Bible Jazz - podcast cover

Bible Jazz

Mike Moffitt
"Always improvised and sometimes unusual, just like jazz." At Bible Jazz, we have casual conversations about life and faith, what you'll find between the covers of that Bible, and how it interacts with our real lives. Be part of the conversation! Write to Mike on Instagram @BibleJazz Bible Jazz is the podcast of University Place Presbyterian Church, UPPC.org
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Episodes

Emptiness, Silence, Waiting

What's worth waiting for (besides the bonus soundbite at the very end of the episode)? Christmas, of course! As we begin this Advent season, we take a look at a real couple in a real place and time. Steeped in meaning from the history of Israel, this story echoes much of what God did in the past, and also projects much about the new era God would usher in with the messiah, as well as directing us to consider the roles of emptiness, silence, and waiting in our own lives. Want to be on Bible Jazz?...

Dec 02, 201946 min

You Feed Them, There is Enough

"Band Name or Movie Title" kicks things off, and then new guest Kristen joins Randi and Mike in the Gray Room 2, located this week at the Tacoma Mall, for a chat about whether or not there really is enough to go around. If there is (spoiler: the Bible suggests there is) then why is there need? And how does God's overabundant generosity set us free to give of ourselves? Re-engage with each week's teaching by following the Group Life Blog: https://uppcgrouplife.wordpress.com/ Write us on Twitter a...

Nov 11, 201946 min

The Surprising Gifts that Come from Hard Times

Julia, Randi, and Mike cover the difference between wailing and whaling and play Name the Tune, and then jump into a discussion of how painful experiences can become a source of beauty and value. What does it mean for our own pain? How does it inform our interactions with others in pain? With kids? What would one day of complete "shalom" look or feel like for you? Listen to this episode to learn more about "shalom" and write us your answer on Twitter or Instagram @biblejazz. Julia talked about f...

Nov 04, 201944 min

Six Pathway Hazards to Avoid

Join the conversation as Mary, Randi, and Mike gain new perspective on Dumbledore, compare prayer to texting, and consider what it means to mature into our walk with Jesus. Questions, comments, or ideas? Message Mike on Insta or Twitter: @biblejazz Learn more at UPPC.org

Oct 28, 201948 min

Who's Helping Whom?

Villainous laughs! Harry Potter! Unpronounceable names! And of course, an improvised conversation about this week's exploration of how "helping" can end up hurting, and five principles to guide our helpful efforts as we seek holistic healing for others...and ourselves. QUESTION: Why do you think the kids' choir used to be called "Jaws and Angels"? WRITE US: @biblejazz on Instagram or Twitter Learn more at UPPC.org...

Oct 21, 201945 min

Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin

After a round of "Bible Jazz Feud," we dive into two more "half-truths" that pervade culture: 1) "God said it. I believe it. That settles it." 2) "Love the sinner, hate the sin." What effect have these half-truths had on our ability to learn, to engage our communities as Jesus did, and to be lifelong learners at the feet of our master, Jesus? Send your questions and comments to @biblejazz on Twitter or Instagram, or email Mike at mmoffitt@uppc.org...

Oct 14, 201948 min

Dear Younger Me - Don't Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart

Guessing tunes, visiting pumpkin patches, redheads, and a key triple-OT win... We have a few laughs before diving into the serious work of walking with people through grief. Our improvised conversation follows Pastor Aaron's teaching on seven things to avoid saying to a heavy heart, and four helpful alternatives as we seek to offer comfort to people in grief. NEW SEGMENT! We want to discuss your questions and comments -- please write us! Twitter and Instagram: @biblejazz Email: mmoffitt@uppc.org...

Oct 07, 201950 min

Dear Younger Me - Put the Phone Down

Swings, monkey bars, kick the can, and singing like no one is listening -- what are some of your favorite memories of childhood? The truth is that our "younger me" may have some wisdom we could stand to hear today, especially as we try to navigate the unprecedented territory of the personal, mobile internet access. What does it mean to manage our time and resources so we don't lose our sense of childlike wonder and ability to be fully present to God? Let us know what you think! - Rate and review...

Sep 30, 201946 min

Dear Younger Me - Embracing Conflict

From country clubs to churches, conflict is part of being alive in community. We get really real in this candid conversation on the value of growing through conflict! And, of course, we always have a good laugh or three. BONUS: What movies should Randi put on her watch list? Write your movie suggestions on Instagram and Twitter @biblejazz (you can write about anything else, too.) Ready to grow? Find opportunities: https://uppc.churchcenter.com/groups/pathways-fall-2019...

