Two expectant women, one old and one young, both wondering why God would choose them, yet both filled with joy ... that’s where we find ourselves on this last Sunday of Advent. Karin and Blake are always asking, “Where are we with Jesus this week?” Well, technically, he’s there too! Listen in to experience the joy that Mary and Elizabeth share as they come together in support of one another away from all the chaos and watching eyes. How could two women in such unexpected circumstances possibly feel so blessed? Perhaps you’ll come away with a few ideas for feeling blessed and blessing others yourself.

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Intro and Outro music used with permission:

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected]

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

“Boundaries are what makes relationships possible,” argues Tony Chvala-Smith in the second part of this Extra Shot episode where he and Charmaine sit down with host, Blake Smith, to talk about the importance of boundaries for establishing our identity ... as a church community as well as personally. You may think the Community of Christ has lost its distinctives, but in reality, we have actually been reconnecting with some of our core distinctives ... the most important of which is to “uniquely, distinctively, persuasively, compellingly, ... bear witness to the center point, Jesus Christ.” (Tony)

Mormon and Protestant Boundaries

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Intro and Outro music used with permission:

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected]

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

Establishing one’s true identity and living in that identity may require the creation of boundaries.  How can one know who they are without, in some circumstances, knowing who they are not? The Reorganization has faced some identity challenges over the years as a result of its shared history with the Mormon church and the tendency of its membership to draw on sources that don’t necessarily align with the church’s stated beliefs. In part one of this two-part Extra Shot episode, Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith set out to explain why establishing boundaries can be important if not outright necessary.

Mormon and Protestant Boundaries

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Intro and Outro music used with permission:

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected]

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

Unlike Micah, who responded politely when asked what God required of those who would follow, John the Baptist didn’t mince words or waste time worrying about people’s feelings.  He simply laid it on the line ... for everyone. Repent and change your ways. Quit putting yourself first. Take what’s yours, only what’s yours, and be happy. As we come close to Christmas and the arrival of the Christchild, join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a closer look at John’s instructions for being ready to be drawn toward the Divine Presence. 

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Intro and Outro music used with permission:

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected]

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

Not everyone who wants a meaningful relationship with God wants a relationship with church. As a matter of fact, a growing number of people who identify as “spiritual but not religious” have no desire for such a relationship... at least not as it is currently understood by most “churchy” people. Listen in to this Extra Shot episode as Karin Peter talks about the people and things with which this group does connect. Find out where their interests lie, and why the church may be missing the mark.  Don’t worry, Karin will offer some suggestions to get us on track with this very justice-minded community.

Recommended text for more information:
Colin Woodard, American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North, Penguin Books, September 25, 2012. 

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Intro and Outro music used with permission:

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected]

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

Zombie Apocalypse? Nope, there’s nothing you can do about a Zombie Apocalypse ... but there are things we can do about the climate crisis. In this episode of Say What?, hosts Mary Anne and Kassie, sit down with one of the members of the World Church Human Rights team that crafted G-11: Climate Emergency Call to Action. Listen in to get a better understanding of why it’s such an important issue, and what the Human Rights Team hopes to accomplish through this legislation. See how the lives of millions are being affected even now ... while you’re reading these show notes.

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Intro and Outro music used with permission:

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected]

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

Lions and tigers and bears, Oh My! Wait. Scratch that.  How about, “sacredness, energy, and divine presence?” Maybe the wilderness isn’t so bad after all! Grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage and join host Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a look into how “the voice crying out in the wilderness,” wasn’t running from large scary animals, but rather towards the hope that was to come. In the words of Rod Stewart, “People get ready.” That is what Advent is all about anyway, isn’t it?

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Intro and Outro music used with permission:

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected]

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

What do history, balloon animals, and crocheting have in common? They are areas of interest for the guest of this episode of Coffee in the Swarm. That’s right, it’s time to head back to “the Swarm” for a cup of coffee and a sit down with Nicole Sherer of Woodbine, IA.  Get a sense of the energy that Nicole has for Graceland and the church. Walk away with a renewed hope for what is yet to come.

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Intro and Outro music used with permission:

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected]

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

In this episode of Awaken to God’s Presence, evangelist Cathy Batey is back with another guided meditation to ignite our imaginations, prompt our listening for the Divine, and prepare us for Advent and Christmas.  Prepare to encounter Jesus as you wander through a snow-covered winter wonderland. Don’t worry, your imagination controls the temperature. Come expectantly, ready to receive the gift that God has for you in this moment...a gift that may be meant for you to give to someone else.  Take time to breathe in peace. Don’t rush. Quiet time with God is always a blessing.

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Intro and Outro music used with permission:

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected]

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

It’s a new liturgical year, and we’re still journeying with Jesus.  As we enter the Advent season, we are reminded of God’s gracious welcome and hospitality ... full of justice and mercy. From interpersonal division to wars between nations, our world is full of chaos, there are those who would like us to think that the end of the world is coming and that THIS is “the generation that will not pass.” But we know that God is with us, and because we have experienced God’s gracious hospitality in our lives, we are called the ones to speak hope and trust in God’s promises... to share God’s hospitality with all. Now is not the time to give in. Now is the time to light our “candles” and let them shine for all the world to see.

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Intro and Outro music used with permission:

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected]

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.