COBCast - The Church of the Brethren Podcast

From our foundation, the essence of the Church of the Brethren is the willingness of women and men to study scripture together until we reach consensus, regardless of how long that takes. Sometimes it takes decades, but we can afford to be patient. We love Jesus. We love the Word.

Anna Lisa Gross and Nancy Faus read an excerpt from Angela Finet's Advent devotional, "Do Not Be Afraid" and ponder waiting. Piano recording by Lucas Finet.

Randal Westfall describes how the long, hot days of summer give way to the cool, crisp air where night and darkness are lengthening, when both night and day are equally balanced. Autumn is about slowing into contemplative aspects of life. If we are attentive to God's Holy Spirit, then we recognize autumn's invitation as God's people to harvest, celebrate, and share in the abundance of our lives. And even more importantly, not to do it alone . . . but together. Nancy Miner plays piano.

A poem by Debbie Eisenbise. Piano by Nancy Miner.

A lot of emotion is being released as pandemic restrictions are phased out. How many rituals have we missed? How many formal occasions, how many worship experiences? How many losses are not yet grieved? How many joys have not been celebrated? How many blessings have gone unspoken or unheard during our pandemic year? In this episode of Messenger Radio, Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford shares her thoughts; Nancy Miner plays "O Love that will not let me go" on piano.

A poem about the poet's experience of a new way of communicating with family during the pandemic.

"The experience of this new thing is for me profoundly spiritual—a foretaste of heaven which, I now see, can be had while we are still in this life, involving interaction both with those who have died and with those who are still living."

How do roosters related to prophecy? Tom Wagner explains the connection in his Advent article "Arise and shine". Kara Miller plays "In the bleak midwinter" on piano.

Joanna Davidson Smith shares the poem Revolution for this bonus (and final) episode of Speaking Truth to Power for Messenger Radio. Learn more about Joanna's work.

Continue the conversation with these leaders on Dunker Punks Podcast on November 21 and beyond.

The Speaking Truth to Power series was inspired by the Womaen's Caucus Annual Conference panel with Gimbiya Kettering, Madalyn Metzger and Debbie Eisenbise.

"Move in our Midst" is played by Nancy Miner and Jan Fischer Bachman.

Barbara Daté ministers to us on this latest episode in the Speaking Truth to Power series. For such a time as this, amid uncertainty, violence, illness, grief, Barbara's words heal. Learn more about Barbara's work and upcoming trainings and contact her at [email protected]. Check out a few issues of the Pine Needle here (scroll down). Christine Wuhrman plays the cello.

This is the second-to-last episode in the Speaking Truth to Power series, inspired by the Womaen's Caucus Annual Conference panel. (It was going to be the last episode, but we all could use a bonus these days!) Continue the conversation on Dunker Punks Podcast after November 21.