In this Holy Week episode, Reverend Anna Shipley shares her journey as a deacon in the United Methodist Church, her experiences bridging campus and church ministry, and reflections on Holy Week practices like Maundy Thursday and Holy Saturday. The conversation explores themes of leadership, representation, community, and spiritual practices for young adults.

Key Topics 

• Reverend Anna Shipley's dual ministry roles
• The significance of Holy Saturday and Maundy Thursday
• Representation of women in church leadership

Sound Bites

• "Holy Saturday is about sitting in the not knowing."
• "Acknowledging our lack of control reveals God's love."
• "The table of Christ is for everyone, before belief."

Chapters
00:10 Introduction to Holy Week and Guests
01:10 Understanding the Role of a Commissioned Deacon
03:07 Navigating Dual Ministry Roles
04:17 The Blessings and Challenges of Campus Ministry
06:49 The Unique Context of Female Leadership
08:30 The Importance of Representation in Ministry
10:07 Celebrating Women in Ministry
12:36 Exploring the Significance of Holy Saturday
13:48 The Importance of Grieving Before Resurrection
18:11 Finding Meaning in Good Friday and Lent
19:51 Reflections on Lent and Ash Wednesday
25:29 The Significance of Maundy Thursday
29:10 Balancing Leadership and Personal Worship
35:00 Rediscovering Spiritual Practices
39:24 Building Community and Belonging
42:25 Vulnerability and Authenticity in Community

In this week's episode, Pastor Claire Repsholdt shares her journey of building community, exploring the concept of belonging, and integrating her passions like knitting into her spiritual life. She discusses how authentic engagement, creativity, and embracing technology can deepen faith and foster connection.

Key Topics

• The meaning of belonging and how to find it in community
• The role of creativity and passions like knitting in spiritual life
• Using technology and old crafts to build authentic church communities

Resources

• The Faroe Islands Wool Industry 
• Gather Long Island 
• 1 Thessalonians 

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Belonging
02:45 Exploring the Concept of Home
08:05 Navigating Community and Belonging
12:08 Building Connections in a New Place
18:58 The Intersection of Passion and Community
19:59 Knitting, Spirituality, and Connection
25:59 Knitting as a Spiritual Connection
28:12 Transformative Community Practices
30:22 Embodied Spirituality Through Craft
33:06 The Role of Technology in Modern Faith
41:33 Navigating Technology and Community
42:04 Lenten Practices and Spiritual Growth

In this heartfelt interview, Pastor Taylor Dieringer shares her journey through faith, transitions, and the importance of joy and authenticity in life and ministry. Discover how her experiences with movement, grief, and community shape her understanding of justice, joy, and spiritual practice. This conversation is both deeply heartfelt and joyful. May the laughter bring life to you in the midst of troubling times.

Key Topics

• Pastor Taylor's journey through multiple moves and transitions
• The connection between joy, justice, and healing
• The role of dance and music as spiritual practices

Resources

• Sanctified Art 
• Yoga with Adrienne 
• K-pop Demon Hunters (Movie)
• Returning to Myself by Brandi Carlile 
• Sinners (Movie) 

Guest links

• Instagram
• Church Website

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:59 Pastor Taylor's Journey and Transitions
05:58 Understanding Home and Community
08:48 Mental Health and Authenticity
11:43 Joy as Resistance and Liberation
14:45 Dance and Joy in Life
17:54 The Connection Between Joy and Justice
30:01 The Power of Music in Daily Life
33:53 Dreaming of a Relevant Church
40:50 Lenten Practices and Spiritual Growth
44:38 Soundtrack of Life: Music and Meaning

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Vicar Joel Timmons as he shares his journey of transition, belonging, and faith across different landscapes. Discover insights on vulnerability, joy, and the power of community in times of change.
In this episode we discuss:

• Transition and belonging in faith communities
• The landscape of the soul and spiritual renewal
• Vulnerability as a spiritual practice
• Joy as resistance in challenging times
• The role of community and relationships in faith

Resources

• Central Lutheran Church Eugene, OR
• Gather Austin 
• Shepherd of the Hills 
• Austin Seminary
• Psalm 121
• Octavia Butler 

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:21 Navigating Life Transitions
05:19 Returning Home: The Landscape of the Soul
14:00 The Concept of Return in Life and Faith
17:50 Lenten Practices and Vulnerability
23:56 Scriptural Reflections and Personal Growth
24:55 Navigating Wilderness and Change
27:12 The Importance of Belonging
29:52 Investing in Relationships
32:18 Finding Joy in Community
35:17 Creating a Welcoming Church Environment
38:10 Lessons from Gather Austin
42:19 Joy as Resistance
45:15 Embracing Joy in Everyday Life

In this heartfelt interview, Mike Saulnier shares his faith journey, leadership in faith communities, and the importance of community and mentorship for young adults. Discover how gardening metaphors and personal stories inspire resilience and purpose. Oh, and Mike also happens to be Rev. Cecie Suknaic's husband.

Show Notes:

• Gather Network 
• Treehouse Campus Ministry 
• Holden Village 

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:32 Faith and Community in Upbringing
09:42 Transitioning to Law School
13:23 The Importance of Mentorship
19:32 Navigating Relationships and Community
24:59 Creating Gather Network Community
28:19 The Garden of Faith: Seasons of Growth and Desolation
33:57 A Year of Service: Lessons from the Field
43:08 The Impact of Community: Navigating Challenges Together
49:37 Creating Safe Spaces: Young Adults in Faith Communities
53:25 Reflections on Faith: The Role of Pastors and Community
59:21 Lenten Practices: Intentional Growth in Faith
01:01:02 Final Thoughts: God as the Gardener

In this episode of The Collective Voice, Rev. Sean McDonald shares his journey from a small rural church in Virginia to becoming a pastor and church planter in the Bishop Arts area of Dallas. He discusses the importance of mentorship in his life, the challenges of ministry, and his vision for reaching young adults and the unchurched. Sean emphasizes the need for authenticity in ministry and the importance of serving the community to build trust. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of faith and the church's role in connecting with younger generations.
Sean also shares his reflection on Lent and how his understanding of this season has evolved over time. 

