In this episode of "UNFKD," Jude explores The Ascension. The discussion covers its historical and theological aspects, including its celebration in Catholic and Anglican traditions, and its (sometimes rather amusing) depiction in art. Jude then shares one of her sermons on the Ascension in which she explores the meaning of Jesus being taken "up" into heaven, wondering if heaven is a physical place above the clouds or a spiritual realm beyond our human understanding. Ending with some words from the late Pope Francis on how the Ascension encourages us to seek Christ in our daily lives and serve others with hope and love.

Resources

Reading from from the Acts of the Apostles 1: 11 (NRSV)

Text of "The Cloud of Unknowing https://sacred-texts.com/chr/cou/index.htm

Homily on the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord -  from Pope Francis (2018) https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2018/documents/papa-francesco_regina-coeli_20180513.html

Very comprehensive Wikipedia entry on the Ascension https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascension_of_Jesus

Ascension in the Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/en/liturgical-holidays/solemnity-of-the-ascension-of-the-lord.html

Ascension resources from Loyola Press https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/ascension-of-the-lord-cycle-c/

Music “Better Day” and “Nebula” by Penguin Music on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/users/penguinmusic-24940186/

“echoes-of-heaven-meditation-186652” by Natures Eye on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/users/natureseye-18615106/

I had an absolute blast talking to Emily Larsen and Trey Comstock from Divine Provisions Co. They are both United Methodist pastors based in Houston Texas, and together as Divine Provisions Co. they produce no less than three podcasts.

We move from Trey and Emily's Fkd Up By Faith stories - OMG is all I can say - to talking about the theology of pool party baptisms and ministry as a game of Dungeons and Dragons.

FULL TYPED TRANSCRIPT AT https://judemills.com/fubf-episode-34-with-divine-provisions-co

DIVINE PROVISIONS CO. WEBSITE: https://www.divineprovisions.co/

MUSIC : Fkd Up By Faith theme music by the late David Goodall

Incidental Music: "Nebula" by Penguin Music on Pixabay

In this Easter Monday episode of UNFKD, Jude Mills explores the theological significance of resurrection, exploring various interpretations and beliefs surrounding the event. From the traditional Easter vigil service to the different perspectives on Jesus' resurrection—whether physical, spiritual, or metaphorical—Jude examines how these views shape Christian doctrine and the hope of eternal life. The episode also touches on the role of women in the resurrection narrative and the ongoing debates about the nature of resurrection and eternal life .

FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT AT https://judemills.com/unfkd-episode-15-resurrection

REFERENCES & LINKS 

The Easter Liturgy in the Church of England https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/common-worship/churchs-year/times-and-seasons-6  

The Gospel of Luke chapter 24 verses 1-23, 13-32 and 42 

The Gospel of John chapter 3 verse 16; chapter 10 verse 30 and chapter 20 

Naked Pastor “Women and the Resurrection” cartoon https://nakedpastor.com/products/women-and-the-resurrection  

Passage from Julian of Norwich from “Meditations with Julian of Norwich” by Brendan Doyle  p. 77 

MUSIC 

Thine Be The Glory on the organ  https://www.smallchurchmusic.com 

Introductory Music “Better Day” by Penguin Music on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/users/penguinmusic-24940186/  

Incidental Music - “Desert of Mind” by  Harumachi Music on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/users/harumachimusic-13470593/ 

I am delighted to release new episode and indeed a whole new season of Fkd Up By Faith! I had a great conversation in this episode with Ann Russo (she/her). Ann is a licensed clinical social worker, mental health advocate, educator, and thought leader specializing in addressing complex and often stigmatized topics such as religious trauma, sexual empowerment, ethical non-monogamy, queer identity, and inclusivity in mental health.We talked about religious trauma, the LGBTQ+ community, the current US political climate and its impacts, and Julian of Norwich's cat!

TRANSCRIPT OF THIS EPISODE AT https://judemills.com/fubf-episode-33-with-ann-russo

LinksAnn's website https://www.annrusso.org/Ann's practice website https://www.amrtherapy.com/⁠Julian of Norwich https://julianofnorwich.org/pages/who-is-julian-of-norwichMusicTitle music by David GoodallIncidental music "Nebula" by Penguin Music on Pixabay

In this episode, host Jude Mills examines Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde's recent address at the National Cathedral, where she directly appealed to the POTUS for mercy toward LGBTQ+ people and migrants. The episode explores Liberation Theology's origins in 1960s Latin America, its core principles including the "preferential option for the poor," and its influence on modern progressive Christianity. Special attention is given to Marcella Althaus-Reid's contributions to queer theology. The episode concludes with a relevant passage from The Gospel of Matthew 25:34-40. A Full transcript of the episode is available at Judemills.com/podcastREFERENCESAlthaus-Reid, Marcella, Indecent Theology : Theological Perversions in Sex, Gender and Politics (London: Routledge, 2010)———, The Queer God (Routledge, 2004)

