Restoring Our City

Chances are, you've attended church in your pajamas at least once over the past year and a half. But what if virtual church becomes the norm? 

Jeswin, Bijoy, and Jobbin discuss their experiences with virtual church, and whether this model can be viable in the future. No avatars were used in the making of this episode...yet.   

Be sure to check out the questions and poll to let us know your thoughts via Spotify!

Graphics by:

• Claire Skelly – “Sears/Willis Tower” ·
• Alexander Skowalsky – “Chicago”
• Theresa Stoodley – “Chicago” from The Noun Project

Music: Jazzy Abstract Beat by Coma- Media from Pixabay

New Year, New You? What happens when the expectations we set for ourselves don't often align with God's plan for us? We kick off Season 4 with our sights set on what a whole new year and new season will bring.

Speaking of new, we've got new co-hosts this year in Jeswin Thomas and Bijoy Samuel as they share some insights into waiting well, and setting the right expectations over resolutions in the new year. Another year of candid conversations on todays topics to help connect our community is coming your way in Season 4!

Graphics by:

• Claire Skelly – “Sears/Willis Tower” ·
• Alexander Skowalsky – “Chicago”
• Theresa Stoodley – “Chicago” from The Noun Project

Music: Jazzy Abstract Beat by Coma- Media from Pixabay

Another season in the books! Jeswin and Jobbin recap the touchy subjects we've covered over the past season, along with addressing listener submitted questions! We also may have insulted the Cowboys.

We loved hearing from our listeners, so please keep submitting those questions and we look forward to bringing you new content, great guests, and positive conversations to help Restore Our City next season! 

Should we have stayed? Should we have left earlier? There are so many tough questions to answer when it comes to America's longest war and our presence in Afghanistan. In light of the recent events and exit from the country, what we have left is a nation with polarized opinions. More importantly, we have another nation in the midst of chaos.  

Jeswin and Jobbin review the complicated issue of ending a war, and how we as a church should think critically about the tough decision of Leaving Afghanistan.

When it comes to polarizing topics, conversations revolving the COVID-19 vaccine might be at the top of most lists. With around 50% of the US population vaccinated at this point in August 2021, the country has clearly voiced several opinions on whether to take the shot or not. 

In this episode, Jeswin Thomas and Jobbin Varghese critically think through the question of taking the vaccine, the assumptions and thoughts behind the choices people make. Instead of diminishing opposing views, we take a look at the reasoning behind them to come to more logical conclusions. Let's stop arguing and start analyzing. 

*Please do not take any info from this episode as medical advice. Consult with your doctor before making any medical decisions. 

Don't knock it till you've thought about it....critically.   

In the South Asian culture, it's no secret how families love to set people up. This comes from the historical practice of arranged marriages. But with a generation living in a Western culture and very different relationship practices, the opinions on arranged marriage have been wide spread. Jeswin and Jobbin take a critically thoughtful approach to arranged marriage- the opinions, assumptions, and some of the data around it to see if you can truly arrange love at first sight.

In a polarizing world, it's easy to dismiss other views and demonize people who don't agree with you. That's why it's important to think critically on issues in society today. Not just to prove a point, but to be better unified as a community. 

In this new series, Jeswin Thomas and Jobbin Varghese discuss a variety of topics that have multiple opinions, but try to approach them by thinking critically. 

Let's stop arguing and start analyzing more. 

This year has been tough for the Asian American community with the recent uptick in attacks over the past year. Outside of just acts of violence, hurtful comments seem to be the norm when disparaging people within this culture. Alvin Mathew and Toby Kurian join us on this episode to review some of the insensitive comments made towards minorities, and how its relatable to the communities we grew up in. 

We would love to hear your feedback, and let us know your thoughts by dropping us a message via our "hotline" at Anchor.fm/restoringourcity

Imagine getting beat up, clawed at, kicked, and punched by someone half your size. Welcome to the world of being a dad. After celebrating another Father's Day, we are joined by 4 brown dads: Joel Varghese, Steve Chacko, Toby Kurian, and Jobbin Varghese to discuss Fatherhood- the best and toughest parts.   

We also discuss the importance of the father figure role on society and how we as a community can participate whether we are parents or not. Lots of laughs along with important life lessons in this episode!

We try really hard to avoid saying anything dumb on this episode in hopes that our future selves won’t get cancelled 🤷🏾‍♂️     

But in today’s society, what we say and do, and even how we treat each other is so polarized that there is a culture that seeks to cancel differing opinions. Josh Kuruvilla and Alvin Mathew join Jobbin as we talk about how our community should navigate the tricky waters of cancel culture. 

Check out the latest episode of the Restoring Our City podcast streaming now!