Faith, Hope & Stories

A quick update and preview of the last two episodes in the summer season. August 2 will feature Epworth's lead pastor, Vicki Gordy-Stith. We'll have a personal conversation with US Rep. Sarah McBride on August 9

You can listen to or view all epsidoes at https://epworth.riverside.com/

The fall season will begin the Sunday after Labor Day.

The Rev. Ragan Sutterfield, an Episcopal priest who grew up in Arkansas, discusses birding as a spiritual practice and its connection to nature, ministry, and community. He shares his journey into birding, the qualities that make birding a spiritual practice, how to get started, and the impact of birding on building community.

The conversation delves into the challenges of bird identification, problematic bird naming, the relationship between birds and creation care, the influence of Wendell Berry, and the balance between birding for enjoyment and obsession.

The episode is a prelude to Epworth's September program, "Birding as a Spiritual Practice." Learn more here.

Links:

Ragan's website https://www.ragansutterfield.com/

Merlin Bird ID https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Douglas Tallamy https://homegrownnationalpark.org/doug-tallamy/

Wendell Berry https://www.neh.gov/about/awards/jefferson-lecture/wendell-e-berry-biography

Takeaways

• Birding as a spiritual practice connects individuals to the beauty and mystery of the natural world.
• Birding builds community and fosters intergenerational connections through a common love for nature. Bird identification challenges are influenced by misidentifications and the problematic nature of bird naming.
• The relationship between birds and creation care highlights the impact of climate change and the need for conservation efforts.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Birding as a Spiritual Practice
• 02:00 Reagan's Journey into Birding
• 03:30 Nature and Ministry
• 05:05 Birding as a Spiritual Practice
• 06:20 Qualities of Birding as a Spiritual Practice
• 07:34 Building Community through Birding
• 09:52 The Story of Bill
• 13:11 Getting Started with Birding
• 16:45 Using Merlin App for Birding
• 18:12 Bird Identification Challenges
• 19:05 Problematic Bird Naming
• 23:08 Birds and Creation Care
• 28:20 Wendell Berry's Influence
• 31:48 Balancing Birding and Obsession

The podcast episode features Rose Verona sharing her journey with Parkinson's disease, her faith, and the impact of music and community on her life. Rose's volunteerism and the value of giving back are also highlighted.

Parkinson's Education and Support Group of Sussex County

https://www.sussexcountyparkinsons.com/

Takeaways

• Community support is essential for individuals living with Parkinson's disease.
• Music and singing play a significant role in managing Parkinson's symptoms and improving quality of life.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Faith, Hope, and Stories Podcast
• 01:52 Rose's Journey to Rehoboth and Epworth
• 03:00 Diagnosis and Early Experience with Parkinson's
• 05:27 Managing Parkinson's Symptoms and Quality of Life
• 10:01 The Impact of Faith and Community
• 18:37 The Role of Music and Singing in Parkinson's Management
• 31:23 Rose's Volunteerism and the Value of Giving Back

Seaside Jewish Community's Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan, PhD shares her journey of growing up Jewish in Texas, her spiritual experiences in nature, and the incorporation of nature into her spiritual practice. She also discusses the concept of Tikkun Olam and the ways her congregation engages in repairing the world through social action and community service.

Her websites:

https://www.seasidejewishcommunity.com/

https://wellspringsofwisdom.com/

https://inspiredimages.zenfoliosite.com/home

ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal

https://aleph.org/

Takeaways

• Jewish spirituality and nature connection
• How she came to Rehoboth Beach
• Tikkun Olam: Repairing the world

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan
• 01:34 Growing Up Jewish in Texas
• 04:17 Spiritual Experience at Utopia, Texas
• 22:22 Incorporating Nature into Spiritual Practice
• 33:36 Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World

Sandy Roca, an experienced American Sign Language interpreter, shares her inspiring journey of discovering her calling, learning sign language and Braille, and overcoming challenges in deaf-blind interpretation. She discusses her role at Epworth, the inclusive environment, and her volunteer work with Epworth's food ministry. Sandy's dedication to teaching sign language and her continued work post-retirement reflect her passion for accessibility and inclusion.

