Resist and Restore: a spiritual life podcast
96 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago -Welcome to Resist and Restore, a podcast by Circle of Hope. We're extending the table of our dialogue! Tune in bi-weekly as the Circle of Hope pastors—Rachel, Julie, and Jonny—sit down to dialogue about faith, God, Jesus, the spiritual life, and everything in between. Available on Spotify, iTunes/Apple Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more.
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Disrupting Whiteness: Interview with Drick Boyd (Ep 66)
December 22, 2022 17:48 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBInterview with professor, author, and former pastor Drick Boyd. Jonny interviews Drick on his book “Disrupting Whiteness: Talking With White People About Racism.” Drick shares the story of how he came to write this book, along with some stories from his personal journey of anti-racism, mistakes he’s made, and how he has learned to talk to other white folks about internalized, interpersonal, institutional, and systemic racism. Also in this episode, the pastors share their favorite Christmas so...
All the White Friends I Couldn't Keep: Interview with Andre Henry (Ep 65)
November 22, 2022 18:59 - 1 hour - 65.3 MBInterview with author, musician, and activist Andre Henry on his book All the White Friends I Couldn’t Keep. In his book and this interview, Andre recalls experiences from throughout his life that have caused him to examine his relationships with White people. He explores ideas such as what it means to break up with white Jesus, seeing black rage as a gift, and complicity among white people who call themselves anti-racist. As always, Spiritual Show and Tell to end the episode: On Repentance A...
Should Christians Vote? Interview with Rand Williamson and Andrew Yang (Ep 64)
November 07, 2022 16:52 - 48 minutes - 41.2 MBInterview with Rand Williamson and Andrew Yang, two leaders in Circle of Hope. On the eve of the 2022 midterm elections, Jonny sits down with Rand and Andrew to talk about their political involvement over the years and if Christians have a responsibility to vote. As always, we end with some Spiritual Show and Tell: chi and Tricia Hershey. //Notes// - Spiritual Show and Tell - Bryant’s talk: https://soundcloud.com/circleofhopechurch/the-holy-spirit-and-chi-fishtown-102322 We Can Do Har...
Living with Long COVID: Interview with Bethany Bender (Ep 63)
October 06, 2022 18:35 - 1 hour - 51.5 MBInterview with Bethany Bender, a member of the Circle of Hope community, on her experience living with long COVID. Bethany details her long-lasting symptoms after getting sick with COVID-19, her experiences not being believed by doctors, and other ways her life has changed in the past two and a half years. It is an important conversation for all to hear. Later in the episode, a little Spiritual Show and Tell: On Repentance and Repair by Danya Ruttenberg, Daily Prayers by our friend Andrew, an...
When We Belong: Interview with Rohadi Nagassar (Ep 62)
September 23, 2022 19:19 - 1 hour - 44.9 MBInterview with author and pastor Rohadi Nagassar. Jonny interviews Rohadi on his book “When We Belong.” They delve into ideas about belonging in a church as a racial/sexual/gender minority, deconstruction of beliefs, exceptionalism, and more. It is a special interview. The pastors also share some talkback from the last episode, and as always, end the episode with a little Spiritual Show and Tell: meeting new people, and a website where you can listen to forests. //Notes// - Interview with ...
Jesus and the Forces of Death: Interview with Matthew Thiessen (Ep 61)
September 08, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 54.8 MBInterview with author and professor Matthew Thiessen. Jonny interviews Matthew on his book “Jesus and the Forces of Death: The Gospels' Portrayal of Ritual Impurity within First-Century Judaism.” Matthew starts out by breaking down two binaries that were used by ancient Jews - holy and profane; purity and impurity - and uses those as a guide to enlighten the listeners about ritual purity laws in first century Judaism and why Christians should care about them. It is a valuable conversation wit...