Sep 23, 201945 min

Dear Younger Me - The Sin that Keeps on Taking

Loren, Aaron, and Mike learn just how much sleep giraffes and chinchillas need before they jump into an improvised conversation about God's command for us to rest every week. Our conversation includes naps, Wetzel's Pretzels, Sabbath lovemaking, and God's glimpses of Heaven, rediscover the gift of restoration God wants you to have every single week (note: God doesn't mention pretzels.) SUBSCRIBE on Apple & Stitcher FOLLOW on Spotify LISTEN on the UPPC app BE IN TOUCH @biblejazz on Instagram ...

Sep 16, 201942 min

Dear Younger Me - Beware of Half-Truths

National Whistle at a Dog Day? Holidays and Hoaxes introduces our topic of half-truths as Aaron, Julianne, Randi and Mike launch a conversation about this new series: "Dear Younger Me..." Have you heard these half-truths before? Believed them? Been confused by them? What does the Bible have to say about them? This conversation is in response to Aaron's teaching on Sunday, Sept. 8, so don't miss it at UPPC.org/media ! What do you think? Let us know @biblejazz on Instagram and Twitter!...

Sep 09, 201942 min

Labor Day Sneak Peak!

Hot Dog Season? In this special Labor Day episode, we're podcasting from the Gray Room 2, testing our Labor Day knowledge, and most important -- getting a sneak peak of the upcoming teaching series, "Dear Younger Me..."! Even more, we'll give you a peak at Fall opportunities in seven of our ministries -- ways you can be blessed, and be a blessing. Happy Labor Day from Bible Jazz! What do you think? Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts! Tweet and 'Gram us @biblejazz Learn more at UPPC.org...

Sep 02, 201932 min

Moses - Idolatry and Identity

Jogging to Charlie Parker. The Donkey King. So many "Aarons." And of course, the Golden Calf! What does it mean to give our love and loyalty to something besides the living God? How easily or quickly can it happen, and what tends to draw our love away? Get into it this week on Bible Jazz! We'd love to hear from you on Twitter and Instagram @biblejazz Learn more at UPPC.org

Aug 26, 201941 min

Moses - Like No One Else

Weight lifting to Kenny G. Teenage skunks. Donkeys in bathtubs. And of course, the Ten Commandments! Pastor Emeritus Jim Mead helps us understand Law, Grace, and what it means to find life as God intended us to experience it. Write to us (especially if you work out to jazz music) on Twitter and Instagram @biblejazz Learn more at UPPC.org

Aug 19, 201943 min

Moses - Delegate or Suffocate

"Fake Newspaper or Real Newspaper?" You decide! Then jump into a look at the challenging necessity of sharing our responsibilities in the workplace, home, church, or otherwise just as Moses had to learn to do. Be in touch on Instagram and Twitter, @biblejazz Learn more at UPPC.org

Aug 12, 201945 min

Moses - The Lord is My Banner

Play "Golf Course or Housing Development?" before venturing into giving and receiving help during our external battles. Plus: Frogs with spikes and fireballs, freaking out in China, and proof that Mike should not keep score. Be in touch on Instagram and Twitter @biblejazz Learn more at UPPC.org

Aug 05, 201942 min

Moses - Water, Whiners, and What is it?

Play "Guess the Movie Theme!" Then Batesy, Kathy, Randi and Mike talk about what it's like to live between times of plenty and times of need, including scary news and delightful surprises...plus a hidden Hebrew treasure that Mike didn't have time to share on Sunday! Follow and be in touch on Instagram & Twitter @biblejazz Learn more at UPPC.org

Jul 29, 201944 min

Moses - Fear vs Experience

Highway driving, public speaking, being lost in China, and other panic-inducing situations lead us through our conversation this week on the life of Moses! Be in touch on Twitter and Instagram: @biblejazz

Jul 22, 201942 min

God is Good - Day Camp!

From monkeys to Moses, we look back at an awesome week of day camp with 400 kids, 140 volunteers, and the great news that in the midst of life's challenges, God is good. Follow and write on Instagram and Twitter: @biblejazz

Jul 15, 201937 min

Moses - Hardened Heart and Passover Lamb

From favorite kids' desserts to how God can soften your heart when "tienes miedo," these two high schoolers bring a lot of wisdom this week to Bible Jazz! Follow and share Bible Jazz on Twitter and "the Gram" @biblejazz Rate and Review Bible Jazz on Apple Podcasts and Google Play! Questions, comments, game ideas? Let us know!

