Meet in the Middle

This week, Meet in the Middle celebrates Black History Month by sharing stories of those who broke barriers in their chosen fields. Rev. Renee Mikell and Rev. Dawn Lynn Check host. 

Following the shooting of Marquis Campbell, a differently abled student, Britany Bova, the school based coordinator at Oliver Academy joins Rev. Dawn Lynn Check to share her recollection of the incident.

Following the shooting of Marquis Campbell, a differently abled student, Rev. Kelly Smith joins other clergy to show support for staff and teachers. She joins Rev. Dawn Lynn Check this week.

Greensburg District Superintendent Rev. Paul Ritchey talks with Western PA Conference Missional Engagement Coordinator Sandra Matoushaya and Connection Leader  Drew Harvey talk about the 15th anniversary of the Nyadire Connection and the 11th anniversary of the Partnership with the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area.

Rev. Renee Mikell interviews Rev. Dr. C. Anthony Hunt, an Author, Professor and Pastor serving the Baltimore - Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church.  They discuss the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the common good of all people.

Rev. Drew Gordon talks with Rev. Leo Yates, Jr. of the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, who has written several books on Deaf ministry and services. Drew and Leo discuss personal experiences in the Deaf community, and how churches can assist in building ministry for the Deaf, Deaf/blind ministry, and those who are losing their hearing as they mature. 

Rev. Debra Mason, Diversity Development and Inclusion Coordinator of the Western Pennsylvania Conference joins Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh to talk about diversity and inclusion in the conference, and the steps we need to achieve it.

Rev. Steve Cordle of the Crossroads United Methodist Church joins District Superintendent  Rev. Paul Ritchey to share about God's vision for his church planting in this area;  annual congregational Spiritual practices, evangelistic opportunities, and the witness of God's movement during Holiday services. 

Rev.  Dawn Lynn Check visits some  friends who share the traditions of Ukraine, Zimbabwe, and Columbia.  A  child guest tells what Christmas is about, and Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi  describes her family's Christmas Eve Tradition. 

The holiday season can be fun and exciting. But many feel the stress of the season, or sadness at personal loss. Pastor Drew Gordon talks with Pastors Jacob Penvose and Becky Edwards, both trained professional counselors. They'll talk about stress and depression, and what can be done to overcome those obstacles. They discuss Blue Christmas services, and an Advent initiative from the Western Pennsylvania Abundant Health Team for pastors in difficult times.