In an era marked by intense political division, many Christians are wrestling with how to faithfully engage in public life without compromising the Gospel. Should churches avoid politics altogether? Or is there a faithful, Christ-centered way to speak into the issues shaping our nation?

Recently retired Presiding Bishop Michael Curry weighs in with wisdom, clarity, and hope. In a brand-new ChurchNext class, Bishop Curry explores what it means to follow Jesus amid today’s cultural and political turbulence.

Here's Sylvia's bio from her church's website - note that St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Altadena was totally destroyed in that same fire:

I came to St. Mark’s in 2009 and have enjoyed being a part of this loving faith community while professionally also serving in other capacities in the diocese and the broader church. I am currently Professor Emeritus of Liturgics and Homiletics at Bloy House as well as a member of the faculty of Episcopal Preaching Foundation. I also teach Preaching to seminarians in the Diocese of Southeast Florida. Ordained in 1985, over the years I have served congregations in Montana, Idaho, and the Diocese of California. I served as Dean and President of Bloy House for eleven years and still occasionally teach there when asked. I have a Master’s in Counseling and Human Systems from Florida State University, a Master’s in Divinity from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Liturgics from the Graduate Theological Union. Much of my writing over the years has been about topics related to women’s issues and ecofeminism. In my spare time I enjoy watching Dodgers baseball with my husband, Bob Honeychurch, watching PBS detective mysteries, and trying out new recipes on my unsuspecting family and friends. I am looking forward to also becoming a grandmother this summer and reentering the world of children’s literature with my granddaughter.

Fr. Randall takes us through the scriptural, traditional, liturgical, and practical elements of this great feast day.

What is Ash Wednesday? Where did it come from? Why should I commemorate it? Episcopal priest and speaker Fr. Rob Courtney unpacks this pinnacle day of the Church year that calls the faithful to repentance and renewal,.

Carrie gives personal insight into what this trip has meant to her - and what it might mean to you!

Smith is an Episcopal priest and author who has led preaching workshops throughout the United States.

Will is an author, academic, and bishop in the Methodist Chuch - and along with theologian Stanley Hauerwas, wrote a book of the same title, Resident Aliens.

Valori is an Episcopal priest, serving a congregation in St. Louis, Missouri - where she also runs a church consulting company and has authored a curriculum called The Stewardship for the Entireity of our lives.

Jesus calls to, nearly above all things, to be kind. We find this in word - and perhaps more profoundly, in deed.  Bishop Budde leads us in an inspiring foray into this invaluable spiritual gift.