Understanding Church

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone discuss the season in the church year prior to Christmas and the birth of Christ, called Advent. The discussion surrounds the significance of these 4 weeks and how we can gain a deeper experience leading to the incarnation. 

The song we couldn't think of is Closing Time by Semisonic. The lyric is "every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." And the painting referenced is The Nativity (1523) by Lorenzo Lotto.

In this episode, Pastor Wendy Farone is joined by our Tour Host, Ryan Fitch, Associate Director and Camp Pastor at Lutherlyn, and Thomas Plinninger, our Luther Tours guide throughout Germany. Our conversation surrounds what we experienced on our trip to places such as Mainz and Eisenach (Wartburg Castle, where Luther was hidden away and translated the New Testament into Germany). We traveled to Erfurt to see the Church of St. Severus and St. Mary's Cathedral (where Luther was ordained), the Augustinian Monastery where Luther lived as a monk and where he created the Luther Rose, Eisleben (Luther's birth and burial place), and Wittenberg. So much history!! We hope you will enjoy our discussion, direct from Germany!

Is the Kingdom of Heaven, the Kingdom of God, a place? A concept? A noun or a verb? In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone bring light to the meaning of these terms and how they are fully realized in this kingdom. How does understanding the idea of the kingdom help us live, lead, and love in this world with the realized hope we experience?

Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone are joined by Lauren Wolcott, Communications Director for the Southwestern PA Synod. Lauren brings her expertise in shaping a more human, relational approach to communication in the church. She outlines the core principles of effective communication and walks us through a real example that will soon be implemented as part of the Synod’s intentional goals. The conversation genuinely reshaped how we think about meeting diverse communication needs—reminding us that, often, less is more! Intentional is best!

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone discuss a topic that is often misunderstood...judgment! How quickly we tend to judge others in a negative light. It comes so naturally to do so. This discussion focuses not only on what biblical judgment is as defined but also on how to recognize when we are being 'judgy' and how to counter that behavior. In addition, how can we serve the neighbor and see the positive by recognizing and judging or seeing the needs of others?

We have all heard the jokes about St. Peter standing at the gates of heaven to determine whether we are in or out. Well, that is probably not how that will occur. In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone dive deeply into an important discussion about what "being saved" means biblically and in the Lutheran tradition through faith alone, through grace alone, by Christ alone. 

Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone gather with Ben Fogt and Keith Fair to discuss the Understanding Church podcast specifically how it got started, the area of focus, and the importance of continuing to create a monthly podcast based upon congregational questions. There are three sections to this podcast, Pastor Dan and Pastor Wendy take the lead on Section B (but listen to it all, it's interesting!) Main Street Lutherans podcast creators share their podcasting stories and their focus being on the wider church. The takeaway is that "your church can also do a podcast!" 

Ever wonder why the Hebrew Bible (aka the Old Testament) is still important when we have a New Testament and Jesus? Throughout this episode Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone discuss why the Hebrew portion of the Bible is critical to understanding the New Testament. At recording, it is Lent and discussion flows a bit into that topic as it relates to the Biblical narrative as well. Thanks for Listening!

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone are joined by Andre Francois, who has been the chair of the Stewardship Committee for many years. We explore how to recognize and use the gifts God has placed within you. We share practical insight on discovering your strengths, serving with purpose, and honoring God through everyday stewardship. It’s an encouraging, focused conversation that reminds you that your gifts were meant to be used. 

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone welcome our guest, the newly installed Bishop Melissa Stoller, from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, to discuss her new role as bishop, expectations for the future of the synod and the ELCA and much more!