Send us a text

Summary

In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam explore the significance of Pentecost, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and the personal transformations that can occur through faith. They discuss the uncomfortable aspects of faith, the broader understanding of God, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The conversation invites listeners to engage in dialogue about their beliefs and the love of God that can be experienced in community.


Takeaways

• Pentecost marks the beginning of the church's mission.
• The Holy Spirit empowers us to proclaim God's love.
• Personal transformation is a key aspect of experiencing Pentecost.
• Faith can be uncomfortable, prompting growth and understanding.
• God's presence can be felt in unexpected ways.
• The Holy Spirit continues to work in our lives today.
• Understanding God may require a broader perspective.
• Faith is a journey that invites dialogue and questioning.
• We are called to serve and love all persons.
• The experience of faith can be deeply personal and communal.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Faith and Pentecost
01:02 Understanding Pentecost and Its Significance
03:00 The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit
05:57 Personal Transformation Through Pentecost
08:52 Attuning to the Holy Spirit's Call
11:58 Navigating Uncomfortable Faith Experiences
14:59 The Broader Understanding of God
18:02 The Ongoing Work of the Holy Spirit
23:48 Conclusion and Invitation to Dialogue

AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us a text

Summary

In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe delves into the theological significance of the Ascension of Jesus. She and Adam explore its implications for the disciples, the transformation it brings to their faith, and the call for modern Christians to bear witness to their faith in a contemporary context. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, the church's role in society, and the personal reflections on how the Ascension speaks to individual faith journeys.

Takeaways

• The Ascension is often overlooked but is crucial to Christian faith.
• The Gospel of Luke provides a unique perspective on the Ascension.
• The transformation of the disciples occurs at the moment of Ascension.
• Jesus' Ascension signifies a new mission for the disciples.
• The events of Jesus' life are transcendent and relevant for all time.
• The community of faith is called to worship and bear witness.
• Personal reflections on faith can deepen understanding of the Ascension.
• The church must acknowledge its shortcomings and strive for growth.
• Agency in faith is essential; believers are called to act.
• The Ascension invites Christians to be living witnesses in the world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Importance of Faith Conversations
00:32 Exploring the Theological Significance of Ascension
01:01 Understanding the Scriptural Context of Ascension
02:26 The Transformation of the Disciples at Ascension
04:52 The Universal Implications of Jesus' Ascension
06:22 The Call to Witness and Community After Ascension
08:41 Personal Reflections on Ascension and Faith
11:05 Navigating the Church's Role in Modern Faith
15:42 Acknowledging the Church's Shortcomings and Growth
16:10 The Role of Agency in Faith and Action
21:32 Embracing the Call to Be Living Witnesses
23:20 Conclusion and Invitation to Reflect on Ascension

AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us a text

Summary

In this episode, Bishop DeDe explores the complexities of faith, love, and community. She discusses the importance of abiding in God's love, the paradox of power and love, and how to navigate personal and community needs. The conversation also addresses listener questions about hell and salvation, emphasizing the significance of love and mutual relationships in overcoming fear and fostering a supportive community. We wrap up encouraging listeners to share their faith with others.

Takeaways

• Abiding in God's love is a lifelong work.
• True power is mastery over my own impulses.
• We are called to love our enemies.
• Living for Jesus is all we need to fear.
• God loves us, and so to have that confidence.
• We need to check ourselves before we wreck ourselves.
• It's about being part of a community.
• Love saves us from the hell of subjugation.
• We are not called to be fearful of hell.
• It's your turn to go and speak of your faith.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Faith Conversations
03:04 Abiding in Love: A Deeper Understanding
06:00 The Paradox of Power and Love
08:55 Navigating Personal and Community Needs
12:07 Questions from Listeners: Hell and Salvation
15:06 Personal Reflections and Wrap-Up 

AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us a text

Summary

In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe discusses with Adam the significance of how we communicate our faith. The conversation covers the importance of intentionality in our words, the need for compassion and humility when speaking about faith, and the transformative power of positive self-talk. Bishop ends with a light-hearted question about mastering new skills, highlighting the value of communication in building community.

Takeaways

• Speaking intentionally about our faith is crucial.
• Words have the power to create or destroy.
• We should strive to speak with compassion and humility.
• Acknowledging the harm caused by the church is important.
• Positive self-talk is essential for spiritual growth.
• Our internal dialogue affects how we communicate with others.
• We are called to manifest God's kingdom through our words.
• Language can bridge gaps in understanding and community.
• Humility is key in discussing faith and theology.
• Engaging in conversations about faith fosters deeper connections.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Words in Faith
06:09 Speaking with Compassion and Humility
11:48 Transforming Self-Talk through Faith
18:03 Mastering Communication and Understanding

AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us a text

Summary

In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe discusses the spiritual problems facing America today, emphasizing the importance of love, mercy, and justice. The conversation explores how societal divisions and a lack of compassion hinder our spiritual growth and the need for collective lamentation and healing. She also encourages listeners to reflect on their own hearts and seek a deeper understanding of their faith in the context of community and justice.

