Understanding Church

Luther's Small Catechism has served as the basic instruction book for the church for nearly 5 centuries! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the importance of this little book with a big message. 

Are you ready to capture the fullness of our worship life together? Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone walk through the bulletin and the what's and why's of our Lutheran Worship Service. We take a deep dive into the nuances and meaning of the communal worshp service. You wil sing "Holy, Holy, Holy" with excitement and full voice because you "get" the true meaning of the worship experience. Further, having been fulfilled you are ready to carry this blessing into the world. 

As an extension of the previous podcast on Forgiveness, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the topic of sin. What is it really? How does Jesus dying on the cross take away my sins? We discuss the 7 'deadly sins' but also the 7 virtues which are meant to counteract these negative forces in our lives. God is not setting us up for failure but giving us the tools to live a rich and meaningful life.

 Ever had a tough time forgiving someone? Have you been hanging on to anger or bad feelings toward another person for far too long? In the Lord's Prayer, we ask the Lord to "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." During this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone examine this statement and how to forgive so we can be free of resentment and in closer relationship to God.  

 Do you find yourself reciting the Lord's Prayer without much thought? Do you know  the meaning of each line of the Lord's Prayer? Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone  share the meaning of each line of the Lord's Prayer so that you can be reminded of "Who you are and Whose you are".  Shared is the backstory of the design of the prayer and the gift that this prayer is for Christians alike. We are glad you joined us; now please share it with a friend!! 

 From North Park--Fit Church, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the topic "WE are the Church--Beyond Sunday" and that the church are the people of Christ not necessarily the building. Also discussed is Koinonia or the gathering and community of followers and the critical nature of being together. Koinonia is also the 2018 National Spelling Bee winning word!! Thanks for listening! Remember to offer topics and feedback to us at [email protected]. 

 On this podcast, Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone discuss the Lutheran take on communion. We address questions such as 'What are all of those coverings that you use over the wine chalice?" and "Do we really eat his body and drink his blood?" or "How old do you have to be to participate in communion"? Pastor Dan explains the need to truly understand what is occurring while we participate in the taking of the Sacrament.  

In this episode Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the process through which a pastor goes in order to create a sermon. There is lots of research to be done including reading a variety of biblical interpretations, reading commentaries, and then connecting the findings into a coherent message to be shared with an awaiting congregation. Multiply that times 52 weeks in a year, holidays, weddings and funerals and that's a lot of writing and preaching!

 What are saints? Why doesn't Lutheran tradition focus on saints like other traditions?  In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone talk about Saints such as Francis of Assisi and how Lutheran tradition honors their work.

 In this podcast, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone chat with Katie Harley about Bible Journaling. Kate discusses how one can engage with Scripture by creating your own version of the age-old practice of illustration and lettering within the margins of your bible. It's for all (e.g. men, women, and kids) to become more engaged with the Word.