Heath Robinson is a student attending Troy University in Troy, Alabama. He also worships with us here at St. Matthias Anglican Church. Far too many clergy and elders in the church dismiss the upcoming generations as "snowflakes" or clueless rebels instead of engaging them in meaningful dialogue. In our church, we've had the privilege to facilitate deep conversations about life, faith, and the "hot button" topics of the day with young people, and it seemed good to have one of those exchanges here so you join us on this journey. 

In my conversation with Troy Fountain, owner of "Downtown Books" in Dothan, Alabama. This was our first time to chat and we discovered "it's a small world after all," having far more in common than we could have imagined. We discussed the charming bookstore that he has operated for four years now, the need for physical books and people passionate for reading, plus our shared experiences in Christian ministry. Troy's primary occupation, however, is with the Wiregrass Foundation which pursues a mission of community engagement, and he shared all the good accomplished through that organization. 

I sat down with Kerry Farrell, owner/operator of "The Thirsty Pig" in Dothan, a local family-friendly pub. Kerry shares her story leading up to starting the bar, why it comes from a place of hospitality. We discuss why God seemingly gives the "gift of hospitality" to people so that vital connections can be facilitated.

Years ago, my sister, Gaylene Tupen, had read the book "Cultish" by Amanda Montell. That book had since been the catalyst to a series of conversations Gaylene and I enjoyed over time about some of the quirky religious experiences we remember from our youth. Eventually she agreed to talk about this here for others to enjoy as well. We talk about the use of special language to identify "insiders" and the use of fear as a control mechanism; tendencies that can grow into "religious malpractice" if left unchecked. 

Fr. Aaron talks with Mark Saliba, the Mayor of Dothan, Alabama. We discussed the rigors of city government, his family story that prepared him for such responsibility, and the benefits of being in a town of "just the right size." We touched on the history and character of Dothan, where its commercial success is growing, and why it's important to listen to people. 

Fr. Aaron talks with Susan Anderson, the Executive Director of the Wiregrass Hope Pregnancy Center in Dothan, Alabama. Our conversation ranged from the history and development of that ministry, to Susan's journey in becoming the Executive Director. Along the way we discussed strategies for assisting not only young women in crisis, but young men as well. Counseling strategies differ among organizations, but the goal for all of them is to see people made whole as they chose life for the children coming into the world. 

Fr. Aaron talks with Darlene Ott, an immigrant from the Philippines,  naturalized as a U.S. citizen just months after we were married. We discuss her experience going through the legal immigration process, why it differs so much from illegal migration (which has been a contentious political topic for 30 years), and how the steps in joining American society have parallels in how Christians assimilate into the Christian community. Some of the other themes that arise include the challenges related to religious choice in the U.S., and why boundaries on choice are helpful for addressing the anxiety that comes from too many options. 

Our inaugural episode of "Porch Talk with Fr. Aaron" at Saint Matthias Anglican Church in Dothan, AL. We WILL work out the kinks and get better at our presentation, but as out first try, this conversation was too important not to post. 

Fr. Aaron talks with Tyler Jahraus, a student at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, about the book "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. 

We discuss ways to look at family trauma in light of the 5th Commandment to "Honor your father and your mother," acknowledging how difficult that might be for some with generational trauma from abuse or other circumstances.