Takeaways

• Passion for accessibility and inclusion
• Importance of native sign language instructors

American Sign Language YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/billvicars

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Sandy Roca
• 06:33 Reaching the Unreachable
• 12:50 Interpreting Worship Services
• 18:17 Equal Message in Interpretation
• 24:09 Family and Relocation to Rehoboth
• 32:14 Retirement and Continued Work

The podcast conversation with Pastor Bo Gordy-Stith delves into the unique role of a school bus driving pastor and the impact of mentorship and ministry on children. It explores the challenges and solutions encountered, the importance of connecting with kids, finding joy in routine, dealing with social dynamics, and concludes with book recommendations from the pastor.

Takeaways

• The role of a school bus driving pastor is a unique and impactful form of ministry.
• Connecting with children and youth through mentorship and empathy is essential for positive influence.
• Finding joy and purpose in routine and seemingly mundane tasks is a mindset that can lead to fulfillment and satisfaction.

Chapters

• 00:00 The School Bus Driving Pastor
• 08:17 Challenges and Solutions
• 18:06 Impact and Transformation
• 23:36 Finding Joy in Routine
• 30:33 Book Recommendations

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

Table for Two by Amor Towles

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

Discover the inspiring musical journey of Doug Yetter, a prominent arts leader, theater founder, and Minister of Music at Epworth United Methodist Church. This interview delves into Doug’s lifelong relationship with music, his community initiatives like the Camp Rehoboth Chorus, and his insights on sacred music, musical influences, and fostering inclusivity through art.

• Doug’s early fascination with music sparked by family and childhood experiences
• The evolution from piano lessons to composing and musical theater success
• How community and church music have shaped Doug’s career and personal life
• Behind the scenes of founding and nurturing the Clear Space Theater and Camp Rehoboth Chorus
• Doug’s perspective on sacred music, performance, and his musical legacy
• His efforts in music therapy and supporting audiences with Parkinson’s disease
• The importance of inclusivity and how Epworth fosters a welcoming environment for all

00:00 - Introduction to Doug Yetter and the episode’s focus
00:11 - Doug’s early exposure to music and family influence
00:23 - Learning piano and using music as an escape during adolescence
00:31 - Excursions into orchestral soloing and musical training
00:45 - Experiences with support and challenges from family members
03:06 - College major in composition and experimental projects
04:09 - Writing musicals and his first professional gigs
05:02 - Transition to college and late bloom into higher education
06:26 - Moving to Delaware, founding Clear Space Theater, and community impact
09:11 - Developing the Broadway Bound program and community engagement
11:11 - The Camp Rehoboth Chorus’ growth and musical philosophy
13:24 - Favorite music genres and performances that evoke emotion
15:13 - Sacred music and Doug’s personal sacred music experiences
18:32 - Supporting those with Parkinson’s through music therapy
20:00 - Recap of community initiatives and the impact of choir performances
22:15 - Doug’s versatile musical roles and sacred music preferences
24:39 - Discussions of musicals, favorites, overrated shows, and legacies
26:16 - Reflections on teaching, influence on students, and future plans
27:08 - Current reading and TV interests; insights into personal downtime
28:37 - Embracing inclusivity at Epworth and personal reflections on community and church life
31:45 - Closing thoughts and gratitude

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Thank you for tuning in to this conversation with Doug Yetter—musician, community builder, and eternal learner.

An introduction to our upcoming podcast, which will launch on June 21. It's called Faith, Hope & Stories. We see inspirational stories everywhere -- in our pews, in the pulpit, in our music room, in our kitchen, in our community. This podcast, produced by Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, will be telling some of those stories.