Takeaways

Our faith calls us to a loving relationship with God.
True love is profound and beyond death.
All of us need redemption and humility.
We must seek God's way and love our neighbors.
Mercy is often misunderstood as weakness.
Justice should focus on restoration, not punishment.
Lamentation is essential for true healing.
Grief is an expression of love and should be honored.
We are interconnected and impacted by one another.
Spiritual healing begins with acknowledging our own issues.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:53 The Spiritual Problem of America continued
05:48 The Role of Mercy in Justice
09:03 Lamentation and Collective Grief
11:56 The Importance of Spiritual Healing
15:11 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us a text

Summary

In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe dives into what she believes is the spiritual problems facing America today, emphasizing the importance of love, justice, and dignity for all individuals. She explores how opinions and political affiliations can distort our understanding of faith and the teachings of Jesus. The conversation also touches on the role of parents in teaching children about dignity and the connection between the Eucharist and justice.

Takeaways

-Our real spiritual problem is that we have allowed opinions to distort our faith.
-We must prioritize our relationship with God above all else.
-Loving our neighbor is a fundamental commandment of our faith.
-Justice is essential to the Christian calling and should not be politicized.
-Children learn about dignity through our actions, not just our words.
-Modeling compassion and respect is crucial in teaching kids about dignity.
-The Eucharist symbolizes our call to be broken and given for others.
-We must reflect the values of Jesus in a world that often contradicts them.
-Being a Christian means embodying the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives.
-We are called to be agents of transformation and love in our communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Faith and Spiritual Problems
08:07 The Call for Justice and Dignity
12:00 Teaching Dignity to the Next Generation
16:01 Eucharist and Justice Connection
19:01 Conclusion and Future Conversations

AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us a text

In this special episode of Speaking of Faith, we share Bishop DeDe’s Maundy Thursday sermon for 2025. Preached in the spirit of Christ’s call to love and serve one another, Bishop DeDe reflects on our nation, the commandment to love, and what it means to follow Jesus in a world hungry for compassion.

Whether you're in the pews or listening from home, may this sermon accompany you in prayer and deepen your experience of the Triduum.

AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us a text

Summary

This episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe explores the complexities of faith, particularly in relation to the passion of Jesus Christ during Holy Week. She shares how the themes of suffering, redemption, and personal growth are intertwined with the human experience of doubt and struggle. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, self-acceptance, and the Church's role in navigating difficult times. 

Takeaways

-The pattern of Jesus's life reflects our own experiences.
-Holy doubts are a natural part of faith.
-Suffering can lead to spiritual growth and understanding.
-The Church should affirm eternal truths and foster community.
-God understands our flaws and is patient with us.
-Seeking God and nurturing our relationship with Him is essential.
-Being a good Christian is more about our being than doing.
-Living for love means making intentional choices in our lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Faith Conversations
01:27 The Passion of Jesus and Our Lives
03:51 Holy Doubts and Human Experience
07:03 Suffering and Spiritual Growth
11:01 The Church's Role in Difficult Times
13:11 Listener Questions and Personal Struggles
17:09 A Lighthearted Reflection on the Disciples

AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us a text

Summary

This week on Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam discuss the importance of and the role of contemplative prayer, and the interplay between faith and action. They explore the challenges of vulnerability in prayer, the need for humility, and the hope for the church to embody the teachings of Jesus in the coming years. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of listening to God and the transformative power of silence in our spiritual lives.

Takeaways

-Contemplative prayer allows us to listen to God.
-Silence is essential for reconnecting with God.
-Faith and action are intrinsically linked.
-Vulnerability is a source of strength and healing.
-Humility is necessary to receive God's guidance.
-We often resist what God is calling us to do.
-The church should be a safe haven for the vulnerable.
-Prayer is a discipline that leads to empowerment.
-Our hope for the church is to embody Jesus' teachings.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Faith Conversations
02:55 The Importance of Speaking About Faith
06:11 Contemplative Prayer: Listening to God
09:04 The Interplay of Faith and Action
12:00 Vulnerability in Prayer and Listening
15:04 Facing Fear and Embracing Humility
17:45 The Role of Vulnerability in Our Lives
21:07 Hope for the Church in the Coming Years

AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us a text

Summary

In this episode, Bishop DeDe and Adam discuss the significance of prayer in the Episcopal Church, particularly in relation to community, leadership, and social justice. They explore the challenges of praying for leaders with whom one may disagree, emphasizing that prayer is not about approval but about inviting God into the conversation. The discussion also highlights the transformative power of prayer, its role in fostering understanding and compassion, and the importance of advocating for justice and dignity in society. The episode concludes with reflections on Lenten observance and the call to live out one's faith in action.

Takeaways

-Prayer is a communal act that connects us to God.
-Praying for leaders is essential, regardless of personal feelings.
-Prayer can influence leaders to act with wisdom and grace.
-Engaging in prayer is an active way to promote justice.
-Seeing others through God's eyes can transform relationships.
-Prayer is a revolutionary act that invites God into our conflicts.
-We are called to advocate for the dignity of all persons.
-Lenten observance is a time for reflection and advocacy for justice.
-Prayer helps us navigate our emotions and find peace.
-Community dynamics require careful handling to avoid triangulation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Faith and Prayer
02:48 The Role of Prayer in Community and Leadership
06:08 Praying for Leaders We Disagree With
08:46 The Transformative Power of Prayer
11:49 Prayer as a Tool for Justice and Healing
15:04 Navigating Conflict and Community Dynamics
18:10 Reflections on Lenten Observance

AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, many of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.