Grace in the Rearview Mirror

We are honored to have the Reverend Mary Luck Stanley, Episcopal priest and newly-published co-author of "Grace in the Rearview Mirror," which offers perspectives on finding God in the everyday, from four women Episcopal priests who are married to Episcopal priests.

Highlights

00:00 Grace in the Rearview Mirror

00:00 Intro

01:13 How the Book Came into Being

02:53 Theme of the Book

05:46 What Have You Learned from this Experience?

11:32 How It Felt to Recall Painful Memories

14:50 Deeper Understanding of God

17:34 Book Groups and Questions

19:48 Writing and a Personal Journey

22:41 Sources of Inspiration

23:46 Where to Get the Book

23:59 Authors Will "Zoom" to Your Book Group

25:01 Thanks

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
• Grace in the Rearview Mirror available on Amazon

Mary Luck Stanley graduated from Texas A&M and the Church Divinity School of the Pacific. She has been an Episcopal priest since 1997 and is currently serving as co-rector of Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Baltimore. Mary is one of four co-authors of the book, "Grace in the Rearview Mirror: Four Women Priests on Brokenness, Belonging, and the Beauty of God."

Listening for Clues is pleased to present our new series, "Good News!" featuring weekly conversations with people who are making a difference, large or small. We want everyone to know what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how. So, our listeners and viewers can experience the good news and go out and make a difference themselves.

Listening for Clues invites you into conversations that discover clues, rather than solutions to life’s problems. Join the journey with Jon Shematek and Lauren Welch, Episcopal deacons, as we explore whatever lies ahead. Check our website Listening for Clues.

© 2025 Listening for Clues

A Journey to Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging

We are honored to have the Rev. Dr. Brandt Montgomery speak with us about his call to ministry and experiences as a school chaplain, and his key role in bringing to life a program that promotes diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging at Saint James School, an Episcopal boarding school in western Maryland.

Highlights:

[00:00:00] INTRO 

[00:01:41] Being the Chaplain at St. James School 

[00:04:16] Relationships 

[00:06:10] Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging 

[00:11:08] Surprises Along the Way 

[00:15:51] Call to Priesthood 

[00:20:43] Being a Priest Who Happens to be Black 

[00:23:23] Learning from History 

[00:24:36] Learn More or Contact Brandt 

[00:25:03] St.Mark's, Lappans 

[00:26:28] Thanks

The Rev. Dr. Brandt Montgomery is the Chaplain of Saint James School in Hagerstown, Maryland, having previously served at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Lafayette, Louisiana as Chaplain of Ascension Episcopal School from 2014-2017, then as Associate Rector and All-School Chaplain from 2017-2019. From 2012-2014, Fr. Montgomery was the Curate at Canterbury Episcopal Chapel and Student Center at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

Fr. Montgomery’s scholarly interests lie in the areas of American religious history, Episcopal Church history, the Oxford Movement and Anglo-Catholicism, the Civil Rights Movement, and practical theology.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church
• Saint James School
• Listening for Clues | On the Journey with Jon and Lauren

Listening for Clues is pleased to present our new series, "Good News!" featuring weekly conversations with people who are making a difference, large or small. We want everyone to know what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how. So, our listeners and viewers can experience the good news and go out and make a difference themselves.

Listening for Clues invites you into conversations that discover clues, rather than solutions to life’s problems. Join the journey with Jon Shematek and Lauren Welch, Episcopal deacons, as we explore whatever lies ahead. Check our website Listening for Clues.

© 2025 Listening for Clues

Project Linus: Blankets for Children in Crisis

We are honored to have Kay Belzner , a volunteer with Project LInus, here with us today. Project Linus provides handmade blankets to children 0-18 in the United States who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need.

Highlights:

[00:00:00] Intro  

[00:01:07] How Kay got started with Project Linus 

[00:02:15] How does Project LInus work? 

[00:04:00] Stories 

[00:06:54] Personal Relationship with God 

[00:09:25] Obstacles 

[00:10:44] A Community

[00:11:43] What skills are needed to do this?  

[00:16:03] How to get more information and help 

[00:19:38] Thanks

Kay Belzner is a retired elementary school counselor, married to Husband Chuck, live in Baltimore County; she enjoys reading, sewing and knitting for charity, gardening, crafting, finding ways to help those in need, exploring and deepening her relationship with God.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• FaceBook Project Linus
• Home - Project Linus
• Listening for Clues | On the Journey with Jon and Lauren

Listening for Clues is pleased to present our new series, "Good News!" featuring weekly conversations with people who are making a difference, large or small. We want everyone to know what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how. So, our listeners and viewers can experience the good news and go out and make a difference themselves.