Connect with Sean:
[email protected]
TikTok: revseanmcdonald
Instagram: oldmcdonald89

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Reverend Sean McDonald
05:55 Journey of Faith and Ministry
10:37 The Importance of Mentorship
12:59 Challenges in Youth Ministry
18:09 Vision for Church Planting
24:22 The Call to Church Planting
25:20 Navigating Spiritual Needs as a Pastor
26:38 Faith in Action: Leaning on Prayer
28:32 Embracing Uncertainty in Ministry
30:21 Understanding the Community of Bishop Arts
35:13 Authenticity and Connection with Young Adults
39:10 Lenten Reflections and Spiritual Growth
43:40 Connecting with the Next Generation of Leaders

In this episode of The Collective Voice, Rev. Phil Dieke and Rev. Cecie Suknaic engage in a heartfelt conversation with Samantha Johnson, exploring themes of community, music, justice, and the evolving role of young adults in ministry. They discuss the importance of grounding practices amidst societal tensions, the role of music in faith formation, and how innovative approaches to ministry can foster intergenerational connections. The conversation also touches on the significance of justice in worship and the blending of the secular and sacred, culminating in reflections on Lenten practices and community service.
The discussion also talks about Sam's experiences in Minnesota as the community has responded to ICE and how neighbors have showed up for one another.

Show Notes:

• Gather Network
• Gather: Twin Cities
• Singing Resistance

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Collective Voice
02:04 Community Engagement and Grounding Practices
06:00 The Role of Music in Faith and Community
11:54 Justice and Music: A Theological Exploration
17:03 Innovative Ministry and the Spirit of Creativity
21:04 Singing Resistance and Collective Grieving
26:41 Transcendence in Music and Worship
28:03 The Search for Belonging
29:05 Challenging Traditional Worship Practices
33:31 Navigating Generational Differences in Faith
35:00 God's Love Beyond Understanding
40:21 The Future of Young Adult Ministry
43:54 Lenten Practices and Personal Growth

In this episode of The Collective Voice, Rev. Phil Dieke and Rev. Cecie Suknaic welcome Hannah Thomas, the Faith Formation Director at First Presbyterian Church of Bryan, Texas. The conversation explores Hannah's diverse background, her journey into ministry, and the importance of patience and vulnerability in faith formation. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from a fast-paced educational environment to a more deliberate approach in ministry, the significance of mentorship, and the beauty of community. Hannah shares her personal struggles with mental health and the journey of finding a welcoming church home after moving back to her hometown. The episode emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, the richness of diverse experiences, and the beauty found in everyday moments.

Show Notes:

• First Presbyterian Church of Bryan, Texas

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:08 Hannah's Background and Diverse Skills
04:52 Balancing Urgency and Patience in Ministry
08:15 Cultivating Community and Vulnerability
12:31 Navigating Mentorship and Support in Ministry
13:52 The Importance of Community and Vulnerability
18:47 Transitioning to PCUSA and Returning Home
24:45 Struggles with Faith and Community
28:16 Finding Inclusive Spaces in Faith
34:57 Navigating Change and Returning Home
39:56 Embracing Growth and Family Dynamics
47:28 Finding Beauty in Community and Connection

In this episode of The Collective Voice, Phil and Cecie engage with Bianca Blaney, a co-leader of Gather Austin and middle school teacher, discussing her journey within the Lutheran community, the importance of belonging, and the role of mentorship in young adulthood. Bianca shares her experiences balancing her teaching career with church involvement, emphasizing the significance of community and connection in navigating the challenges of young adulthood. The conversation highlights the need for the church to create spaces for young adults to engage and contribute meaningfully, while also recognizing the diverse paths individuals take in their faith journeys.

Show Notes:

• Triumphant Love Lutheran Church
• Gather:Austin 

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Gather and Community Engagement
04:45 Bianca's Journey and Involvement in Gather
09:50 Balancing Teaching and Community Service
14:40 The Role of Mentorship in Young Adulthood
19:28 Building Connections and Community Support
25:01 The Challenge of Reading and Inspiration
25:32 Triumphant Love and Personal Connections
29:03 Understanding the Young Adult Experience
30:06 Navigating Adulthood and Community Building
33:59 The Importance of Inclusivity in the Church
38:04 Leadership and Opportunities for Young Adults
39:57 Finding Meaning and Confidence in Community
44:45 The Value of Diverse Ministries

In this episode of the Collective Voice podcast, Rev. Phil Dieke, Rev. CeCie Suknaic, and Owen Copps explore themes of faith, community, and belonging. They discuss Owen's journey from the mountains of Colorado to seminary in Austin, the importance of creating and finding community, and the role of justice work in faith. The conversation delves into the challenges of transitions, the significance of intergenerational connections, and the exploration of personal call and purpose in ministry.

Show Notes:

• Gather Network
• Seminary of the Southwest
• First Light Coffee in Austin
• Book People in Austin
• Yellow Bike Project

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
04:26 Nature and Faith: Owen's Journey
09:53 The Search for Belonging
20:02 Finding Community in Austin
27:42 The Role of Young Adults in Faith Communities
38:32 Navigating Transitions and Future Aspirations