Be Still and Go

"Jesus has challenged the authority of oppressive regimes for 2000 years because love is undefeatable, justice is unavoidable, and what appears to be tiny and weak changes everything."

What oppressive regimes need to be challenged in our world today?

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Herod, O Herod
Have you heard the news
A baby is born today
To free all the captives
To find the lost sheep
To bring hope and peace to people in need

Oh babies
May be tiny and weak
And babies change the world

Caesar, O Caesar
Ruler of Rome
A baby is born today
To feed all the hungry
To share the good news
To speak to the ones who have nothing to lose

Oh babies
May be tiny and weak
And babies change the world

Magi, O wise ones
A child is growing
A child whose star you have scene
So follow that star
The light up above
To find the young boy who will teach us to love

Oh Children may be tiny and weak
And children change the world

Oh Children may be tiny and weak
And children change the world

Jesus was tiny and weak
But Jesus changed the world

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This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Amanda Meisenheimer, the Minister of Children & Families at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Tiny Carol by Amanda Meisenheimer.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

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• Visit https://open.spotify.com/track/4ZLicVzc7UZKTxVqLxXHXp?si=JgRm1EyjQNCthbnjtY9zcw to listen to Tiny Carol on Spotify.

"Mary's soul magnified the Lord and we understand God differently through the promise of Magnificat itself - with its radical promise of transformation, of elevation, of humbling, of a new heaven here on earth. It is the sermon on the Mount, but thirty years earlier. Magnificent."

When was the last time you reflected on the revolutionary words of the Magnificat?

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Luke 1:46-55

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

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This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Paul Raushenbush, the Senior Advisor for Public Affairs and Innovation at the Interfaith Youth Core. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and What Child Is This? by Renderings.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

• Visit https://ifyc.org/ to learn more about the Interfaith Youth Core.

"It is not the hope of a sudden end to problems, but rather the good news that Jesus is with us on the edge, guiding us along the rocky path, redeeming the edge with us as we go."

Where have you found Jesus on the edge this season?

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Luke 2: 8-12

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”

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This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Lynn Casteel-Harper, the Minister of Older Adults at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, Holding On by Reveille, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing by The Seasons.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

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• Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

• Visit www.lynncasteelharper.com to find out more about Rev. Harper and her book, On Vanishing.

"It's been over 2,000 years and it seems like we still don't understand the assignment."

In your opinion, what have we continued to misunderstand about the work that God is calling us to?

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Luke 3:7-18

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

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This episode was written and recorded by Hillary Puckett, the Chair of the Membership, Care & Parish Life Commission at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Drifting Out to Sea by Fantoms.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"Jesus didn't simply associate with the folks at the edge. He brought them in and elevated their voices and assured them that the reign of God belongs to them as much as it belongs to anyone else."

What can you do to subvert the systems that oppress the people at the edge?

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Micah 5:2-5

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient days.
Therefore he shall give them up until the time
when she who is in labor has brought forth;
then the rest of his kindred shall return
to the people of Israel.
And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth;
and he shall be the one of peace.

If the Assyrians come into our land
and tread upon our soil,
we will raise against them seven shepherds
and eight installed as rulers.

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This episode was written and recorded by Megan Romer, It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish and Cotonby Podington Bear, Wade in the Water by Cast of Characters, and O Holy Night (A Lullaby) by Be Still The Earth.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

• Visit www.twitter.com/MeganRomer to follow Megan on Twitter.

Walk in the light,
beautiful light,
come where the dewdrops of mercy shine bright.

Where do you see light in the world around you?

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Psalm 80:1-7

Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock.
You who sit enthroned between the cherubim,
shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.
Awaken your might;
come and save us.

Restore us, O God;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved.

How long, Lord God Almighty,
will your anger smolder
against the prayers of your people?
You have fed them with the bread of tears;
you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.
You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors,
and our enemies mock us.

Restore us, God Almighty;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved.

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This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Bruce Lamb, the Minister of Faith Formation at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, The Calm by Curtis Parks, Sue's Dark Side by Sam Barsh, and Walk in the Light by Aretha Franklin.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"We can be still and listen for God, for Holy Spirit, for love, to awaken in us, to move in us, like new life in the womb."

What has God awakened in you during this Advent season?

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This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Michael Livingston, the Interim Senior Minister at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, Don't Forget Love by Neil Young, and Veil by Acreage.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"The genealogies in Matthew and Luke underscore a fundamental struggle in early Christianity, a conflict that runs through the texts of the New Testament: Was Jesus the Jewish Messiah, or the Savior of the whole world?"

When you think of the Christmas story, what Jesus do you see?

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This episode was written and recorded by Dr. Diana Butler Bass, an author, speaker, and independent scholar specializing in American religion and culture. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, Cosmos by Acreage, and Heavy by Kurtis Parks.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email.

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• Visit www.dianabutlerbass.com to learn more about Diana Butler Bass.

• Visit http://dianabutlerbass.substack.com/p/december-18-advent-calendar to read the transcript of this episode in The Cottage, Diana's email newsletter.

"The world needs more 'Josephs' who exude presence and commitment, and God only knows what this could mean for our children, ourselves and the world."

Who is someone whose presence and commitment has made an impact on your life?

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This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Darrell Hamilton the Executive Minister for Operations and Resource Development at Middle Collegiate Church in New York, NY., It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, Mary Did You Know by Ben Howington, and It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Afternoonz.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

• Visit www.middlechurch.org to learn more about Middle Collegiate Church.

• Visit www.baptistnews.com/article/joseph-did-you-know-a-reflection-on-fatherhood-during-advent to read the article on Baptist News Global.

“God’s Spirit hovers over the dark water preparing to create worlds. The child we wait for grows in the deep darkness of the womb.”

What is giving you hope right now?

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Psalm 146:5-10

Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God,
who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith forever;
who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;
the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the strangers;
he upholds the orphan and the widow,
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

The Lord will reign forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord!

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This episode was written and recorded by Debie Thomas. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relenquish by Podington Bear, Secret Place by Alex Fitch, and Overcoming Stage Fright by Dexter Britain.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email.

• Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.