Listening for Clues invites you into conversations that discover clues, rather than solutions to life’s problems. Join the journey with Jon Shematek and Lauren Welch, Episcopal deacons, as we explore whatever lies ahead. Check our website Listening for Clues.

© 2025 Listening for Clues

Well for the Journey

In this episode, Greg talks about Well for the Journey, a spiritual wellness center in Lutherville, MD. The various programs offered in different formats and settings are focused on spiritual well-being, and center on the sacred conversation between the Spirit and a person's spirit, with the aim of bringing transformation and healing to the world. Changing the world, one person at a time, one heart at a time.

We are honored to have Greg Cochran as our guest on this episode. Greg Cochran is Executive Director at a spiritual wellness center, Well for the Journey, in Lutherville, Maryland. He is a program/retreat facilitator and a spiritual companion. Greg is currently a staff member of Shalem Institute’s Spiritual Guidance Program in D.C. and a mentor in Paseo’s Spiritual Guidance Program in Idaho. He recently completed his service as Associate Pastor at Woodbrook Baptist Church (1988-2022). Greg is a graduate of Clemson University and Southern Seminary. He and his wife, Carole, live in Baltimore. They have two children (26 and 24). Greg is a hiker, photographer, woodworker, and loves being with family – and is always desiring to be open and listening for the invitation of the Spirit.

Highlights:

[00:00:00] Intro 

[00:01:45] How did Well for the Journey get started? 

[00:04:59] How has the Spirit surprised you? 

[00:06:05] A Model for Listening 

[00:08:16] What is Spiritual Wellness? 

[00:10:15] Challenges  

[00:12:58] Faith and Trust 

[00:13:26] Moving Into the Surrounding Communities 

[00:16:07] Expanding the Reach and Impact 

[00:17:37] Hope for the World 

[00:19:12] How someone can participate in or support Well for the Journey 

[00:20:47] Thanks 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Well for the Journey – A Spiritual Wellness Center in Lutherville, MD

Listening for Clues is pleased to present our new series, "Good News!" featuring weekly conversations with people who are making a difference, large or small. We want everyone to know what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how. So, our listeners and viewers can experience the good news and go out and make a difference themselves.

Listening for Clues invites you into conversations that discover clues, rather than solutions to life’s problems. Join the journey with Jon Shematek and Lauren Welch, Episcopal deacons, as we explore whatever lies ahead. Check our website Listening for Clues.

© 2025 Listening for Clues

Healing Through Music with Drum Dr. Dot

We are honored to have Dr. Dorothy Adamson Holley (aka Drum Dr. Dot) as our guest today. In this episode, Drum Dr. Dot talks about Drumetry, her creation in which she merges poetry with African drumming. Her story highlights the healing, transformative, unifying power of all music, and particularly the rhythmic music of the African drum. We are especially treated to a performance of her original Drumetry piece, "Enough."

Dr. Dorothy Adamson Holley, aka Drum Dr. Dot, is a Developmental Psychologist and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who integrates psychology and spirituality in clinical practice. She is the Founder and psychotherapist of Breathe Holistic Counseling, and she specializes in working with clients who have not responded well to traditional treatment. Dr. Holley is the creator of Drumetry™, an art form that integrates African drumming and poetry. She is an author, recording artist, songwriter, vocalist, percussionist, dancer, harmonicist, and Healer Through Music. Dr. Holley is a proud member of the Baltimore-based band, Roses n Rust.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Dorothy's Website

NYAME NTI CULTURAL HEALING ARTS THERAPY, INC ...

Roses n Rust Band

Dorothy's Facebook page

@drumdrdot on Instagram

Dorothy on YouTube

Listening for Clues is pleased to present our new series, "Good News!" featuring weekly conversations with people who are making a difference, large or small. We want everyone to know what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how. So, our listeners and viewers can experience the good news and go out and make a difference themselves.

Listening for Clues invites you into conversations that discover clues, rather than solutions to life’s problems. Join the journey with Jon Shematek and Lauren Welch, Episcopal deacons, as we explore whatever lies ahead. Check our website Listening for Clues.

