On our first podcast discussing “The New Jim Crow,” Andy and Donyale are joined by Trinity United Methodist’s Deirdre Barrett. The group discusses what stands out in the early chapters of Michelle Alexander’s book, including her statement that “colorblindness is not the answer, it’s the problem.”

The discussion fans out into the call each member felt like the book put on them, including learning to find beauty in diversity without being threatened by it, and trying to find an equal amount of justice and forgiveness.

The discussion will continue for two more weeks! Got a question? Visit us at fmhouston.com/ama.

While studying the life of Ernest Hemingway via the new Ken Burns documentary, Andy is inspired about the importance of action, and urges the congregation to concentrate on positive, God-honoring actions and see where that leads them.

"In our actions, in what we’re doing... let’s see what God can do."

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A pretty straightforward question leads to a surprisingly fun and revealing conversation as the group each talks about their favorite sections of the Bible.

Got a question? Ask us at fmhouston.com/ama!

Andy digs into the first chapter of James as we start our walk through the book.

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The group considers the people God chose to destroy in the story of Noah’s ark, and point out the flaws inherent in comparing ourselves to people in the past, both for good and for bad.

Ask us a question! Fmhouston.com/ama

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It has been a very hard year, and there has been much to be afraid of. But we cannot let fear, death, and oppression write our story. It's on us to write another one.

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During a very tough recording session, the group fights through to talk about metaphor and reality in the Bible, how to approach the gospels, and dealing with matters of faith and the heart.

Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama

Genesis 15:9-12; 17-18

We may wander, we may sin, but God always brings us home.

Where do you spiritually feel at home? It's not the structure that brings significance, but the realization of the holiness and goodness of the Lord.

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Today’s question covers a wide span – starting with John Wesley’s abolitionist stance, to the division of the United Methodist church in the run up to the Civil War, to its history within Houston and the Civil Rights movement. Plus, a long look at the ways Scripture has been used to maintain white supremacy in America, and an acknowledgement that this conversation can only be had when we recognize our failures – and learn from them.

Books referenced in today’s show:

Jamar Tisby, “The Color of Compromise” (https://www.amazon.com/Color-Compromise-American-Churchs-Complicity-ebook/dp/B07BB6R827)

M. Shawn Copeland, “Enfleshing Freedom” (https://www.amazon.com/Enfleshing-Freedom-Intersections-Innovations-Religious/dp/0800662741/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1CPT8VEKJP48J&dchild=1&keywords=enfleshing+freedom&qid=1616532938&sprefix=enflesh%2Cdigital-text%2C206&sr=8-1)

Our podcast with Trinity UMC regarding “The New Jim Crow” begins next month! Ask us a question: fmhouston.com/ama

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Joshua 22

During the pandemic, we’ve learned something we should have learned long ago: how to as a church to be a church united with the churches around us.

It doesn’t matter who we are, it doesn’t matter where we come from. The Lord is the Lord of all. We celebrate that through the altars we build.

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