our lives in faith? We will talk about some historical women mystics (yes, women!) and that you may already be one!! The Unruly Mystic: Saint Hildegard (2014) Documentary https://youtu.be/LAP6Ka_pZRI Books Hild: A Novel (The Light of the World Tril...
Taking the Lord's Name in Vain
October 31, 2021 00:00 - 42 minutes - 29.6 MBThe Third Commandment is Do not take the Lord your God’s name in vain...But, what does that really mean? Are we being told to stop swearing or is it more than that? In this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss two main points about this commandment: First, that we probably break it a lot in the language we use and secondly, we have to be cautious when we use the Lord’s name to make promises. We discuss something that seems so simple and expand it to enhance our life in Christ, ...
The Book of Jonah: It's SO not about a Whale!
September 10, 2021 22:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MBIn this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the Book of Jonah. We tend to think of this story as being about a cute whale and a man inside who gets spit onto the seashore. But, the Story is SO not about a whale. or spit, for that matter. The 'big fish' is actually called Leviathan, a sea creature. There is no whale! Discussion focuses on the biblical intent of the writer of the book and it may change how you view Jonah. But, most of all, it may change how you feel about forg...
Temptations: Getting Practical About a Very Serious Topic
July 01, 2021 02:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MBDo you get road rage? Jealous of the neighbor's vacations? We are tempted by a force within us that tells us that we aren't enough, that we need to do more, have more, work harder or react to a situation in an emotional way. In this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the true meaning of temptation, the underlying root cause of our response to temptations and how to practice a Spirit-led way of approaching those sparks of negative emotion within us. Jesus models for us how t...
Pulling Out All The Stops: The Importance of Music in Worship
June 01, 2021 02:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBPastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone are joined by Director of Music, Laura Henri, to discuss the importance of communion with Christ and each other through music in worship. We found out some secret talents of our Bethlehem pastors, too! Lots of links in the show notes to explore! Living Lutheran Transcribing Our Musical Heritage https://www.livinglutheran.org/2021/05/transcribing-our-musical-heritage/our musical heritage - Living Lutheran Palestrina: Missa pro defunctis [Requiem]: II Kyrie ...
Chatting With the Bishop
April 12, 2021 23:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBSo...I forgot to hit record! I left in the outtake! Take Two! In this episode Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone chat with Bishop Kurt Kusserow serving the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod. Discussion focuses on what a synod is and does and how it fulfills the mission "To serve, connect & equip ELCA congregations in southwestern Pennsylvania to tell the story of Jesus." Further, we discuss "vocation" and how we can serve others using our God-given talents. Here is a Spiritual Gifts Assessme...
Parables: What's Your Point?
March 08, 2021 22:00 - 41 minutes - 28.2 MBIn this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss “the point” of a parable. Jesus was genius in His design and approach to teaching in this way. We discuss three main parts to look for in a parable including a complete thought, a point being made (spiritual wisdom), and a deeper understanding of the truth. The book, Luther’s Aesop, is linked below as are the 2 Bible Project videos with even more information about parables!! Watch: How to Read the Parables of Jesus Video | BibleProj...
Got Hope?
January 17, 2021 16:00 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBIn this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone ask an important question, "GOT HOPE?" Hope is something we all need. But, do you truly understand what hope is? Christian hope is different than being a positive thinker or trusting that it will all turn out alright. In trying or unstable times, we can gain great comfort in having hope...real hope. Join us for this important discussion.
Hope
January 17, 2021 16:00 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBIn this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone ask an important question, "GOT HOPE?" Hope is something we all need. But, do you truly understand what hope is? Christian hope is different than being a positive thinker or trusting that it will all turn out alright. In trying or unstable times, we can gain great comfort in having hope...real hope. Join us for this important discussion.
A Monk and a Nun Walk into a Church
December 05, 2020 01:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MBImagine the controversy when a Monk (Martin Luther) and a Nun (Katharina Von Bora) walk into a church and get married! This love story didn't start out that way! Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone walk through the history of how Martin and Katie met, their family dynamics and tragedies, and the partnership that grew between them out of mutual stubbornness and strength. Luther Family Portrait https://praypsalms.org/martin-luther-the-psalms-96c4739d1891
Martin Luther Part 2
October 20, 2020 00:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBIn the second part of this series, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss even more about the critical contribution of Martin's interaction with the Roman Empire and his impact on our beliefs and practices as Lutherans. We talk about the backstory of his final years and the human side of Luther as he and his wife, Katie, serve others. On the lighter side, we discuss "What's up with that hair?" or the tonsure style of haircut common within Luther's order. Video on the History of the Tonsu...
Martin Luther Part 1
September 29, 2020 02:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBDid you know that Martin Luther's real last name was Luder!? What do you think that Luther's father's job was? You can join us in a little bit of trivia and find out! Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone share some history of Martin Luther's upbringing, the history of the Lutheran tradition, and Luther's intention of posting the 95 theses.
Jesus' Greatest Hits!
July 18, 2020 02:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBWe aren't letting the virus keep us down! Bethlehem Backchat's newest podcast focuses on Jesus' Greatest Hits. Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone discuss a list of 7 very important pieces of scripture from the Gospels. Pastor Dan picked 2, of course, including Matthew 22:37-40 and John 19:29-30. Wendy picked Mark 8:34-36. The discussion also focuses on Matthew 19:14, 11:28-30, John 15:10-11, and Luke 4:18-21. You will recognize these passages of scripture! What are your favorite and most meaningfu...
