In this episode of Sunrise Road, we’re joined by Adam Luedtke, spiritual guide and leader at Contemplate Lincoln, a center dedicated to nurturing the inner life through silence, stillness, and spiritual practice. Adam shares his journey into contemplative spirituality and how Contemplate Lincoln invites people into deeper connection with God, themselves, and their community.Whether you’re curious about contemplative prayer, seeking a more grounded spiritual rhythm, or just in need of a little quiet in a noisy world—this conversation offers wisdom, warmth, and a path toward sacred stillness.

What do we do when we feel numb, scattered, or stuck in the trap of comparison? In this episode, we talk with contemplative teacher and spiritual director Patty Forsberg about the subtle ways our souls signal distress—and how we can respond with compassion, presence, and care.Drawing on decades of experience in Centering Prayer, Bio-Spiritual Focusing, and the Enneagram, Patty offers gentle wisdom for reconnecting with ourselves and with the Divine in anxious times. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just a little off, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and tend to what matters most.Learn more: www.pattyforsberg.com

In this powerful episode of Sunrise Road, we welcome Joe McKeown and Steve Pointon, two men whose unlikely friendship became a testament to peace and reconciliation.Joe, the CEO of Youth Link NI, grew up Catholic in Belfast during the Troubles of Northern Ireland, while Steve, now a Pastor at Fourth Presbyterian Church, was raised Protestant. Both were taught to distrust the other—until their lives crossed in a way that changed everything.Together, they built a friendship that shattered walls of division, leading them to share their story across the U.S. and Europe. Their journey toward peace has inspired many, proving that reconciliation isn’t just possible—it’s necessary. Join us for a conversation about faith, conflict, and the transformative power of human connection.--Welcome! Thank you for stopping by the description of this episode. This is the Sunrise Road Podcast, where we are dedicated to bringing a little inspiration and motivation to your day. Our hosts, Pastors Melodie and Thomas believe that by sharing real, authentic conversations with guests who are experts in their field, they can help weave hope and positivity into the fabric of our lives.We believe in the power of connection and community, and we want to create an environment where listeners can feel understood, supported, and encouraged. Our goal is to make you feel like you're a part of the Sunrise Road community, and that you're not alone in your journey toward living a more inspired life. So, join us, hit that subscribe button, and let's do this together!Thanks to Eastridge Presbyterian Church for supporting this podcast. Learn more about Eastridge by visiting www.eastridge.org.

Kicking off Season 4 of Sunrise Road, we welcome back a longtime friend of the podcast, Rev. Dr. Matt Mardis-Lecroy. In this episode, playfully titled "Let’s Talk About Sin, Baby," we dive into a Lenten conversation about how sin has been understood in the past, how we wrestle with it today, and why it makes us uncomfortable. Matt brings his deep theological insight, humor, and pastoral wisdom to a discussion that challenges conventional thinking while inviting a more honest, grace-filled approach to faith. Join us as we explore sin, redemption, and what it all means in today’s world.

This week, we welcome Tut Kailech, a refugee from South Sudan who has made a profound impact on Lincoln, NE, as a Community Builder and Marketing Specialist at NeighborWorks Lincoln. Tut is also the visionary behind the YATO (You Are The One) brand, a talented musician, and the host of the Blazin' A Trail Podcast. In this episode, Tut shares his journey from South Sudan to Lincoln and his passion for creating a more connected and engaged community. Learn how Tut’s work inspires others to embrace learning, connection, and collaboration. Tune in for an uplifting and trailblazing conversation!

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Melissa Ripley, Investigator and Homeless Outreach Coordinator in the Behavioral Health Unit of the Lincoln Police Department. Melissa shares how her work goes beyond traditional policing, focusing on building trust, providing resources, and supporting vulnerable members of the community. Discover how her role bridges the gap between law enforcement and social services, offering compassionate outreach to those experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges. This episode highlights the powerful impact of empathy, collaboration, and dedication in public service.

Some members of our congregation remember when the Gathering Place grew out of a vision for feeding a hot meal to those experiencing homelessness or near-homelessness in Lincoln, NE. Forty-two years later, our congregation remains an active part of serving food. Lisa Janssen is the Administrator of the Gathering Place, and in this conversation, we explore why this outreach continues to be a success. Hint: it’s about more than food, it’s how it’s served.

If you’ve driven by our church property recently, you’ve noticed something different - something beautiful - happening on the west side of our food pantry building. When the Trustees discussed the need for the building to be repainted, someone suggested a community art project in the form of a mural. The Session took up the idea as part of our summer series, “Today, I choose to believe….” Our community painted hands as an expression of our faith, and those hands became part of the art project. Join us for a conversation with the artist who prayed over the project and then brought it to life, Ann Williams. Ann is a local artist known for her community art projects and installations, as well as her faith based work.