Still Speaking with St. Peter’s

This episode explores the traditional Palm Sunday story from Matthew 21: 1-11. Pastors Amanda and Kris discuss the historical, cultural, and political context of the parade, while also engaging the book Entering the Passion of Jesus, A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week by Amy-Jill Levine. The invitation of this season is to “Picture Ourselves in the Story.”

This episode invites listeners to consider “opportunities for engagement” this Lenten season. Pastors Kris and Amanda introduce the theme for worship and book study: “Picturing Ourselves in the Story - Entering the Passion of Jesus.” This Lent series invites us to “freeze-frame” moments in the Holy Week story in order to “Enter the Passion of Jesus.”

This episode invites listeners to consider what it means to be “blessed” and share blessings. Pastors Kris and Amanda reflect on the beginning of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” from Matthew 5: 1-12 and what we call “The Beatitudes.” Can this vision transform us to be God's blessing in and with the world?

This episode invites listeners to consider how we share testimony and give witness to our faith. Pastors Kris and Amanda reflect on their favorite quotes from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy of inspiration. We can learn from the example of John the Baptizer to point to Jesus in John 1:29-42. If we invite someone to “Come,” would they “see” the love and light of Christ reflected in our community?

To wrap up the Christmas season, Pastors Amanda and Kris invite listeners to reflect on what happened after the Epiphany story from Matthew 2. They discuss how the Holy Family became refugees. Quotes are shared from the book The First Advent in Palestine, by Kelley Nikondeha, and the article “All nativity scenes are political” by Mac Loftin. Engaging with the theme, “What Child IS This?” prompts deeper questions and encourages considering how we go home “by another way.”

For the fourth week of Advent, Pastors Amanda and Kris invite listeners to reflect on what they most love about the Christmas season. Then they discuss the role of Joseph in the story from Matthew 1:18-25. The ancient tradition of engagement and implications of divorce are shared from the book The First Advent in Palestine, by Kelley Nikondeha. Engaging with the theme, “What Child IS This?” prompts deeper questions and looks beyond the lullaby.

For the third week of Advent, Pastors Amanda and Kris invite listeners to consider small moments of joy that can empower resiliency. Then they discuss the story of the angel’s visit to Mary from Luke 1:26-38. Engaging with the theme, “What Child IS This?” prompts deeper questions and looks beyond the lullaby. The Blue Christmas service is also explained and encouraged.

Continuing this Advent series, Pastors Kris and Amanda invite listeners to consider Advent traditions that make the season more sacred. Then they discuss the story of Zechariah from Luke 1:5-25. Engaging with the theme, “What Child IS This?” prompts deeper questions and looks beyond the lullaby. The question of peace is always a matter of perspective.

Beginning a new season and a new series, Pastors Kris and Amanda invite listeners to consider setting an Advent intention to make the season more sacred. Then they discuss the setting and scene of the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-5. Engaging the theme, “What Child IS This?” prompts asking deeper questions and looking beyond the lullaby. Several quotations are share from the book The First Advent in Palestine, by Kelley Nikondeha.

This episode takes its inspiration from Isaiah 65: 17-25. Anticipating the beginning of Advent, Isaiah 65 has us looking back as well as forward. The promise and good news for the people then, and God’s people now, is that anxiety can be overcome with hope. In God’s creation, there is joy.