Holy Shenanigans

Even when your "Jaded",  you can't help yourself from loving love. 

This week's guest Marla Taviano is a poet and author of the book:
'Jaded: a poetic reckoning with white evangelical christian indoctrination'

Marla Taviano (she/her) is into books, love, justice, globes, anti-racism, blue, gray, rainbows, and poems. She reads and writes for a living, wears her heart on her t-shirts, and is on a mission/quest/journey to live wholefarted (not a typo). She's the author of unbelieve and jaded, and writes weekly poems at marlataviano.substack.com. 

IG:https://www.instagram.com/marlataviano/and https://www.instagram.com/whitegirllearning/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@marlataviano

Website: marlataviano.com

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Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020.  Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

How do you create a more peaceful, happy world and peaceful happy kids?

Through the power of parables and story and the help of children’s books that focus on development of positive social emotional  skills:  self awareness, relationship awareness, social awareness, emotional self management and responsible decision making.

In episode 153, Tara talks with children's author Lisa Combs, from Best Friend Books, discusses the purpose of parables in the gospel of Matthew, and  offers the following quote from author William Broderick:

"Once you've heard a child cry out to heaven for help, and go unanswered, nothing's ever the same again. Nothing. Even God changes. But there is a healing hand at work that cannot be deflected from its purpose. I just can't make sense of it, other than to cry. Those tears are part of what it is to be a monk. Out there, in the world, it can be very cold. It seems to be about luck, good and bad, and the distribution is absurd. We have to candles, burning between hope and despair, faith and doubt, life and death, all the opposites."  Taken from Celtic Daily Prayer Book Two Farther Up and Farther In p.888 ©2015 The Northumbria Community Trust

Questions for discussion:
1. What book or parable has made the most impact in your life?
2. Do you have a favorite parable in the Bible? What is it and why?
3. What questions came up as you listened to this episode? You can send them  to us (and request to sign up for our email newsletter) at HSP at: [email protected]

We have over 30 book titles at: www.bestfriendbooks.com
Best Friend Books YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@BestFriendBooks?si=HBBvELZbjKV8LYhm

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Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020.  Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Holy Shenanigans Practioner Rev. Tara L. Eastman caught up with her colleague Rev. Dr. Deborah Roof at this summer’s Wild Goose Festival, to hear all about Words, Wonder and the Divine in You - a new book release. 

Deborah Roof, a queer Christian pastor, is an enthusiastic life-long learner and a passionate teacher. She is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ with a Master of Divinity degree from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from the Chicago Theological Seminary.

In her new book, “Words, Wonder, and the Divine in You”, Roof shares her experience, strength and hope and invites the reader to take their own spiritual journey.  Exemplifying her authentic gift of hospitality Roof shares the truth she has come to know: divinity dwells within each one of us. She finds God in the wonder of the created world and in the scriptures she has come to love. Deborah and her wife, Liz, have four adult daughters, their daughters’ four spouses, and four grandchildren

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Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020.  Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Celebrate Holy Shenanigans Podcast's 3rd Birthday and 150th Episode in a conversation at The Wild Goose Festival 2023 with Doug Pagitt from Vote Common Good and Rev. Tara L. Eastman. 

In this episode, it's Doug's turn to ask Tara all about the sacred in everyday life and how over the last 20 years, she's been faithfully observing and practicing Holy Shenanigans.

About Doug:

Doug Pagitt is a possibility enthusiast. Through creative, entrepreneurial and generative efforts, he works to enlist people to join in the hopes, dreams, and desires God has for a more beautiful world. 

A proud, concerned and hopeful American, Doug Pagitt is a social activist. He is Co-founder and Executive Director of Vote Common Good, a national political non-profit dedicated to inspiring, energizing, and mobilizing people of faith to engage in civic life. 

Pulling from his experience as an author, pastor and business owner, Doug consults for and trains churches, denominations, politicians, businesses and non-profits throughout the United States on issues of culture, leadership, social systems, Christianity and Progressive Evangelicalism.