Fear
May 23, 2020 02:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBDuring uncertain times, it is easy to become fearful. Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the guidance that we are given in the Bible around fear. What are we to do with emotions during seasons of uncertainty and isolation? Give a listen and discover how.
The 23rd Psalm
March 26, 2020 02:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBIn this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone talk a lot about shepherds and sheep! The 23rd Psalm is one of the best known and the meaning is very rich if you understand the metaphor. We walk through the Psalm to compare the love of God to that of a shepherd who loves, guides, and sometimes disciplines his flock. By the why, sheep do float!
Teaching the Bible to Children
February 01, 2020 15:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBHow do you teach the Bible to young children when the concepts are very complex and some content is downright frightening! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail, Wendy Farone, and special guest, Pastor Ellen Lundie discuss how to teach young ones about faith and God's love. How do we ensure that the language isn't scary, but teaches about the love of God that is appropriate for each age.
Faith
December 09, 2019 03:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MBWhat is faith? Hebrews 11: 1 states, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." In this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the meaning of faith, how to know if you have it, how much faith is enough, and what to do when you think you are losing your faith.
Lutheranism: East Meets West
November 22, 2019 04:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBIn this episode, Wendy Farone visits Central Portland Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon. Pastor Amanda Zenz-Alo and Dawn Miller, members at Central, lead a discussion of how our congregations are the same and different as Lutherans on the east coast meets those on the west coast. You will hear some familiar names and as we celebrate the leadership and members of Bethlehem! I think we may have sparked an interest in a "New Start" initiative in Portland!!
Mission Trip: Sharing of Time, Talent, and Treasure
October 27, 2019 03:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MBThe Appalachia Service Project (ASP) brings volunteers and communities together through critical home repair and replacement. Each year, Bethlehem Lutheran Church gathers their tools and spends a week in the summer helping to make a family in need warmer, safer, and drier. Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone interview members of our congregation as they share the importance of engaging your time, talents, and treasures in being disciples of Christ.
The Love of Money
September 23, 2019 03:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBWe live in a society and culture focused on money, but according to Luke 16:13 "You cannot serve God and wealth." In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the "love of money." According to 1 Timothy, "The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." The discussion centers us on the appropriate guidance we are given about money.
Hell
August 03, 2019 03:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBIn this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone further their discussion about what happens when we die (see #20 Heaven Podcast) with a chat about hell. What are your present concepts of hell…or misconceptions? Discover the scriptural perspective of hell and leave the horns and pitchforks to the movies!
Heaven
June 08, 2019 03:00 - 42 minutes - 28.9 MBOn this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss heaven. There are a lot of references to heaven in the Bible: 246 in the Old Testament and 248 in the New Testament (NRSV). But, what is heaven? Where is heaven? How do we get there? This episode is a little longer that some others but, my heavens!, we are talking about heaven after all! Thank you for listening!!
Confirmation
April 29, 2019 03:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MBOn this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the topic of confirmation--the affirmation of our baptism. Confirmation involves deep study in what it means to be a Lutheran. Join us in this important conversation and understanding.
Baptism
March 17, 2019 03:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBHave you recently attended a worship service that started with a baptism? Do you have a true understanding of what you are experiencing? In this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss baptism and address many common questions on the topic including: What happens if I'm not baptized? Do I need to be baptized again if I switch churches? What does Jesus command us to do as it relates to baptism?
The Beatitudes
February 08, 2019 04:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBSo...What is a Beatitude? During this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone walk through this critical piece of the Sermon on the Mount. A beatitude is a promise that's held forth to us, a word of hope for people who need to hear hope. They can also transform us by reorienting our priorities. They cause us to think about how we see the world around us and how we can use the gospel to address those needs.
Sermon on the Mount
January 03, 2019 04:00 - 39 minutes - 27.5 MBThe Sermon on the Mount is known as one of the best sermons ever preached. It is a collection of sayings and teachings of Jesus Christ, which emphasizes his moral teaching found in the Gospel of Matthew (Chapters 5, 6, & 7). Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the parts of this important work including the Beatitudes and The Lord's Prayer. www.belc.org/backchat-podcast
The Bible by Design
December 11, 2018 04:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBThe Bible is a collection of sacred texts--66 books in all. But how is it designed, how was it put together? Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss this book of scripture sharing a little background and how to read it moving forward.
Be and Make Disciples
December 11, 2018 04:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MBWe are called to be and make disciples (Matt 28:19). But, what does it mean to be a disciple? Further, how do we make disciples? Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone discuss what we are called to do...let's get started!
Luther's Small Catechism
December 10, 2018 16:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBLuther's Small Catechism has served as the basic instruction book for the church for nearly 5 centuries! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the importance of this little book with a big message.
Our Lutheran Worship Service
November 17, 2018 04:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBAre you ready to capture the fullness of our worship life together? Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone walk through the bulletin and the what's and why's of our Lutheran Worship Service. We take a deep dive into the nuances and meaning of the communal worshp service. You wil sing "Holy, Holy, Holy" with excitement and full voice because you "get" the true meaning of the worship experience. Further, having been fulfilled you are ready to carry this blessing into the world.
Sin
September 13, 2018 15:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBAs an extension of the previous podcast on Forgiveness, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the topic of sin. What is it really? How does Jesus dying on the cross take away my sins? We discuss the 7 'deadly sins' but also the 7 virtues which are meant to counteract these negative forces in our lives. God is not setting us up for failure but giving us the tools to live a rich and meaningful life.