Jul 08, 201939 min

Moses - Obedience and Opposition

Piccolo lattes, broken-down cars, equestrian dreams and dealing with divine expectations -- we cover a lot this week on Bible Jazz! Follow and share Bible Jazz on Twitter and "the Gram" @biblejazz Rate and Review Bible Jazz on Apple Podcasts and Google Play! Questions, comments, game ideas? Let us know!

Jul 01, 201940 min

Moses - Our Call, God's Power

Sports, mascots, sidekicks, burning bushes -- what do they all have in common? We're talking about "calling" today on Bible Jazz! Do you enjoy Bible Jazz? Talk it up! Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @biblejazz

Jun 24, 201943 min

Moses - The Burning Bush

Barefoot in Vegas, The Simpsons, teenagers in Mexico, and supernatural fire ... It's another great conversation on Bible Jazz! Keep up and communicate: - Instagram & Twitter @BibleJazz Love Bible Jazz? Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, tell your friends, and help others explore the Bible in this informal way.

Jun 17, 201939 min

Moses - Broken in the Desert

A gripping round of "Cat or Dog?" leads Lauren, Yuliya, Aaron and MIke to a conversation about seasons we spend in our own wilderness, and the ways God shapes us there. Also, Randi joins Mike to offer a couple suggestions for how you can help spread the word about Bible Jazz! - Talk it up with your friends and family! - Subscribe on iTunes/Apple Podcasts and rate and review it! We want to hear from you; Twitter and Instagram: @BibleJazz

Jun 10, 201944 min

Nic at Night!

Rainbow, Randi, and Aaron learn about daytime and nighttime creatures, then we unpack the story behind the musical "Nic at Night" which the children of UPPC performed in worship on Sunday June 2. Listen to Rainbow describe her experience in her first play as we explore a pivotal moment in the life of Nicodemus, who took a big risk when he snuck out to meet with Jesus one night... Comments, questions, or ideas? Find us on Twitter and Instagram: @BibleJazz

Jun 03, 201941 min

Moses - Murderer, Fugitive...Prophet?

Lisa Franklin joins Aaron and Mike in a twist on "Would You Rather?" before jumping into this week's topic: in a highlight-reel, social media culture, it's tempting to let people see only our best selves, but Moses didn't have that luxury. In his first recorded act as an adult, Moses impulsively killed someone and fled from the law. He probably had no idea that God reveals redemption through broken people. Comments? Questions? Game ideas? Get in touch! Twitter and Instagram: @BibleJazz Walk with...

May 28, 201941 min

Moses - Behind the Scenes

Our summer Whitworth fellow Steffanie Kiourkas joins us on her very first day for our game and a meaningful look at what it means to put trust into action. Another courageous woman puts her trust into action and her son into the Nile River to save his life. But where is God in this moment? When God might seem absent from us, we consider how God might actually be working behind the scenes. Let us know your game ideas, comments, and questions! Twitter: @BibleJazz Instagram: @BibleJazz...

May 20, 201937 min

Moses - Faith in Action

First-time guest Janie takes Aaron to the wire in our game, then we move into a discussion of two of the Bible's bravest, but maybe least-known heroes: two women who faithfully stood up to a tyrant and played a crucial role in saving an entire people. Moses' story begins before he's even born in a context of fear, danger, death, and of course courageous faith. Got comments or questions? Twitter: @BibleJazz Instagram: @BibleJazz

May 13, 201939 min

Moses - For Fear of the Hyksos

This week we explore humanity's fundamental tendency to fear "strangers," that is, people different from ourselves. Jenn, Aaron, and Mike discuss how our hospitality to strangers leads us to an encounter with Jesus himself. Oh, and we also talk about baby animals. Email your comments and questions: UPPCpodcast@gmail.com Find us on Twitter and Instagram: @BibleJazz Learn more: www.UPPC.org

May 06, 201942 min

Moses: "By Faith"

A NEW SERIES! Sharon and Aaron test their literature/superhero knowledge before jumping into our new teaching series on Moses. What does it mean to live "by faith"? How does faith lead us to counter-cultural living? What will it take for us to move from self-centered control to Christ-centered discipleship? Email us: UPPCpodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @BibleJazz Instagram: @BibleJazz Learn more at www.UPPC.org...

Apr 29, 201939 min
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