Doug has authored 10 books on spirituality, Christianity and leadership, including: Flipped (Random House 2015), The Inventive Age Series (SparkHouse 2012), and A Christianity Worth Believing (Jossey-Bass 2008). His latest book, Outdoing Jesus: Seven Ways to Live Out the Promise of Greater Than (Eerdmans 2019), is a hopeful and provocative commentary on biblical good news exemplified through present-day ordinary people making extraordinary contributions. 

In 2000, Doug was founding pastor of Solomon’s Porch, a Holistic Missional Christian Community in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He also founded and remains active with the Greater Things Foundation, a charitable non-profit for empowering and fostering more beautiful, inclusive, and life-giving communities.

Doug Pagitt has a BA in Anthropology and a Masters of Theology from Bethel Seminary. He lives with his wife, Shelley, in Edina, Minnesota and are parents of 4 adult children.  Doug is also a novice ultra marathoner who, on most days, wishes he was out on a run.

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Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020.  Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

In honor and remembrance of International Overdose Awareness Day, on August 31, 2023 this week's episode focuses on,  "Faith In Harm Reduction " with special guest Rev. Erica M. Poellot, MSW, MDiv. 

Rev. Erica M. Poellot, serves as the Minister of Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention Ministries for the National United Church of Christ and Executive Director of Faith in Harm Reduction.

As a faith leader engaged in a long term healing process from substance use disorder, Erica founded `Faith in Harm Reduction' to co-create a justice movement which connects people who use drugs, their loved ones, and communities of faith through the development of harm reduction centered spiritual resources, ritual support, and spiritual care.

With joint MDiv/MSW degrees from Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University in NYC, Erica is based at Judson Memorial Church in NYC. Erica also serves on the Board of Directors for Safehouse and the Peer Network of New York (NYS Union of People Who Use Drugs).

Find Faith and Harm Reduction Resources at:
* Faithful Advocacy for Intersectional and Transformational Healing in Harm Reduction Resolution
* Spirit of Harm Reduction Tool Kit
* https://generalsynod.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/F.-Harm-Reduction.pdf

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Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020.  Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

This week we celebrate the release of the book, "Youth Are Either Leading or Leaving", by Lyle Griner.  To get your copy, go to: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/youth-are-either-leading-or-leaving

Lyle Griner, is Executive Peer Ministry Leadership Director: A connoisseur of “Aha” moments as soulfully curious youth and families wrestle with the nuances of faith and life! A writer, teacher, youth minister, spiritual director, working across the country, with multiple denominations to help congregations expand and deepen their abilities for youth and young adults to find purposeful ministry in every day life.  <www.peerministry.org>

Send Tara a Text Message

Support the show

Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020.  Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Welcome to episode #2 from the 2023 Wild Goose Festival - this week I visit with a new friend, Jon Carl Lewis, on the topic of  Spiritual Direction/Companionship.
Jon Carl Lewis is a spiritual companion dedicated to helping followers of Christ connect more deeply with Christ—and each other—so that they might live with abundant joy, loving God and their neighbor with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. He lives in Trenton, NJ, with his husband of 27 years and Alfred the cat. He feels a special affinity with contemplatives of any tradition and the LGBTQIA+ community. Jon Carl is always open to chat.

Please schedule a free hour with him at https://calendly.com/joncarllewis/60min and find out about all of his projects at linktr.ee/joncarllewis.

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Support the show

Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020.  Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Welcome to the Wildgoose  Festival 2023, "Ignite"!

One of my favorite parts of Wildgoose is the opportunity to connect with new and old friends, to be reminded of the importance of supportive relationships and to carry these connections home - long after the festival has wrapped up.

Our first interview is with a new friend - Kate is the author of three books. Her newest book “Reclaiming Rest: The Promise of Sabbath, Solitude, and Stillness in a Restless World" is available now from all booksellers. In addition to her role as a writer, Kate is a consultant focused in international public health. She also is the leader of, Writing for your Life, a resource center for spiritual writers.

This episode's prose piece comes from "The Celtic Daily Prayer - Book 1" adapted to gender inclusive language. 

