The Trolley Stops Here

In this episode, we discuss the Christian's responsibility to care for the earth. We talk about our own journeys in caring more about environmentalism, and we interview Sari Steuber, from Transition Town Media with whom we share a building and many core values! Join us for a rich, frank discussion on serving God by caring for the planet.

Show notes:

Transition Town Media -  https://transitiontownmedia.org/

'Our House is on Fire' Greta Thundberg, World Economic Forum 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U72xkMz6Pxk

Trailer for the new Hulu documentary about Greta Thunberg, I Am Greta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDdEWkA15Rg

Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We're in without Going Crazy by Joanna Macy & Chris Johnstone: https://www.activehope.info/

For the Beauty of the Earth performed by Andy Borghesani, piano, and Sarah Kraus, violin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAS7RlE1BE0&t=173s

First United Methodist Church of Media https://www.firstchurchmedia.org/

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."-- Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Go here to find out how to vote in your state if you haven't already done so: https://howto.vote/

We're back with our second episode and our first guest, Jerry Noone! On this episode, Jerry and Taylor act as dual interviewees and Laurie Ann acts as the interviewer.  

Jerry and Taylor discuss their experiences of growing up gay and Christian, feeling rejection from the church, and eventually becoming leaders at First Church. Along the way, we discuss the complicated and ongoing struggles with acceptance and homosexuality in the United Methodist Church, and how First Church chose to take a stand for LGTBQ+ inclusiveness early on. It's a funny, moving, and insightful discussion.   

Note: this episode may not be suitable for young listeners.

Show Notes:

Information on the excellent book God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines

http://www.godandthegaychristian.com/

Our first episode! We introduce ourselves and give an overview of our church, our roles, and our backgrounds.  We also discuss the difficult-to-define topic of progressive Christianity--what it means according to others, what it means to us, and what a rough working definition might be for our episodes to follow. We wrap up by telling you where we think we're headed with this new endeavor. We're so glad you've joined us!

First UMC of Media is excited to announce our brand new podcast! The Trolley Stops Here is hosted by Pastor Laurie Ann Rookard and Community Outreach Coordinator Taylor Darden, both on staff at FUMC of Media, aka First Church, which is the last stop on the trolley line in Media, Pennsylvania. This podcast will address relevant, real, and sometimes controversial issues from a progressive faith perspective. We'll interview guests from the church and community, and resolve to love alike even if we don't always think alike. Join us!