When George Floyd cried out for his mother with his last breaths, our wombs ached. It sprung us into action. The Feminine Divine is up to something - stirring us, moving in us and through us, calling us forth. Tia Meredith echoes this call. A powerhouse writer, speaker, consultant, and coach, Tia helps us see that the work needed to heal the world starts within. The work of anti-racism, starts within. In order to "be the light" in the world, we must work to uncover our own shadows. When you work...
Jul 08, 2020•1 hr 15 min
As Christians we know that we don't always act how we should. We do things that we know are wrong, yet we continue to do them. This calls us to focus on what is causing us to act in such a way. And while doing this know that God is not judging us. How nice is it to know that Jesus did not give up hope when it came to our redemption? Jesus has always been in our corner, no matter how frustrated or out of patience he was. Jesus is always holding the door open for you, even when you get it wrong Je...
Jul 06, 2020•24 min
God is always on the side of the oppressed. That is the message we hear today from Rev. Rhina Ramos, who reminds us that as Christians we are called to be co-creators of the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. She speaks of her first-hand experience of hearing Father Oscar Romero preach and lead a movement of justice in El Salvador. This instilled in Rhina a message that God is with the oppressed and is guiding us all towards a more just world. Rev. Rhina Ramos is an ordained United Chur...
Jul 01, 2020•54 min
When you look at a child do you ever get that small spark of awe and wonder because they are seeing the world with fresh eyes that aren't jaded just yet? Do you remember playing in the dirt and not having a care in the world but just doing it because it filled you with joy? This week's sermon is a reminder to get back to the basics of what brings us joy. We all have an inner child who is wanting to get out, who is wanting you to remember who you are at your core, as God created you. What if for ...
Jun 29, 2020•14 min
We are not meant to live life on a meditative cushion. We are called to live a purpose-filled life - one that leads to change and transformation, both for ourselves in the world. When we aren't sure how to do it, the person we can look to is Jesus. He sets an example for us to follow. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." When we follow his example, we find the way, we find the truth, and we find life. Pastor Lisa passionately helps guide us towards this truth. She reminds us that...
Jun 24, 2020•40 min
In those moments when you feel cast out by the world, when you feel forgotten, unheard, unworthy, unloved… listen to Hagar’s story in Genesis. The Egyptian slave woman of Abraham and Sarah, Hagar is forced into surrogacy. She suffers a great deal and twice feels cast out into the wilderness. But each time, God finds her. God hears her cries and promises her redemption. Though she feels that all is lost, God assures her that new life and abundance will come. God is with her, and her son Ishmael, ...
Jun 22, 2020•22 min
One of the most common questions pastors get asked is for help on how to read the Bible. Rev. Emily Snowden breaks down the concept of how we can take the Bible seriously without taking it literally. She reassures us that something can be true without it being “capital T true.” Emily also helps us understand why adapting is not only important - it is vital. We can either adapt, change, or die - both as churches and as a people. Change and adaptation are vital for survival. Listen in as Emily enc...
Jun 17, 2020•1 hr
Imagine knowing there is a feast happening, where most of your friends are invited, but you were not worthy of the invitation. Imagine being so afraid of not having enough that you wouldn't want to allow others to join the feast, should you be let in. And then... imagine Jesus showing up, throwing open the doors, and saying everyone has a place at the table; there is more than enough; and not only that - but the last will be first and the first will be last. Those who were excluded, will now be ...
Jun 15, 2020•20 min
If you are looking for God in the earthquake, in the fire, or the loud rush of the wind... wait for the silence. Only then, if you listen closely, you can hear God's voice. Many of us find ourselves searching for God in this time. Through her powerful and prophetic speaking, Rev. Andrea Vassell reminds us that God is ever near - in our hearts and in the hearts of others. Through her words, we are invited into a deeper relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves. She reminds us that we...
Jun 10, 2020•1 hr 7 min
Jun 08, 2020•32 min
In a powerful sermon she preached recently, Rev. Sara Yoos spoke to the prevalance of racism in America, particularly through her experience as an Asian American. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, racism has reared its ugly head again and again and again, partially due to fear. In Sara's prophetic message , she tells us that when we feel fear, " We can choose to channel that fear into racism, we can choose to hide; or we can choose to be compassionate with ourselves, and with others.” She...
Jun 03, 2020•43 min
BEING "The Church" when we're not IN the Church. The last few days, weeks, and months have been chaotic. Many Christians find themselves asking: what does it mean to be a Christian in this moment? What does in mean to "Be the Church" in this moment? I imagine the disciples were asking themselves the same thing when Jesus ascended into heaven. They just stood there looking up at the sky blankly until an angel appeared to them and prodded them to get going - to be the church. If you're looking for...