All the White Friends I Couldn't Keep: Interview with Corinne Bergmann and Rebekah McLendon (Ep 60)
August 26, 2022 16:16 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBInterview with Corinne Bergmann and Rebekah McLendon, two leaders in Circle of Hope, on Andre Henry’s book All the White Friends I Couldn’t Keep. Corinne, Rebekah, and Jonny discuss how the book has impacted them and how they see it relating to Circle of Hope. They explore ideas such as what it means to break up with white Jesus, seeing black rage as a gift, and complicity among white people who call themselves anti-racist. At the end, our guests consider similarities between stories that And...
Shoutin' in the Fire: Interview with Danté Stewart (Ep 59)
August 11, 2022 22:03 - 1 hour - 63.2 MBInterview with Danté Stewart on his book Shoutin' In The Fire: An American Epistle. Danté and Jonny have an honest and vulnerable conversation about several topics, including their desire to assimilate to whiteness in the church when they were young, how the murders of black men by police officers affected Danté differently as he got older, how the works of liberation theologians changed his faith, and what it means to sing in our bondage. As always, Spiritual Show and Tell to end the episo...
The Politics of the Gospel of Luke: Interview with Will O’Brien (Ep 58)
July 29, 2022 18:53 - 1 hour - 61.5 MBInterview with friend Will O’Brien on the politics of the Gospel of Luke. Will discusses how to read the gospel with a communal lens instead of an individual lens and answers questions such as: Do we have to be voluntarily poor? What is Sabbath economics? How to engage with Christian Nationalists? Also in this episode, the pastors discuss some talk back about what to do with the abuser in our church. As always, Spiritual Show and Tell to end the episode: dying wisteria, Watching My Friend Pre...
Act Normal: Interview with Kristy Burmeister (Ep 57)
July 21, 2022 16:02 - 1 hour - 51 MB*Content warning*: this episode deals with stalking and abuse in religious institutions. If this topic is sensitive for you, feel free to skip the interview portion of the episode. Interview with author Kristy Burmeister on her book Act Normal: Memoir of a Stumbling Block. In her book and this interview, she brings to light her personal story of being stalked and abused as a teenager in the church where her father was the pastor. Kristy and Jonny also talk about theological and structural f...
Standing with Hagar: Interview with Angela Lam (Ep 56)
July 12, 2022 16:54 - 1 hour - 64.3 MB*Content warning*: this episode deals with clergy sexual abuse in religious institutions. If this topic is sensitive for you, feel free to skip the interview portion of the episode. If you're a survivor of clergy abuse, Hagar's Voice is here for you. Don't hesitate to reach out, it would be our honor to bear witness to your story. Email [email protected]. Interview with pastor, friend, and volunteer at Hagar’s Voice, Angela Lam. Angela shares about Hagar’s Voice - an organizati...
On Salvation and Hell: Interview with Kenneth Myers (Ep 55)
July 05, 2022 20:10 - 1 hour - 51 MBInterview with pastor and author Kenneth Myers. Ken talks about two books he has written; Salvation (And How We Got It Wrong), and the follow-up to that book: Let's Talk About Hell. Jonny and Ken discuss ideas of salvation, atonement, where our concept of hell comes from, and more. It is a rich discussion. Also in this episode, the pastors share some talk back they received from the previous episode. As always, Spiritual Show and Tell to end the episode. //Notes// -Interview with Kenneth My...
Jesus Takes a Side: Interview with Jonny Rashid (Ep 54)
June 17, 2022 21:28 - 1 hour - 52.7 MBInterview with pastor and author Jonny Rashid. This week, it’s Julie who interviews Jonny on his new book “Jesus Takes A Side: Embracing the Political Demands of the Gospel.” They discuss the importance of making political commitments as Christians, how “third way” thinking is harmful for LGBTQIA and other marginalized folks, and more. Also in this episode, the pastors talk about the recent mass shootings that have happened in our country. Later, a little Spiritual Show and Tell: author copie...
How to Read the Old Testament with Jim Getz (Ep 53)
May 26, 2022 21:46 - 1 hour - 76.1 MBInterview with professor and friend Jim Getz on reading the Old Testament. Jim answers questions about what it means for us to be interpreters now of ancient scripture and how we can learn from the different accounts of Israel’s history, and debunks the “angry God of the Old Testament” misconception. Also in this episode, the pastors talk back about what they shared in the previous episode. As always, Spiritual Show and Tell to end the episode: a Joy Oladokun concert, The Arabic Quilt by Aya ...
