Still Speaking with Ivanhoe Church

Today, Pastor Kris and Shelley take up the subject of prayer, drawing from Luke 1:11. Our prayer life shapes us and our outlook. Rather than the one-off request, we are called into prayer in its many forms with purpose and perseverance as a way of life.

Pastor Kris and Shelley are joined by Barry, Ivanhoe’s podcast editor, as we reflect on the third anniversary of this journey. These conversations have enabled our growth through hearing different perspectives. These podcasts give us the opportunity to reflect again, often in greater detail, on the scripture of the week, where we can find meaning and put our faith into practice.

In this audio podcast, Maclyn Peat, lovingly known as Mac, joins Pastor Kris and Shelley in our Faith Journeys series. We believe that every life offers a unique, invaluable story and that stories bind us in community. As you experience stories of those who have discovered faith in God through their encounter with Jesus Christ, may you discover insights that inform how you respond to God’s calling in your life. This podcast is avaibable in video our YouTube Channel, at ivanhoechurch.org/youtube.

Pastor Kris and Shelley discuss forgiveness, guided by reading the story of Saul’s transformation. Jesus came to embody God’s grace, calling into service the least among us. As with Paul, God’s forgiveness calls us into a new faith relationship and we are likewise called into transformative forgiveness of others. Even as a one-off response to an incident or action, forgiveness is one of the most difficult acts of faith. Yet our faith calls us to consider that, as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. noted, forgiveness is not an occasional act but a constant attitude.

In this audio podcast, Phyllis Warne joins us in our podcast series, Faith Journeys. This is an audio podcast, excerpted from a video podcast that can be found on our YouTube Channel. As you experience stories of those who have discovered faith in God through their encounter with Jesus Christ, may you discover insights that …

Continue reading "Episode 71: Highlights of Faith with Phyllis Warne"

Pastor Kris and Shelley discuss how Mary’s anointing of Jesus’s feet is challenged for its extravagance. In the freedom of Mary's gift, let us emulate her exemplary love just as we receive God’s extravagant love for us. Be gracious with yourself, be kind to others. Live in Christ's call to forgive yourself as you forgive others.

Pastor Kris and Shelley consider this second anniversary of a world transfigured by covid, and how our sense of control has been changed. Yet, grieving corporate and personal losses, the truth of the Good News is that through all turmoil, Christ gathers us underwing. The church has found new ways to remain connected and explore faith in absence. Online services engage new explorers and we are finding new devotional practices. Spirit-led, we find new ways to draw closer to God.

Discussing the transfiguration of Jesus in Like 29, Pastor Kris and Shelley suggest our Lenten focus be the ‘practice’ of our spiritual practice, expecting some discomfort in the course of growth. Seek micro-faith actions over mountaintop experiences, such as adding a moment of reflection or journaling to your morning coffee routine. In so doing may you find new practices that draw you closer to God.

Pastor Kris and Shelley consider how Luke’s version of the sermon to the multitude is set on level ground, metaphorically recognizing that, made in the image of God, we are intrinsically good and universally equals. In our blessings, we are called to be the conduit by which God’s love flows to others. Grace is not a mountain-top experience but an invitation to share our gifts with the vulnerable.

Pastor Kris and Shelley consider how Luke 4 can be seen as a mission statement for the church, sharing the news of the Gospel and helping people find freedom and healing. This scripture’s verbs are about unbinding: bringing Good News, proclaiming release, offering recovery. May you find new and good ways forward, inviting others into community.