In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, host Rev. Daniel Hawkins welcomes Rev. Rob Spencer and Rev. Tim Bruster from Cultiv8 Community for a conversation about transformation, restoration, and the surprising impact of small beginnings. Together they explore how a single monarch butterfly helped spark a movement that now shapes communities, reconnects people to the land, and invites children, churches, and neighbors to take part in restoring life-giving habitats. Through school partnerships, camp experiences, and a refuge for rest and renewal, Cultiv8 is creating space where hope can take root and generations can thrive.

https://www.cultiv8community.org/

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On this week's episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Dean Bryan P. Stone of SMU Perkins School of Theology to talk about the future of theological education in the United Methodist Church and what formation looks like in a changing world. They explore the role congregations play in shaping disciples, why the classroom still matters, and how theological education can prepare leaders for ministry both inside and beyond the local church. Along the way, Dean Stone shares insight from his recent book on horror cinema and how the stories we tell reveal what we fear, value, and hope for as people of faith.

Links Mentioned:

Dr. Stone's Book https://www.amazon.com/Christianity-Horror-Routledge-Studies-Religion/dp/1032968400

Chris Boyd's Think interview on Halloween. https://think.kera.org/2025/10/31/the-christian-core-of-horror-movies/

Perkins School of Theology https://www.smu.edu/perkins

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The work of reaching our neighbors isn't about programs or perfect plans — it's about moments of courage, curiosity, and hope.

On this week's episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Stacey Piyakhun as she shares stories from the recent Reaching Our Neighbors Masterclasses about how churches across the conference are finding new and creative ways to connect with their communities.

Sometimes the most meaningful evangelism happens over a fence, at a dinner table, or in a simple act of kindness.

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Can people of faith really enjoy Halloween?

In this special episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Matt Ybanez and producer Dustin Kaps to talk about what happens when good faithful Christians admit they actually love Halloween. From childhood costume mishaps to neighborhood haunted houses, their stories move from funny to meaningful as they reflect on how moments of celebration can draw us closer to one another and the communities we serve.

They also explore how All Hallows Eve celebrates creativity and gives us a healthy way to deal with grief and the loss of our loved ones. Through laughter and reflection, they uncover how the church can embrace the season as a time to honor life, memory, and imagination. And yes, there's a "Best, Worst or Weirdest" section filled with plenty of tricks or treats.

Whether you decorate your yard with scary skeletons or hand out candy at trunk-r-treat, this episode is a reminder that faith and fun don't have to be opposites. Sometimes celebrating together is the holiest thing we can do.

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What if healing your body is also a way of healing your faith? In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Nicole Melrose of Conventional Wisdom to explore how embodiment, breath, and spiritual awareness help us reconnect with God and one another.

Nicole shares how slowing down, tuning in, and understanding our own nervous systems can open the door to peace, presence, and deeper community. Together, they discuss polyvagal theory, somatic prayer, and how the church itself can be a space of co-regulation and healing.

"We're always healing, and our bodies are always moving toward a miracle." — Nicole Melrose

This conversation reminds us that healing doesn't happen alone — it happens in relationship, in worship, and in every moment we remember that our bodies, too, are part of God's good creation.

htcumc.org/embodied-leadership

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How can churches and schools work together to make a lasting difference in the lives of kids? In this week's episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Tabitha Branum, District Superintendent of Richardson ISD, and Robert Grinsfelder, co-leader of the Children First ministry at First UMC Richardson.

Together, they share how intentional partnerships between churches and schools move beyond one-time projects to become real relationships that support teachers, strengthen communities, and invest in every child, every day. From stocking classrooms to mentoring students to showing up with consistency, these stories highlight the power of faith communities when they step up to champion public schools.

"Being a good partner begins with being a good listener."

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What does it mean to live out your faith in one of the most competitive industries in the world? In this episode of Pod Strangely Warmed, we sit down with Greg Lyons, a film producer and member of First UMC Richardson, to talk about vocation, creativity, and how following Jesus shapes a career in Hollywood.

Greg also shares the story behind Light of the World, a new 2D animated feature film based on the Gospel of John that's heading to theaters worldwide. More than just a movie, it's a ministry project designed to share the gospel through story and art.

"Success now isn't about how much money a project makes, it's about how many hearts it can change."

Join us for a conversation about calling, creativity, and the hope that shines through when faith meets film.

https://lightoftheworld.com/

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Immigration isn't just about policy — it's about people, families, and faith. In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins sits down with Rev. Amy Spaur and Rev. Faiana Prescott Funaki to share stories that highlight the lived realities of immigration within the church. Together they reflect on how communities of faith live with courage and resilience, and how the church is called to embrace grace and belonging.

As Rev. Amy Spaur reminds us, "Immigrants are us. They are faithful people with families, with hopes and dreams. And they are us. And I am them."

Be part of the movement. Join us at the Immigration Advocacy Symposium on September 21st at Grace Avenue UMC in Frisco. Explore how faith communities can respond with justice, hospitality, and hope. Details and registration: htcumc.org/immigration-advocacy-symposium

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A year ago, Rev. Johnny Brower of First UMC Hurst and Rev. Ramiro Rodriguez of City Point UMC joined Rev. Daniel Hawkins to share what they were excited about and how they were stepping into leadership in their first weeks at new churches. Now they're back — 13 months later — to reflect on the wins, the struggles, the surprises, and what they've learned along the way.

From building trust and belonging, to navigating leadership challenges (and yes, even a run-in with a less-than-jolly Santa), this conversation is equal parts honest, hopeful, and hilarious.

As Rev. Brower notes about that first season in a new church: "You can only watch and learn for so long before it's time to lead."

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When a pastor is appointed to a new church, the whole family feels the shift. In this episode of POD Strangely Warmed, Rev. Daniel Hawkins is joined by Rev. Dr. Edgar Bazan and Rev. David Lessner as they share how they've stepped into new ministry contexts while keeping their families rooted in familiar communities. They reflect on what it means to show up fully in both church and home life—and how churches can play a vital role in helping pastors and their families thrive during seasons of transition.

"The churches didn't just welcome me, they made sure my family felt like they belonged." -Rev. David Lessner

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