The Room Where It Happens (Ep 52)
April 29, 2022 14:28 - 55 minutes - 48.2 MBThe pastors are back for Season 3 of Resist and Restore! We have a lot of great interviews lined up for this season, but first, we have a little catching up to do. Julie, Jonny, and Rachel start out the episode by sharing some stories they heard on Easter at our sunrise meeting. Then they open up about the last two years - what they’ve learned about themselves and the church, and how they’ve grown. It is a vulnerable and relatable discussion. Later on in the episode, they share about what’s n...
Let's turn the sound up! I think it's time for a Season 2 round-up (Ep 51)
March 09, 2022 23:21 - 52 minutes - 42.3 MBThe pastors start out with some talkback from a friend in our church in response to the last episode. Then, we dive in and look back at our favorite episodes from season 2 and lessons we’ve learned along the way with our producer, Laura! We highlight all of the great interviews we had: from folks in our community, to authors we’ve met through the internet, to our very own pastors. As always, we end with some Spiritual Show and Tell: playing Wordle with friends, Abbott Elementary, The O.C., an...
The Myth of Colorblind Christians: Interview with Jesse Curtis (Ep 50)
February 14, 2022 19:03 - 1 hour - 67.4 MBInterview with professor, historian, and author Jesse Curtis. Jonny interviews Jesse on his new book “The Myth of Colorblind Christians: Evangelicals and White Supremacy in the Civil Rights Era.” They delve into ideas about how “colorblindness” fails to confront systemic racism as we know it today, how Evangelicalism and social justice are pitted against each other, the history of the Church Growth and racial reconciliation movements, and more. It’s a rich interview with tons of history. Also...
Giving Up Whiteness: Interview with Jeff James (Ep 49)
January 27, 2022 22:25 - 1 hour - 47.1 MBInterview with author and friend Jeff James. Rachel interviews Jeff on his book “Giving Up Whiteness: One Man’s Journey.” They speak about the history of racist structures in the United States, how whiteness affects us today, how to divest from whiteness, and more. With thoughtful anecdotes from his Appalachian upbringing, Jeff shares his journey on learning how to be anti-racist. Also in this episode, the pastors respond to talkback on a blog post of Jonny’s. Later, they tell us what they’v...
It's Supposed to Be Fun, 2021: End of the Year Consolations and Desolations
January 11, 2022 20:21 - 53 minutes - 45.3 MBStarting off with some talkback, the pastors reflect on their advent journeys: how they saw God working through Advent, and what they are still longing for. Then, a reflection on 2021. A little like the Daily Examen by Ignatius Loyola, a process involving looking over your day and praying about it with God, the pastors do a Yearly Examen, recounting the year's desolations and consolations. From the sorrow of the capitol insurrection and people leaving the church, to the joy of getting vaccina...
It's Supposed to be Fun, 2021: End of the Year Consolations and Desolations (Ep 48)
January 11, 2022 20:21 - 53 minutes - 45.3 MBStarting off with some talkback, the pastors reflect on their advent journeys: how they saw God working through Advent, and what they are still longing for. Then, a reflection on 2021. A little like the Daily Examen by Ignatius Loyola, a process involving looking over your day and praying about it with God, the pastors do a Yearly Examen, recounting the year's desolations and consolations. From the sorrow of the capitol insurrection and people leaving the church, to the joy of getting vaccina...
On Whiteness and Faith w/ Bryant Burkhart (Ep 47)
December 17, 2021 21:49 - 58 minutes - 48 MBThe pastors begin this episode with a little talkback from the previous episode. Then, Jonny interviews our friend Bryant Burkhart about his seminary studies. They discuss what whiteness is, letting go of whiteness, hope for a postracial society, and tons more. As always, we end with a little Show and Tell: The Creation of Man (2017), A dialogue with the Crucified God by Richard Rohr, and The Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown. //Notes// - Interview with Bryant - Bryant’s Twitter: @bryant_...