Bishop Mariann, ‘A Service of Prayer for the Nation Homily’, https://edow.org/2025/01/22/a-service-of-prayer-for-the-nation-homilyBishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s website https://www.mariannbudde.comGospel Reading - MATTHEW 25: 34 – 40 (NRSV)Gutiérrez, Gustavo, A Theology of Liberation: History, Politics, and Salvation (Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books, 1988)Liberation Theology resources https://liberationtheology.orgQueer Theology - Resources for LGBTQ+ Christians and Supporters https://www.queertheology.comMUSIC: "Better Day" and "Nebula" by Penguinmusic on Pixabay penguinmusic - Pixabay

Sources

Nouwen, Henri, ‘Do Well the Few Things - Henri Nouwen’, Henri Nouwen Society, 2024 https://henrinouwen.org/meditations/do-well-the-few-things/

Solnit, Rebecca, Hope in the Dark : Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities. (London: Canongate, 2016) http://rebeccasolnit.net

The "Christ Has No Body "Prayer is attributed to St. Teresa of Avila, but it is not found in her writings. Much like the prayer of St. Francis its sentiment is pure even if the author is suspect!

Conspirituality Podcast https://www.conspirituality.net/episodes

Music: "Better Day" and “Chill Lofi Beat” by Penguin Music;"At the Farthest Land" by HarumachiMusic ALL ON PIXABAY

In this final episode of my Advent series, I delve into the rich symbolism of the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. I reflect on my previous themes of hope, darkness, and liminality, exploring how this season invites rest, transformation, and the anticipation of light's return. I also address the misconception that Christians "stole" the solstice, uncovering some history and the deep resonance between nature's rhythms and spiritual practices across time and cultures. Join me for thoughtful reflections to close this Advent journey.

Bradshaw, Paul F., 'The Dating of Christmas: The Early Church', in Timothy Larsen (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Christmas (2020; online edn, Oxford Academic, 8 Oct. 2020)

Flanders, Judith, Christmas: A Biography (New York: Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin’s Press, 2017)

Gifford, Daniel, 'The Winter Solstice and Other Celebrations of the Season', in Timothy Larsen (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Christmas (2020; online edn, Oxford Academic, 8 Oct. 2020), 

 Poem – The Moment of Magic by Victoria Safford - https://www.uua.org/worship/words/meditation/moment-of-magic

Music: "Better Day"by Penguin Music; "Decemder" by

This week, I’m reflecting on liminality—those in-between spaces of life that can feel so uncertain yet hold incredible potential for transformation. Inspired by my conversations with fellow creatives and theologians, I explore what it means to exist on the threshold—whether it’s the exposed seabed when the tide is out, the transition between life and death, and waiting and unknowing of Advent itself.

Liminality isn’t always comfortable, but it’s a space where we can encounter God in profound ways. Join me as we explore how this season of waiting can help us embrace the mystery, find grounding, and discover hope in the transitions of our own lives.

Sources

Richard Rohr, Everything Belongs : The Gift of Contemplative Prayer (New York: The Crossroad Publishing Company, 2014).

In this week’s episode of Fkd Up by Faith: UNFKD, I

Sources of quotes etc.

'Anam Cara - Spiritual Wisdom from the Celtic World' by John O'DOnohue

'Waiting In Darkness' - by Richard Rohr - Daily Meditation from the Center for Action and Contemplation.

Mysticism from Meister Ekhart and Julian of Norwich

Music: "Better Day" by Penguin Music;

In this episode, Jude reflects on the season of Advent and particularly on the theme of Hope. Not as pie-in-the sky optimism but as a courageous, rooted act of trust, even - perhaps especially - amidst uncertainty.

Highlights from the episode:

What is Advent and what do "Christians" believe?

Advent as a season of hope: What does it mean to prepare for hope in a broken world?

Personal story: A rainbow amidst a cloudy day as a reminder to lean into hope.

Spiritual reflection: Hope is not denial—it’s a resilient choice to trust in renewal and act with courage.

Wisdom from others: Reflections from Henri Nouwen, Cynthia Bourgeault, Rebecca Solnit, Pope Francis and Br. David Steindl Rast

A brief excerpt from Emily Dickinson's poem, "‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers."

Sources

⁠https://www.cynthiabourgeault.org

Dickinson, Emily, ‘“Hope” Is the Thing with Feathers’ (1891)<https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/42889/hope-is-the-thing-with-feathers-314⁠

Quote from Br. David Steindl Rast ⁠https://grateful.org/resource/hope-3

Nouwen, Henri J.M., Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen (Ligouri Publications, 2004)

Pope Francis, ‘Angelus, 1 December 2024 ⁠https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2024/documents/20241201-angelus.html⁠

Rebecca Solnit, Hope in the Dark : Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities. (Canongate, 2016)

http://rebeccasolnit.net

Gospel Reading for the first Sunday in Advent 2024