© 2025 Listening for Clues

Listening for Clues is pleased to present our new series, "Good News!" featuring weekly conversations with people who are making a difference, large or small. We want everyone to know what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how. So, our listeners and viewers can experience the good news and go out and make a difference themselves.

Making a Difference for Syrian Refugees in Southeastern Turkey

We are honored to have Jeff Hual as our guest for this episode, a story of friendship and collaboration between two faithful persons, one a Muslim and the other a Christian..

The Reverend Jeff Hual is an Episcopal priest serving at All Hallows Parish in the Diocese of Maryland. Together with his longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Hakan Gulerce, Jeff works as an advocate for the rights and needs of Syrian refugees in Southeastern Turkey, a migrant group whom the world has largely forgotten and who for the most part live in the most dire circumstances.

Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction and Welcome 

[00:00:50] Why the Program Started 

[00:06:38] Donations Begin to Make a Real Difference 

[00:09:13] Near Eastern Approach to Problems: All About Relationships 

[00:10:11] Challenges Along the Way 

[00:11:25] This Program is Based on Love

[00:14:29] Barriers 

[00:17:04] How is Fundraising Going? 

[00:18:13] The Holy Spirit at Work 

[00:20:25] How Can People Help? 

[00:21:53] How to Reach Fr. Hual 

[00:22:53] Thanks

For more information or to contact Fr. Hual:

Jeff's Website

Jeff's Facebook page

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• 10 Years In, Explore the Syrian Conflict in These FRONTLINE Docs
• Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri
• Listening for Clues | On the Journey with Jon and Lauren

Listening for Clues invites you into conversations that discover clues, rather than solutions to life’s problems. Join the journey with Jon Shematek and Lauren Welch, Episcopal deacons, as we explore whatever lies ahead. Check our website Listening for Clues.

© 2025 Listening for Clues

SLYC: St. Luke's Youth Center

SLYC is a collaborative of West Baltimore families working together to provide youth with critical resources, life-enriching experiences, and a safety-net of support.

We are honored to welcome our guest, Amanda Talbot . Amanda Gardner Talbot serves as director of St. Luke's Youth Center (SLYC), a nonprofit organization in West Baltimore. SLYC empowers and employs local residents to develop programs that address the specific needs of their community. SLYC fosters civic engagement, advances education, creates economic opportunities and nurtures individuals' self-direction.

Highlights:

00:00:00] Introduction 

[00:01:49] SLYC: Beginnings 

[00:03:41] The Community 

[00:08:09] Challenges? 

[00:10:44] Surprises? 

[00:12:38] Community as Church 

[00:16:51] Camp Imagination 

[00:18:27] Role of Arts and Music in Lives of the Children 

[00:20:22] How Can People Help and Get Involved? 

[00:24:44] Future Plans 

[00:27:17] How Nonprofits and Churches Can Work Together 

[00:29:14] Thanks

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• SLYC Website
• Listening for Clues | On the Journey with Jon and Lauren

Listening for Clues is pleased to present our new series, "Good News!" featuring weekly conversations with people who are making a difference, large or small. We want everyone to know what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how. So, our listeners and viewers can experience the good news and go out and make a difference themselves.

Listening for Clues invites you into conversations that discover clues, rather than solutions to life’s problems. Join the journey with Jon Shematek and Lauren Welch, Episcopal deacons, as we explore whatever lies ahead. Check our website Listening for Clues.

© 2025 Listening for Clues

Listening for Clues is pleased to present our new series, "Good News!" featuring weekly conversations with people who are making a difference, large or small. We want everyone to know what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how. So, our listeners and viewers can experience the good news and go out and make a difference themselves.

Kenya Connect: Support for Education in Rural Kenya

We are honored to have Sharon Runge as our guest in this episode. Dr. Sharon Runge is Executive of Kenya Connect (USA) a non-profit working in rural Kenya with the mission of enriching and engaging students and teachers with 21st century skills through a robust array of programs at 63 partner government schools. In this position, Sharon works with the Kenyan led staff to develop partnerships, raise funds, develop and expand programs and lead volunteer trips.

In this episode, we meet Sharon Runge, Executive Director of Kenya Connect (USA) as she introduces us to the amazing work her organization is doing in Kenya. While focused on improving the educational experience for impoverished students, Kenya Connect takes a broad, holistic view of the various support systems needed to improve and maintain learning. Sharon discusses the central role of establishing relationships with their key Kenyan counterparts, who are responsible for adapting the program to be culturally appropriate. She speaks from the heart about the needs of the people and how volunteers and donors can make a real difference in their lives. A truly inspiring story, and a mission worthy of support.