Advent: Waiting for the Fullness of Joy (Ep 46)
December 02, 2021 21:03 - 47 minutes - 39.7 MBIn this special Advent episode, the pastors discuss what Advent means to them. Leaning into the anticipation of the season, holding grief and hope simultaneously, allows us to feel true joy on Christmas day. They also share their daily practices they keep throughout the season: lighting candles, going on walks, reading the Daily Prayer, singing songs, looking at Christmas lights, and more! Also in this episode, a little talkback about the previous episode. And as always, we end with Spiritua...
On Becoming Human w/ Jordan Burdge (Ep 45)
November 23, 2021 16:40 - 1 hour - 43.8 MBOn this week’s episode of the podcast, Jonny interviews our friend Jordan Burdge on the relationship between anthropology and soteriology. This pair of seminarians share their ideas on becoming human and how who we are relates to how we’re saved. Specifically, they talk about experiential learning, things we can do to experience God, the role community plays in our salvation, and more. Tons of thoughts and wisdom here from a great friend and leader in Circle of Hope. Also, as always, a littl...
On Affordable Housing in Philadelphia w/ Nora Lichtash (Ep 44)
November 04, 2021 16:54 - 49 minutes - 42.6 MBJonny interviews his friend Nora Lichtash about affordable housing in Philadelphia. Nora is the Director of the Women’s Community Revitalization Project (WCRP) in North Philly and serves on the Philadelphia Coalition for Affordable Communities (PCAC) with Jonny. They talk about some of the landmark achievements of PCAC and the current campaigns they are working on. Nora also shares about the problem of gentrification in Philadelphia, how to talk to neighbors who resist new development in thei...
Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost: Interview with Traci Rhoades (Ep 43)
October 22, 2021 14:54 - 1 hour - 64.7 MBInterview with writer and Bible teacher Traci Rhoades. Jonny interviews Traci on her book Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost: A Story of Church. Traci shares about her experiences visiting different types of churches, how they have shaped her faith, the importance of committing to a local body, how to help your kids spiritually explore, and more. She is a gifted writer and she graciously shares her experiences in this episode of the podcast. Also in this episode, the pastors talkback ...
The Making of Biblical Womanhood: Interview with Beth Allison Barr (Ep 42)
October 07, 2021 19:53 - 1 hour - 59.5 MBInterview with professor and author Beth Allison Barr. Rachel and Jonny interview Beth on her book “The Making of Biblical Womanhood.” They talk about patriarchy in the church and in the Bible, medieval Christian women and dragon slayers, the history of gender-inclusive language in the Bible, how the industrial revolution changed the narrative around women’s roles, and more. It’s a rich interview full of history that challenges the patriarchal view of women’s roles in the church. Also in th...
Freedom for the Oppressed: Jonny Rashid on reading the Bible (Ep 41)
September 24, 2021 21:39 - 53 minutes - 49.6 MBOn this week’s episode of the podcast, Ben interviews Jonny about the Bible. This is part of an ongoing series of each pastor sharing their take of how they approach and read scripture. Ben and Jonny discuss engaging with it earnestly and in community, relating it to our present context, leaving with a practical application, and more. Also, as always, a little talkback about the story of Jesus beginning his ministry, and some Spiritual Show and Tell: Rachel's kitchen renovation project, Geor...
On Wealth Distribution and Jubilee w/ Bethany Stewart (Ep 40)
September 09, 2021 13:32 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBJonny interviews our friend Bethany Stewart, the leader of our Circle Mobilizing Because Black Lives Matter Compassion Team, and one of the co-hosts of the Color Correction podcast. She shares about the team’s efforts to raise money for the black covenant members of our church in a campaign called Jubilee Wealth Redistribution, her apprehension/doubt going into it, and the awesome success of it. She also touches on generational wealth gaps, reparations, among a host of other topics! Moreover,...