It reads:
“Their eyes, far-seeing, scan the horizon, the joys venturing of little boats. A torch burns clearly in their grasp, a faithful challenge to this generation -meeting, listening, heart-connecting. In their shadow is a place I covet, a challenge in a present time…While I live may I be the shadow of a Rock in a weary land, a shelter from the heat…"

Questions for discussion:
1. What does rest mean to you?
2. Do you have a regular rest ritual or sabbath practice?
3. What is it?
4. Why did you choose this as your sabbath/rest practice/ritual?
5. If you don't currently have a rest practice, how might you start one - what would i be?
6. What are the most needed or important effects you need to gain from a rest practice?

Gratitude to Wildgoose Festival for HSP being part of the 2023 Podcast Team. Thanks to Ian Eastman for sound editing and to Kate for sharing her story of reclaiming rest in this first feature interview from the Wildgoose Festival. To learn more about Kate, go to: https://www.katerademacher.com/

To support our ongoing Holy Shenanigans, make a contribution by going to: buymeacoffee.com/taraleastman

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Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020.  Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Is Collaboration a "holy shenanigans"?
Join Tara and Spencer Burke as they celebrate innovation and collaboration to foster wholeness for people and organizations.

In the summer of 2022, spiritual innovator Spencer Burke, organized an Online Conference with 30 Spiritual Leaders called, "The Next Sunday Summit".
Holy Shenanigans Podcast muse, Rev. Tara L. Eastman joined Spencer for a conversation about change, church, collaboration and innovation. 

Questions for further discussion:
1. What does the "Next Sunday" look like in my church/community of faith/spirituality?
2. How can innovation and collaboration help leaders navigate adaptive challenges?
3. Who might be a co-collaborator in waiting - to help foster wholeness in my community?

Gratitude to Spencer Burke for permissions to re-release this segment of "The Next Sunday Summit".  Thanks to Ian Eastman and Matt Kendziera for sound editing.

To learn more about Spencer's work, go to: https://www.spencerburke.com/

Bio: Spencer Burke is a widely sought after speaker, coach, trainer and strategist in the field of spiritual innovation. When ministries want to dream or feel stuck or confused, and want to love more and discern faster, they consult Spencer. As Director of Lean Faith, he helps spiritual communities discover the right questions, minimize risk, and test their ideas through rapid iterations. He is also the Founder of Hatchery LA - an incubator for Spiritual Entrepreneurs, as well as creator of The OOZE - the original website and magazine for Progressive Christianity. Spencer has authored several books including, A Heretics Guide to Eternity and Making Sense of Church. For more than twenty years, Spencer has been a practitioner of the Enneagram. He is an ordained Disciples of Christ Minister, serving as the Minister of Innovation and New Church Development with the Pacific Southwest Region from 2015 to 2019.

Email - [email protected]

Phone - (949) 216-0006

Send Tara a Text Message

Support the show

Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020.  Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

What does Juneteenth mean to you?

For Ms. Della Moore, Juneteenth is a holiday for remembrance, reflection and living into BIPOC joy. Juneteenth, a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans since 2021.

Juneteenth is also know as "Freedom Day", deriving its name from combining June and nineteenth. It is celebrated on the anniversary of the order by Major General Gordon Granger proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865.

Ms. Della Moore is curator and champion of The African American Center for Cultural Development   in Olean, NY.  In this special Juneteenth episode, she tells how she came to love the place and people of Olean, and how she gives her time, energy and imagination into establishing The African American Center for Cultural Development. Della shares how love found her and how she extends love to help others find home and connection.

To make a contribution to The African American Center for Cultural Development, click here.

Join Della and company for a local Juneteenth Celebration/Fundraiser on
Saturday, June 24, 2023 from noon until three o’clock.  This is an open invitation to everyone to come join in the fun of a ‘Block Party-like’ celebration -  mixing City with Country fare. 

There will be great tasting food (until sold out). Our menu includes pulled pork sandwiches; potato salad; hot dogs, burgers, pop, water and, new this year, ribs, barbeque ribs.  Oh, Yeah! 

We will feature Boom box music (the city part), fun and a bit of education.  So bring your lawn chairs and dancing shoes.  We even have a couple of raffling items for bid. This will all be taking place at the Bethany Lutheran’s Church yard  (6 Leo Moss Drive, Olean).

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Support the show

Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020.  Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.