Jason Miller and Dale and Juanita Ryan - The biblical story, including what we see lived out in the life and teachings of Jesus, is this: God is love, we are loved, we are capable of loving others and we are called to a life of love. Participating in this story is, however, not always easy for us. Instead of welcoming the love of God, we sometimes find ourselves afraid that God is angry, distant, displeased, uncaring, or impatient. Instead of celebrating that we are loved, we sometimes fear that we are not lovable, not enough, or not measuring up. Instead of rejoicing in our calling to love others, we sometimes see other people through the distorting lens of our fears and judgments. 

This fall, we'll be hosting a workshop led by Dale and Juanita Ryan to explore these dynamics in community. Whether you're able to join us in person for the workshop or not, this episode will help you get to know Dale and Juanita, and to hear the heart behind their work. 

Until his retirement, Dale Ryan was a member of the faculty at Fuller Theological Seminary where he taught pastoral care classes about addiction, abuse and trauma. Currently Dr. Ryan is the executive director of the National Association for Christian Recovery, which he founded in 1990. He has earned a PhD (UCDavis, Biochemistry) and an M.Div. (Bethel Theological Seminary, St. Paul, MN). Juanita Ryan is a mental health clinical nurse specialist. She has had a private counseling practice for over 35 years. Because she writes and speaks about spirituality and trauma, many of the people she works with are seeking help in these areas.  To learn more about her you can visit her website.

Dale and Juanita have been married for 55 years. They have two sons and four grandkids. Most of what they know about distorted images of God, of self and of others comes from personal experience.

Jason Miller - Is your spiritual life too spiritual? If the incarnation of Jesus means anything, it’s that we don’t become holier by being less human. And the abundant life that Jesus came to share with us is one that involves our whole selves as we heal, grow and learn how to flourish. This series will explore some specific examples of a real world spirituality, shared from the experiences of our teachers who are working these things out in real time in their own lives. This week, we're talking about money. 

What's Happening

Beth Graybill and Duane Wilson - Is your spiritual life too spiritual? If the incarnation of Jesus means anything, it’s that we don’t become holier by being less human. And the abundant life that Jesus came to share with us is one that involves our whole selves as we heal, grow and learn how to flourish. This series will explore some specific examples of a real world spirituality, shared from the experiences of our teachers who are working these things out in real time in their own lives.

This week, we learn from the embodied journey of Duane Wilson, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Indiana Corridor (BGNIC). Duane and his team at BGNIC share physical space with SBCC in the Tribune Building as an afterschool club and summer camp site.

Beth Graybill, who facilitates this conversation, is not only a part of the South Bend City Church community, but is also a collaborative consultant and storyteller that currently works as the Director of Academic Advancement for Mendoza College of Business & Fitzgerald Institute for Real Estate at the University of Notre Dame.

What's Happening

Jason Miller - Is your spiritual life too spiritual? If the incarnation of Jesus means anything, it’s that we don’t become holier by being less human. And the abundant life that Jesus came to share with us is one that involves our whole selves as we heal, grow and learn how to flourish. This series will explore some specific examples of a real world spirituality, shared from the experiences of our teachers who are working these things out in real time in their own lives. This week, we consider the power of nature to help us connect. 

What's Happening

Dr. Angela Logan - Is your spiritual life too spiritual? If the incarnation of Jesus means anything, it’s that we don’t become holier by being less human. And the abundant life that Jesus came to share with us is one that involves our whole selves as we heal, grow and learn how to flourish. This series will explore some specific examples of a real world spirituality, shared from the experiences of our teachers who are working these things out in real time in their own lives. Through the use of the Parable of the Sower, along with quotes from Pope Leo XIV, Thomas Merton, and Octavia Butler, Dr. Angela shares how she, and we, can reconnect with our spirituality, and God, through a container garden.

What's Happening

Jason Miller - Is your spiritual life too spiritual? If the incarnation of Jesus means anything, it’s that we don’t become holier by being less human. And the abundant life that Jesus came to share with us is one that involves our whole selves as we heal, grow and learn how to flourish. This series will explore some specific examples of a real world spirituality, shared from the experiences of our teachers who are working these things out in real time in their own lives. This week, we consider the power of reclaiming out attention in the digital age. 

This teaching included some reflection questions:

Benediction:

In the same way that you have been a refuge for me—a place of safety and truth.

In the same way that you gave me the freedom to be wholly myself—questioning, becoming, belonging.

In the same way that you showed me the goodness and faithfulness of Love—embodied, mysterious, divine.

And may you know this:

May grace and peace be with you,

What’s Happening

Mike Goldsworthy - Is your spiritual life too spiritual? If the incarnation of Jesus means anything, it’s that we don’t become holier by being less human. And the abundant life that Jesus came to share with us is one that involves our whole selves as we heal, grow and learn how to flourish. This week we hear from Mike Goldsworthy about how working with our hands could be an act of prayer and meditation.

Mike is a speaker, resourcer, and guide with a passion for connecting like-minded churches and leaders. He also has a podcast, space for faith: re-imaginging the church for our current moment, and started the Post-Evangelical Collective. He is also a long time friend of SBCC and currently serves on our board.

What’s Happening

Mike Goldsworthy - Is your spiritual life too spiritual? If the incarnation of Jesus means anything, it’s that we don’t become holier by being less human. And the abundant life that Jesus came to share with us is one that involves our whole selves as we heal, grow and learn how to flourish. This series will explore some specific examples of a real world spirituality, shared from the experiences of our teachers who are working these things out in real time in their own lives. 

Mike Goldsworthy is a speaker, resourcer, and guide with a passion for connecting like-minded churches and leaders. He also has a podcast, space for faith: re-imaginging the church for our current moment, and started the Post-Evangelical Collective. He is also a long time friend of SBCC and currently serves on our board.

What’s Happening

Jason Miller - This month, we’re responding to your questions! These teachings are in response to questions submitted by the members of South Bend City Church. Today's questions come from both kids and adults in our community, and cover everything from church and heaven to play and love. 

What’s Happening

Jason Miller - This month, we’re responding to your questions! These teachings are in response to questions submitted by the members of South Bend City Church. Today we’re responding to questions about sex and abortion. 

Resources

What's Happening