Being A Good Neighbor with Julius Rivera (Ep 39)
August 24, 2021 17:03 - 58 minutes - 46 MBJonny interviews our friend Julius Rivera on being a good neighbor. Julius, a Philadelphia native, helped to establish the Hagert Playground on his block. He shares his experience of growing up in Philly, the changes in his neighborhood as a result of gentrification, creative solutions to issues that don't involve authorities, and helping people by a focus on human dignity and holistic assistance, among a lot of other topics around urban and civic engagement! A great conversation packed with ...
Food, Faith, and Giving What We Got w/ Bobby Saritsoglou (Ep 38)
August 12, 2021 13:00 - 36 minutes - 29.4 MBInterview with highly-esteemed Chef Bobby Saritsoglou. He is the chef and co-owner, along with his wife Christina, of the Philadelphia restaurant, Stina Pizzeria, which has been critically acclaimed by food critic Craig Laban, Philadelphia Magazine, Philly Eater and more! Bobby has been a member and friend of Circle of Hope for a long time, and he sits down with Rachel to talk about food, faith, the restaurant business, and what Stina's been up to. It's a great and funny interview with this t...
On Watershed Discipleship and Climate Change w/ Kristen Snow and Jeremy Avellino (Ep 37)
July 29, 2021 13:35 - 1 hour - 57.2 MBJonny interviews our Watershed Discipleship Compassion Team. Our friends Kristen and Jeremy share their views on climate change as it is, and unique ways to combat it. But there's more! They talk about decolonizing the land to view it in light of its waterways and other land formations, as opposed to our created boundary lines. Allowing the natural world to inform our perspective gives us a greater appreciation for it, and new insights into dismantling global warming. They also get into inter...
Celebrating Disability Pride Month: Dani Morsberger on Disability Awareness and Theology (Ep 36)
July 15, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 60.6 MBJonny interviews our friend Dani on a host of topics revolving around disabilities, including a deeper education on Disability Pride Month, ways of understanding how to better organize our world for disabled people, challenging ableist mindsets, and how all of us can get involved in the cause. They also get deep into Disability Theology and how Jesus navigates disabilities in the Bible, treating people in a revolutionary way that allows those who were outcasted to rejoin their communities. Da...
God Hates Religion: Interview with Bruxy Cavey on the End of Religion (Ep 35)
July 01, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 46.5 MB*Since this interview, Bruxy Cavey has been investigated for sexual misconduct. The investigation had concluded and names Bruxy as guilty of sexual sen, sexual harassment, and an abuse of power. We do not think the investigation is clear enough though. Bruxy had a sexual relationship with a woman he was counseling when she was 23 and he was 46. Considering that he was a man, her pastor, and counseling her, this is plainly sexual abuse, and it's important for us to name that.* Bruxy Cavey, an...
Participatory Defense: Kris Eden on the justice system, community, and reconciliation (Ep 34)
June 17, 2021 13:29 - 55 minutes - 46.8 MBInterview with Kris Eden, one of our dear friends, and a major helper of the Participatory Defense Hub (along with our friends Bethany and Andrew!) in South Philadelphia. Participatory Defense is a national movement dedicated to helping people who have criminal cases participate in their own defense. The Hubs come up with participatory strategies and resources that help to hold accountable the broken justice system, as people navigate it and present their cases. Jonny and Kris dig in deep ...
How to Have An Enemy: Interview with Melissa Florer-Bixler (Ep 33)
June 03, 2021 14:05 - 1 hour - 57.2 MBInterview with pastor and author Melissa Florer-Bixler. Jonny interviews Melissa on her new book "How to Have an Enemy." They delve into ideas about enemies, the reign of God, communal formations as seen in blessings and woes, what we do with our hatred toward enemies, ICE agents and immigrants in the same church, even what the four horsemen of the apocalypse might actually be. It's a rich interview with tons of great conversation. Also in this episode, pastor's talk about what inerrancy mean...
