Pastor Courtney on Philippians 1 and an invitation to insight, understanding, knowledge, and love from Paul. Plus: Alfred Lansing's Endurance (yes, Pastor Courtney can't get enough) and recommendations on surfing documentaries, macabre novels, and a birding board game.

Philippians, Paul's letters, church in context, and an embarrassing story about Pastor Courtney and dating at a Christian college.

Plus: Why taking verses out of context is (almost) always a disaster, and how to soak in the richness of Scripture.

In Matthew's gospel, Jesus says to those who will hear "You are the salt of the earth." So let's explore salt together to see what all the fuss is about. 

Also, another kitchen catastrophe (Marmalade Hands), and some culinary wisdom picked up along the way. 

SEE JEFF'S FAVORITE KITCHEN TOOLS HERE:  https://imgur.com/a/jkfNsa8

Alyona Koolhaas, PCOM's MOPS and nursery coordinator, shares stories of God at work from her childhood in Kiev to the fall of the Soviet Union to falling in love with an American in Wisconsin. From her love of tiny tots to her deepening relationship with great big God, this is not a story to miss.

Lost? Hurting? Confused? In pain? Have you considered trying the Bridge Ministry? Men and women walk one-on-one with those who are struggling, suffering, or going through turmoil. Learn more about how it was founded, what it does, and how you can receive care from this important ministry in a time of need.

Pastor Courtney on how sitting in a different chair can change your life. (Seriously.) Also: words of wisdom from Clayton Simon, gentle invitations to innovation, recommendations, and news about what's coming next.

Pastor Courtney reads an excerpt on whimsical worship from her new book - Happy Now - and asks the question: is it okay to play in church? She invites listeners to write in with stories of their own joyful worship experiences, and to offer feedback in how our church can imagine new ways of fellowship, mission, and worship after the unique season we've encountered.

Happy Now by Courtney Ellis

How can we love our neighbors as ourselves if we don't seek to know and understand our neighbors' points of view? Pastor Courtney unpacks the power of story to see things--and people--as complex, nuanced, and interesting rather than one-dimensional. 

We talk about how many years it took Courtney and Daryl to begin seeing one another well within their marriage (hint: it's still a journey!), and take a note out of Mark Twain's book for reading the world (and Scripture!) through the eyes of wonder rather than just utilitarianism. 

Two Ways of Seeing a River by Mark Twain

What is the role of the imagination in a life of faith? Can a Christian imagination transform our lives, our churches, and our communities? Words of wisdom from a literature professor, a philosophy professor, and a Psalm. Plus: an invitation to explore our own imaginations for the sake of the Gospel.

C.S. Lewis's essay on faith and imagination

Karen Swallow Prior's book: On Reading Well

The Holy Post Podcast interview with Karen Swallow Prior

Psalm 57

Jeff shares stories about his cooking failures (see: nearly burning down the house) and a few tips along the way.