In this second installment of 2024’s Best, Worst and Weirdest, we bring you even more heartwarming, hysterical and inspiring tales from across the Horizon Texas Conference. From hilarious pranks and touching stories to some of the weirdest experiences in ministry, this episode highlights the heart, humor and humanity of our United Methodist community. Tune in for a mix of laughter, inspiration and reflection that will leave your heart strangely warmed.

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This year, we welcomed over 65 incredible guests into the POD Strangely Warmed studio. After recording each episode, we love to ask our guests to share a story about their best, worst or weirdest moment in ministry. We heard so many fantastic stories from some truly wonderful people that we had to divide them into two parts. Without further ado, here’s part one of this year’s Best, Worst or Weirdest Moments in Ministry.

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It’s Christmas Eve, and POD Strangely Warmed is in full festive swing! Join Rev. Daniel Hawkins, Rev. Jenna Johnson and Trey West as they draft their ultimate Christmas Eve Essentials—from cherished traditions and tasty bites to that perfect holiday ambiance. But wait—Santa himself makes a guest appearance, bringing the magic of the season (and some unexpected picks) straight from his sleigh! Get ready for some jolly laughs, heartwarming stories and a dash of holiday absurdity as they debate the must-haves for a memorable Christmas. Whether you’re wrapping gifts, sipping cocoa or sneaking a bite of Christmas treats, this is the perfect podcast to keep you company.

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As we get closer to Christmas, POD Strangely Warmed slides into the holiday spirit with special guests Santa George Campbell and Dustin Kaps. George tells the story of his unexpected encounter at Costco, leading to his becoming a professional Santa Claus. He shares with us the joys and challenges of embodying Santa, from managing numerous gigs to giving proper attention to people of differing abilities. We also discuss the deeper connection of being a Santa while being a lifelong Methodist and George’s involvement with various Santa organizations and charities, including the Lone Star Santas and the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas. George's creative side also shines through his book 'Around the World with Santa,' which educates children on the different names of Santa globally while raising funds for food-insecure kids.

This episode touches on some behind the scenes aspects of being Santa, that may not be suitable for young ears,

If you have little ones around, we recommend listening later or with Headphones.

Around the World With Santa Claus

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This week on Pod Strangely Warmed, Rev. Johnny Brower of First UMC Hurst and Rev. Anna Hagler of First UMC Dallas join host, Rev. Daniel Hawkins, to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in the church. They explore the gifts and grinches of integrating AI into church communications, sermon prep and administrative tasks. They also delve into ethical considerations and practical applications, providing valuable insights for anyone interested in how AI can enhance ministry work. Tune in to learn how AI can be a powerful tool, provided it's used with integrity and purpose.

Below are links to the applications mentioned in this episode:

PulpitAI - https://pulpitai.com/

Sermon shots - https://sermonshots.com/

Opusclip - https://www.opus.pro/

Church.tech - https://church.tech/

ChatGPT - https://openai.com/index/chatgpt/

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This week Rev. Daniel Hawkins welcomes Rev. DeDe Jones to discuss her new book and single by the same name, “Blame It On Jesus."  As they dive into the chapters of the book, DeDe shares her personal story, insights on embracing outsiders and misfits and the transformational impact of Wesleyan theology in modern worship music. They also talk about the challenges and fulfillment of serving diverse congregations and the evolving landscape of the United Methodist Church. To learn more about “Blame It On Jesus,” visit llumc.org/loverslaneworship.

To buy the book “Blame it on Jesus” https://a.co/d/hv1u3Qo

For more content from the Horizon Texas Conference, follow our social media channels! 

Facebook - @HTCUMC Instagram - @HTCUMC TikTok - @horizontxumc YouTube - @htcumc Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference 

***Disclaimer*** Suicide is a topic of conversation in this episode, which can be distressing. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation or a mental health crisis, we encourage you to reach out to one of the following resources:

Suicide Hotline - call or text 988 

Resources and other hotlines can be found on the National Alliance in Mental Illness (NAMI) website:  https://nami.org/ 

As we move closer to the holiday season, Rev. Daniel Hawkins explores with Rev. Dr. April Bristow and Rev. Dawn Anderson both the joy and the heavy weight this season can bring for many of us. Our conversation centers on how to support those navigating grief and loss, offering caring advice and resources to help individuals and communities find hope and purpose. Hear powerful personal stories, compassionate insights and practical steps to provide comfort during this emotional time. Visit offerhopenow.com for more resources and join us on this journey toward healing and renewal this holiday season. 

Rev. Dr. April Bristow will lead a Zoom session about “Surviving Christmas and Divorce.” For more information, visit: https://ntcumc.org/calendar-event?id=737 

Rev. Dr. April Bristow will also lead her 8-week class “Becoming One Again” in January 2025 at Highland Park UMC and online. 

Rev. Dawn Anderson will lead a zoom Session “Surviving Christmas with Grief and Loss” on December 9. For more information, visit: https://ntcumc.org/calendar-event?id=736 

For more content from the Horizon Texas Conference, follow our social media channels! 

Facebook - @HTCUMC Instagram - @HTCUMC TikTok - @horizontxumc YouTube - @htcumc Spotify - Horizon Texas Conference 

As the season of Advent approaches, it’s important to remember that for some, this time of year brings to the surface broken relationships, mental wellness struggles and painful experiences of grief and loss. This week, Rev. Daniel Hawkins speaks with Rev. Madison Boboltz from First United Methodist Church of Arlington about how her church has been addressing grief and loss in their community through their Empty Mangers Retreat. They discuss the significance of creating a compassionate space, the process behind planning meaningful events and the importance of collaborating across churches in the Horizon Texas Conference.

Remembering loss during the holiday season is especially difficult, and this free event is open to anyone, man or woman, who is grieving this type of loss, as well as those who would like to learn more about this area of caring and healing ministries. To Learn more and to sign up visit: firstumcarlington.churchcenter.com/calendar/event/170192093

https://www.gatheringhope.net/suckysisterhood The Sucky Sisterhood Podcast (formerly Slaying The Stigma) is a series focused on changing the narrative of pregnancy and infant loss, one mother at a time.

Join us on this episode of POD Strangely Warm, where we talk about the rich traditions and impactful experiences at Bridgeport’s Midwinter Camp. Host Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by CJ Rice, Hailey and Leo, who share personal stories of how their faith has grown at Bridgeport Camp. From the transformative worship at the hilltop cross to the fun and unique camp activities, this episode delves into how camping ministries shape faith and foster deep connections among young people. To sign up for Midwinter, visit: https://www.bridgeportcamp.org/rentals/ntcumc-retreats/ 

Today is Election Day, and whether you’re on your way to vote or waiting on the results, tune in to hear Rev. Daniel Hawkins sit down with Rev. Joe Stobaugh from University Park United Methodist Church and Rev. Marilyn Jones from First United Methodist in Stephenville. The conversation delves into the challenges of maintaining respectful discourse and the profound impact of small, intentional acts of kindness during election season and beyond. Learn about their church’s initiatives to promote unity and understanding, including a unique kindness bingo game.