The Lowe's Pentecost Holiday Blimp: celebrating the Holy Spirit and the start of the church (Ep 32)
May 20, 2021 14:10 - 44 minutes - 39.2 MBPastors start out responding to an email about perfectionism and reckoning with White Supremacy. Later, it's all about Pentecost, its celebration, a dramatic reading of the Acts story and talking about it, sparklers, developing community around the early church (including sharing with each other), and everything else to do with that time tongues of fire fell on people. Later, Show and Tell: Praying through art, Frozen 2, LGBTQIA inclusion, The Chosen TV series. //Notes// “Lost in the Woods...
A messy love story: Rachel Sensenig on reading the Bible (Ep 31)
May 06, 2021 16:02 - 41 minutes - 36.9 MBThe pastors start off talking about organizing by what we have, and not by what we lack. We need to be fed by Jesus, need to be free from an evaluation of ourselves all the time and just be living in this place of being with Jesus so that we can do whatever the Spirit leads us to do. A big interview between Jonny and Rachel on her views of the Bible: how to read it and engage with it, especially in community; dealing with patriarchy and colonialism that have mis-used the Bible; her own exper...
On Christian Nationalism: Interview with Shane Claiborne (Ep 30)
April 22, 2021 14:40 - 57 minutes - 45.3 MBThe pastors begin with talking about police violence and the tension we feel as we keep seeing it, and yet also trying to hold onto our hope. Next up, a great interview with our friend and co-conspirator Shane Claiborne. Jonny and Shane discuss the recent events at Capitol Hill and delve further into what Christian Nationalism is and ways to combat it. As always, we end with a little Show and Tell. //Notes// “If we are just holding the pain, we have to act." https://youtu.be/76KQKp1smxg ht...
Writing Songs in Community: Interview with Andrew Yang (Ep 29)
April 09, 2021 21:34 - 1 hour - 52.5 MBIt's Episode 29 of Resist and Restore Podcast. We've been away for a little while but now we're back with Season 2! We have a big line-up of interviews and all sorts of new things planned for the podcast. This week, Jonny interviews our friend Andrew Yang on the wonderful songs he's written for Circle of Hope, and on his writing process, on worship, theology, race, and more. They delve in deep on this episode! //Notes// Color Correction podcast: https://www.colorcorrectionpodcast.com/ And...
Writing songs in community: interview with Andrew Yang (Ep 29)
April 09, 2021 21:34 - 1 hour - 52.5 MBIt's Episode 29 of Resist and Restore Podcast. We've been away for a little while but now we're back with Season 2! We have a big line-up of interviews and all sorts of new things planned for the podcast. This week, Jonny interviews our friend Andrew Yang on the wonderful songs he's written for Circle of Hope, and on his writing process, on worship, theology, race, and more. They delve in deep on this episode! //Notes// Color Correction podcast: https://www.colorcorrectionpodcast.com/ And...
Season 2 Promo
April 01, 2021 20:18 - 1 minute - 1.09 MBWe're looking forward to season two! In our first season, you got to know Julie, Rachel, Ben, and I, our community, who we are, and what we do. In our second season, we’ll be focusing on getting people on our show, members and friends of the community. Stay tuned for more!
REPOST: Cherry Blossoms, Divine Feminine, and TikTok (Ep 5)
March 25, 2021 14:53 - 40 minutes - 33 MB**This is a repost of our fifth episode! The last of the top 5 of 2020 we'll be reposting. Season 2 of Resist and Restore is just around the corner.** The pastors start out with a little "Showback" (see link to pictures below). They go through a series of nature pictures that people sent us, admire them, and talk nature and the beauty of Creation. And Jonny learns what a cherry blossom is! Following that, Jonny interviews our friend Jeana Master about her music, her new album, the songwritin...
REPOST: Turning to the Healer - the struggle with addiction and the twelve steps (Ep 12)
March 18, 2021 14:33 - 38 minutes - 30 MB**This is a repost of our twelfth episode! We'll be reposting the top 5 episodes of 2020 throughout the next few weeks, as we prepare for season 2 of Resist and Restore.** The Circle of Hope pastors answer a concerned listener who is considering how to act as a pacifist during these trying times. They delve into deeper discussions on violence, being an ally, and the work of healing amidst the present struggles. Later, Rachel interviews a close friend and leader in Circle of Hope, Jimmy Weitz...