Highlights:

[00:00:00] Welcome 

[00:00:28] Introducing Sharon Runge 

[00:01:28] How did you become interested in Kenya Connect? 

[00:03:21] Expanding the mission 

[00:07:07] How was Kenya Connect accepted initially? 

[00:09:12] Developing Relationships 

[00:10:14] What do volunteers do in Kenya? 

[00:13:08] What obstacles have you encountered? 

[00:15:09] A Story of Faith 

[00:16:58] The Girl Boy Empowerment Program

[00:21:34] An amazing staff in Kenya 

[00:22:32] How to help 

[00:25:54] Thanks

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Sharon's Website

Sharon's Facebook page

Sharon on YouTube

@KenyaConnect on X

@kenya_connect on Instagram

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/kenya-connect/

© 2025 Listening for Clues

Listening for Clues is pleased to present our new series, "Good News!" featuring weekly conversations with people who are making a difference, large or small. We want everyone to know what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how. So, our listeners and viewers can experience the good news and go out and make a difference themselves.

Spiritual Direction with Peter Watkins

We are honored to have Peter Watkins as our guest for this episode. Peter Watkins, M.Div. is a spiritual director, retreat leader, and faculty member at Sacred Ground Center for Spirituality, a school for the formation of aspiring spiritual directors. He has taught graduate level classes in Old Testament theology and adolescent psychology and spirituality, and has co-authored a high school textbook, Guarding the Fire: A Spiritual Guide for Young Men through Good Ground Press. He is also certified to give the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. As a former high school philosophy and theology teacher of thirty years he especially loved leading student justice trips to Guatemala and pilgrimages on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Peter is a life-long runner, father of three sons, and loves playing the guitar and banjo.

In this episode, our guest Peter Watkins talks about a "best-kept secret," Spiritual Direction: what it is, and what it is not. He covers the practical matters from finding a Spiritual Director/Companion to what a session might include. He also provides special insight into the Ignatian way of doing Spiritual Direction.

Highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction 

[00:01:43] What is Spiritual Direction? 

[00:04:04] How Did You Get Started as a Spiritual Director?  

[00:06:16] Being a Spiritual Director is a Call from God 

[00:07:45] Surprises in Spiritual Direction 

[00:09:58] Ignatian Spiritual Direction: One Way 

[00:13:25] Finding a Spiritual Director 

[00:15:01] How Often to Meet Your Spiritual Director 

[00:15:44] What Happens in Spiritual Direction? 

[00:18:47] Formation for Spiritual Directors 

[00:21:12] What People Talk About in Spiritual Direction 

[00:25:45] Contact Information and Thanks

Resources mentioned in this episode:

CLICK --> Peter's Website

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

• SDI - The Home of Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Companionship
• Sacred Ground Center for Spirituality
• Peter's Book: Guarding the Fire: A Spiritual Guide for Young Men
• Listening for Clues | On the Journey with Jon and Lauren

© 2025 Listening for Clues

Pathways to College for Refugees

We are pleased to welcome our guest Daniel Jacoby, who is Assistant Director of the Episcopal Refugee and Immigrant Center Alliance (ERICA), affiliated with the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Baltimore, MD. Daniel discusses his early experience with helping Afghan refugees gain admission to several Baltimore-area colleges to complete their education after fleeing Afghanistan’s Taliban regime.

Before becoming the Assistant Director of ERICA, Daniel had a career in teaching high school history. He worked in schools in Czechoslovakia, Finland and Israel -- and, for the previous 20 years, in Baltimore.

Topics Discussed:

00:00 Pathways to College

00:00 Introduction

01:03 How it started

04:40 How did colleges react?

06:36 Non-academic needs

08:28 Some stories

10:16 How has this affected you personally?

12:41 What has surprised you?

14:09 How can people help?

16:23 Any final words?

17:32 Thanks to all

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Directions | Cathedral of the Incarnation
• Listening for Clues | On the Journey with Jon and Lauren
• Episcopal Refugee and Immigrant Center Alliance (ERICA) |

Listening for Clues is pleased to present our new series, "Good News!" featuring weekly conversations with people who are making a difference, large or small. We want everyone to know what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how. So, our listeners and viewers can experience the good news and go out and make a difference themselves.

© 2025 Listening for Clues