Understanding Church

 In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone ask an important question, "GOT HOPE?"  Hope is something we all need. But, do you truly understand what hope is? Christian hope is different than being a positive thinker or trusting that it will all turn out alright. In trying or unstable times, we can gain great comfort in having hope...real hope. Join us for this important discussion. 

Imagine the controversy when a Monk (Martin Luther) and a Nun (Katharina Von Bora) walk into a church and get married! This love story didn't start out that way! Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone walk through the history of how Martin and Katie met, their family dynamics and tragedies, and the partnership that grew between them out of mutual stubbornness and strength.

Luther Family Portrait https://praypsalms.org/martin-luther-the-psalms-96c4739d1891

In the second part of this series, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss even more about the critical contribution of Martin's interaction with the Roman Empire and his impact on our beliefs and practices as Lutherans. We talk about the backstory of his final years and the human side of Luther as he and his wife, Katie, serve others.  On the lighter side, we discuss "What's up with that hair?" or the tonsure style of haircut common within Luther's order.
Video on the History of the Tonsure Haircut
https:///www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPgUILjfcB4

 Did you know that Martin Luther's real last name was Luder!? What do you think that Luther's father's job was? You can join us in a little bit of trivia and find out! Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone share some history of Martin Luther's upbringing, the history of the Lutheran tradition, and Luther's intention of posting the 95 theses.  

 We aren't letting the virus keep us down! Bethlehem Backchat's newest podcast focuses on Jesus' Greatest Hits. Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone discuss a list of 7 very important pieces of scripture from the Gospels. Pastor Dan picked 2, of course, including Matthew 22:37-40 and John 19:29-30. Wendy picked Mark 8:34-36. The discussion also focuses on Matthew 19:14, 11:28-30, John 15:10-11, and Luke 4:18-21. You will recognize these passages of scripture! What are your favorite and most meaningful passages in scripture? 

 During uncertain times, it is easy to become fearful. Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the guidance that we are given in the Bible around fear.  What are we to do with emotions during seasons of uncertainty and isolation? Give a listen and discover how. 

 In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone talk a lot about shepherds and sheep! The 23rd Psalm is one of the best known and the meaning is very rich if you understand the metaphor. We walk through the Psalm to compare the love of God to that of a shepherd who loves, guides, and sometimes disciplines his flock. By the why, sheep do float! 

 How do you teach the Bible to young children when the concepts are very complex and some content is downright frightening! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail, Wendy Farone, and special guest, Pastor Ellen Lundie discuss how to teach young ones about faith and God's love. How do we ensure that the language isn't scary, but teaches about the love of God that is appropriate for each age.  

 What is faith? Hebrews 11: 1 states, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." In this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the meaning of faith, how to know if you have it, how much faith is enough, and what to do when you think you are losing your faith.  

 In this episode, Wendy Farone visits Central Portland Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon. Pastor Amanda Zenz-Alo and Dawn Miller, members at Central, lead a discussion of how our congregations are the same and different as Lutherans on the east coast meets those on  the west coast. You will hear some familiar names and as we celebrate the leadership and members of Bethlehem! I think we may have sparked an interest in a "New Start" initiative in Portland!!