The Word Made Fresh

This week's Narrative Lectionary text offers a deep cut of a story, where Jehudi cuts the scrool with a penknife and throws the pieces into the fire. Only that's the not the end of the story. God tells Jeremiah to dictate the words so they can be written again.

The work of an artist is not to do it once, but to do it again, and again, and again. Put in the reps. Practice and keep practicing. You cut the scroll? Write it again. After all, hard times require furious dancing.

Hard times might feel a little closer than we would like, especially for black and brown people, queer folx, women. And it is in the midst of these hard times that we hear Jeremiah's words, reminding us that the days are coming when God will make a new covenant, because even -- especially in the midst of trouble and turmoil -- God is doing something new. And the best part, God is inviting us to help bring this newness to life.

We need the artists, the poets, the dancers, the writers. Put in the reps. Do it again. Because hard times most definitely require furious dancing.

Listen in as Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat talk more about this on the latest episode of The Word Made Fresh, offering a glimpse at what you might hear from the pulpit on Sunday at The Riverside Church.

Why is it that we tend to hear God most clearly when everything has fallen apart? Oh, that's what you've been saying all along. It's not that God wasn't always speaking, but that we weren't always listening, or perhaps just not knowing exactly how to hear or what to listen for. But when a major events happens -- the death of a King, in the context of Isaiah, or the election of a new President, in the context of all of us -- what do we hear from God?

One thing we hear in this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text (Isaiah 6:1-8) is that God is holy and the whole earth is full of God's glory. No matter what reality we encounter around us, God is holy and the whole earth is still full of God's glory. The challenge, often, is having eyes to see it, ears to hear it, and the courage to respond to: "Here am I; send me!"

Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk with Rev. Dr. Lisa Weaver about the sermon she is preaching this Sunday. And be sure to stick around to the end of the video as they all share ways that they are caring for themslves during a tense and tumultuous time like this.

Jonah's call is clear, from the very first verses of the book: "Go at once to that great city and cry out against it." While we tend to think of this book as the story of a man being swallowed by a whale (which it's not, because it was just a big fish, not a whale!), this story is an invitation for us all to see ourselves as Jonah, reluctant to go where God is calling, seeing the world through our implicit biases, and hopefully open to a God who goes out of bounds to show love and mercy even upon our enemies.

Pull up a chair and listen in and Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat talk about this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary Text and explore its impications for our lives and our world, especially on this side of the election.

What happens when two pastors talk about the Bible and the impending election? Watch this episode of The Word Made Fresh to find out!

What does it mean to be a person of faith when we are days away from the next election?

Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about what to expect this Sunday at The Riverside Church -- Rev. Dr. William Barber, II is preaching and Rev. Dr. Brian Kaylor is leading a lunch and learn on his book, Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism. Yep, all that on a single Sunday!

And even if you can't join us on Sunday (onsite or online!), make sure that you are registered to vote! (And then make a plan to ensure that you do!)

What is Children's Sabbath and why do we celebrate it at Riverside?

Join over half the Riverside clergy team – Rev. Adriene Thorne, Rev. Jim Keat, Rev. Jabe Ziino, and Minister Heelee Velez – as they talk about Children's Sabbath and what you can expect this Sunday at Riverside. (Spoiler: it's going to be amazing!)

And this is one episode that you will want to watch to the very end as Jabe and Heelee have an epic showdown in an unforgettable game of Theomoji!

Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about this Sunday's sermon and the Narrative Lectionary text, 1 Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20; 2:1-10.

Join Rev. Jim Keat and Rev. Mira Sawlani-Joyner as they talk about Exodus 32 and the story of the golden calf. This narrative illustrates the people's anxiety during Moses' absence and their turn to idolatry, prompting a discussion on the human tendency to react violently in times of crisis. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy, suggesting that rather than immediately condemning the people's actions, it's essential to understand their desperation and the context of their fears.

Connecting this theme to World Communion Sunday, this conversation highlights the importance of recognizing shared pain and trauma across diverse communities, particularly in the wake of global violence. They advocate for a shift from retributive justice to restorative practices, calling for a compassionate response that fosters understanding and reconciliation. By focusing on empathy and connection, they envision a future rooted in love and justice, encouraging listeners to engage in meaningful dialogue and community-building efforts.

What is happening to the children?

That's the question Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat are asking, both to this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text and to the world around us. Join them for another weekly conversation as they take a look at what you might hear in this Sunday's sermon, share some ideas of your own, borrow whatever is useful for your context, and open yourself up to be challenged and inspired by this fresh perspective on a well known story from the book of Exodus.

Let's talk about Joseph. 

His story makes up such a significant part of the book of Genesis, yet he is rarely the first character that comes to mind when we think of this book. 

But watch out, because Rev. Adriene is going to tell Rev. Jim about a way to look at Joseph that just might change the way you see him and his story forever. 

What happens when you cozy up to the dreams of empire? 
And how would you tell this story to a six year old?

Keep listening to this episode of The Word Made Fresh to find out!