For the session to be discussed on August 18, 2024

David Cassady

The team discusses a passage from Proverbs, comparing the house built on wisdom with the one founded on cynicism and rejection of wisdom. They critique social media silos, emphasize the need for humility, and advocate for open, inclusive faith. The podcast closes with reflections on the role of congregations in nurturing wisdom, drawing insights from Wendell Berry’s thoughts on education.

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For the session to be discussed on August 11, 2024

David Cassady

In this episode of the Faith Element podcast, the team explores Psalm 34. The episode encourages personal introspection and spiritual growth, focusing on lessons from Psalm 34: avoiding evil, seeking peace, and pursuing good. It highlights the importance of introspection in today’s distracting world and offers practical suggestions for fostering this practice within church communities. The conversation closes with a reflection on the Shaker hymn ‘Simple Gifts’ as a metaphor for spiritual simplicity and turning toward a closer relationship with God.

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For the session to be discussed on August 4, 2024

David Cassady

In this episode of the Faithelement Podcast, the team delves into Exodus 16, exploring the theme ‘A Divine Desert Diet.’ The discussion highlights the miraculous provision of manna by God to the Israelites in the desert, contrasting their faith to modern-day gratitude and privilege.

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For the session to be discussed on July 28, 2024

David Cassady

In this episode we discuss the theme of ‘Promises of God’ focusing on 2 Kings 4:42-44. The hosts share personal stories of experiencing God’s promises and provision. Crystal highlights how God provides for needs in various scriptures, including the story of Elisha and feeding a hundred people with twenty loaves of barley. The discussion broadens to consider the role of human agency in divine provision and the church’s prophetic role in meeting community needs. The episode concludes with the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, encapsulating the essence of giving and trust in God’s transformative power.

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For the session to be discussed on July 21, 2024

David Cassady

In this episode, the team discusses the theme of rest as explored in today’s text. They emphasize the importance of rest, sharing personal anecdotes about moments of stillness and silence, and discuss the societal pressures against pausing for rest. The episode delves into the need for intentional prayer and rest as a form of subversive action against a productivity-focused world. The hosts also touch upon the NAP ministry by Tricia Hershey, which promotes rest as resistance and justice.

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For the session to be discussed on July 14, 2024

David Cassady

Today’s episode focuses on a little-used text. During Herod’s birthday feast, a daughter dances, pleasing Herod. He promises her anything she wants. Prompted by her mother, the girl asks for John the Baptist’s head on a platter. Reluctantly, Herod orders John’s execution to keep his oath. John is beheaded, and his head is brought to the girl, who gives it to her mother.

We discuss dynamics in the narrative, including the use of the daughter and the use of power. We also contrast this passage with the feeding of the 5000, which immediately follows it.

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For the session to be discussed on July 7, 2024

David Cassady

Jesus has been traveling with his disciples all over Galilee, teaching and healing and gaining a following. In this passage, we see that Jesus returns to Nazareth, his childhood home. But his hometown cannot see who he has become. We discuss the “can’t go home” dynamic in this passage and our own lives. What makes it so difficult for us to accept growth and change in one another?

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For the session to be discussed on June 30, 2024

David Cassady

We discuss those moments in life when we feel truly alive… all in the context of a passage where a suffering woman touches the hem of Jesus’ garment and is healed. Where do we find newness of life even as we face our own pain and need?

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For the session to be discussed on June 23, 2024

David Cassady

In this episode we discuss a passage where in fear of the waves, the disciples awaken Jesus from a nap. We discuss the humanity of Jesus shown in how he responds, as well as our similarity to the disciples in their actions and feelings. What might we learn from this passage about facing the storms that emerge in our lives?

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For the session to be discussed on June 16, 2024

David Cassady

In this episode we discuss the power of parables, and in particular, the interesting parable of the mustard seed. How does Jesus use parables to lead us to rethink life and values? What ideas does Jesus turn upside down in this parable? How might parables remind us of how little we really understand?

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