REPOST: A Poorly Installed Countertop - Dealing with the Bible's contradictions (Ep 9)
March 11, 2021 14:01 - 40 minutes - 36.1 MB**This is a repost of our ninth episode! We'll be reposting the top 5 episodes of 2020 throughout the next few weeks, as we prepare for season 2 of Resist and Restore.** The pastors begin by talking about people's dreams once lockdown is lifted, and we can see each other again, including some of their own dreams. In the second part, Rachel interviews Ben on the Bible and ways of reading and understanding it outside of the common cultural perspective that it might be a rule book, or has to b...
REPOST: On the Frontline - interviews with those affected by covid-19 (Ep 8)
March 04, 2021 13:48 - 50 minutes - 40.3 MB**This is a repost of our eighth episode! We'll be reposting the top 5 episodes of 2020 throughout the next few weeks, as we prepare for season 2 of Resist and Restore.** Jonny, Rachel, Ben, and Julie start out with several reflections on what's happened in the last two weeks throughout Circle of Hope. Some great stuff has been going on. We're very much alive and doing things, even in lockdown. From someone being celebrated in a unique way as an essential worker, a cell-goer being gifted a c...
REPOST: What does being beloved mean to you? (Ep 1)
February 18, 2021 17:36 - 36 minutes - 37.9 MB**This is a repost of our very first episode! We'll be reposting the top 5 episodes of 2020 throughout the next few weeks, as we prepare for season 2 of Resist and Restore.** This week, the Circle of Hope pastors discuss what being beloved means to them. Ben gets angry in Mario Kart, but Martin Laird is there to instruct otherwise. Rachel is inspired by some awesome energy at a meeting where everyone told embarrassing stories about church experiences. Julie is heartened by a long prayer walk...
Our top five: a second look at our most popular episodes (Ep 28)
February 04, 2021 15:08 - 50 minutes - 42.8 MBThe pastors start out with some body prayer. How do you use your body to pray? They offer some practices and practical things they do to connect with God. Let's look at some of our most listened-to episodes over the past year! It's our review of the top five episodes, the ones you listened to the most. From talking about the environment needed to grow with God, looking back at our frontline workers, the divine feminine, and Jesus as the neighborhood dude, the pastors listen back through a f...
Was it a Christian insurrection? (Ep 27)
January 21, 2021 14:45 - 50 minutes - 41.9 MBLet's start with some fun! We've been pondering what are our commonalities in the human experience, especially when we're so isolated from each other during these times. Pastors practice a few get-to-know-you questions that some of Circle of Hope's leaders have made. Favorite kitchen utensils? Make your bed in the morning? Getting a shower during these covid times? Learn a little more than you probably wanted to know ;). Was it a Christian insurrection that happened on Capitol Hill? The past...
Jesus makes a new family out of us: on baptism and power structures (Ep 26)
January 07, 2021 18:07 - 44 minutes - 37.2 MBStarting off with an email from a listener, reflecting on the podcast's recent conversations about guilt and shame. The listener reflects on A Christmas Carol and Ebenezer Scrooge, and what he must do in light of the three ghosts who bring him to a reckoning about his life. The pastors think on Scrooge and his confessions and choices. It's possible to make things right, even after you've been wrong. God's grace helps to transform us. The story also shows us how we can be the ghosts, prophetic...
Desolations and Consolations of 2020: our laments and praises from this year (Ep 25)
December 23, 2020 20:09 - 49 minutes - 41.7 MBStarting off with some talkback, the pastors respond to a listener thinking through communal repentance. The pastors explore the power of community in the work toward wholeness and reconciliation, how being seen is important in the work of restoration. Next up, the big topic! A little like the Daily Examen by Ignatius Loyola, a process involving looking over your day and praying about it with God, the pastors do a Yearly Examen, recounting the year's desolations and consolations. From the t...