Jun 01, 2020•17 min
We’re on what feels like day 5,765 of quarantine and there’s a lot of anxiety and turmoil. We all seem to be hitting our walls recently, itching and aching to get things “back to normal.” Rev. Krista Zimmerman’s message comes to us for just a time such as this: reminding us that even though our doors are closed, Christ still enters in. She reminds us that even though we cannot journey into that hospital room with our loved one, Christ goes in for us - and we can trust in that. Settle in with you...
May 27, 2020•1 hr 3 min
God does not live in shrines made by human hands... Indeed, God is not far from each one of us. For in God we live and move and have our being. - Acts 17:24, 27-28 In times like the ones we are experiencing now, we find ourselves searching for God. Like we are fumbling around in the dark for the light switch, banging on the walls. In these moments, Saint Paul assures us: Indeed, God is not far from each of us, but on your very breath. May this be your reminder that God is every near to you, even...
May 25, 2020•16 min
Have you ever stood around the snacks table at coffee hour and, as much as you wanted to grab 3 cookies, you went for the grapes instead? It’s often accompanied by the phrase, “Oh I really shouldn’t.” Honestly, sometimes the most damaging messages we receive about our bodies happen at church. We hear that our bodies are sinful, or inherently bad; or that we should limit our treats because God-forbid we take in too many calories today. Rev. Lindsey Beukelman is here today to tell us that our bodi...
May 20, 2020•59 min
I'm often asked about how I rarely use "He/Him" pronouns for God; or why I'll sometimes say, "Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Mother of us all," during a benediction. This episode is an answer to that question. Or maybe it's not so much of an answer, but more of an invitation to explore who God is.
May 18, 2020•20 min
“No one is beyond redeemability.” Latishia James-Portis brings a much-needed message to our world today. She talks about how Jesus created space for people to bring all parts of themselves, without shame, fear, or judgment, and he would listen and introduce them to new concepts; and Latishia herself does this for us in this interview. Bring your whole, beautiful, imperfect self to this conversation and learn about transformative justice; listen as Latishia gives you permission to find joy and ch...
May 13, 2020•1 hr 15 min
1 Peter 2:19-25 is often a passage people point to in order to say that God rejoices when we suffer. It has been used for centuries to keep people in abusive relationships and harmful situations. But what if we looked at it in a different light? What if it's not about God rejoicing when we suffer, but about God calling us to end the cycle of suffering. We all know that phrase "hurt people hurt people." When we are scared or in pain, we become like bulls in a China shop - destroying everything in...
May 11, 2020•20 min
Have you ever felt like there are various parts of your self or your life that cannot be brought to church? That cannot be talked about or are just plain off-limits? In this life-giving interview, Minister Amy Johnson brings the fire, shedding light on how sexuality and our faith lives do not have to be seperate. Spoiler alert: sexuality does not just mean sex. It is our relationships, our senses, our communication. There are many ways in which sexuality, faith, and even justice intersect, and M...
May 03, 2020•45 min
Poking holes in the patriarchy and asking hard questions... this interview with Rev. Delaney Schake-Kruse leaves nothing out. Join us as we talk about everything from Queen Vashti and Jesus refusing to co-sign on systems of dominance and oppression to what it's like to be pastors who are also pastor's wives. Rev. Delaney is brilliant and shares her wisdom with all of us; breaking down what it looks like to poke holes in oppressive structures and how to lead effectively, with compassion, strength...
May 03, 2020•50 min
Blessings are all around us, but if we're not careful, the theology behind the blessings can do more harm than good. Today we take a deep dive into Matthew 5:1-12 and really dissect the Beatitudes. We look at how the blessing isn't in the suffering, but in the way that God shows up and redeems our suffering. Join us: open your mind, open your heart, and fill your cup with a little Gospel.
May 03, 2020•24 min
Have you ever found yourself asking, "Jesus, where are you?" or wishing that Jesus would show up and just fix it... this is the sermon for you. God never promises a life without suffering, pain, or hardship; but God promises us that all of that will be redeemed. When we find ourselves in valleys of dry bones, God promises to be there walking beside us. God promises that new life will always come. If you need a good word today, open your mind, open your heart, and fill your well with a little Gos...
May 03, 2020•15 min
Trailer for Lady Preacher Podcast.
Apr 27, 2020•2 min
