Nothing screams “call to action” like people dancing around a pink boat that is blocking traffic in central London! At least that was part of what got Andrew Fellows started in the climate justice protesting business. In this episode of Climate Brewing, host Susan Oxley sits down with guest and fellow Climate Justice Team member, Andrew Fellows, to…

But I don’t want to eat his flesh and drink his blood. Do I really have to? Thank goodness Jesus talks in metaphor. What he really wants is for us to “abide” in him... to be so closely aligned with him that he becomes for us a life source. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, as they explore what it means to abide in Christ. Then, take time to …

There is nothing better than hearing someone say that one of the reasons they have stayed in the church is because they’ve been “loved to death.” And, that seems to be a recurring theme here at Chai Can’t Even. Kudos to the congregations who keep the love and welcome flowing. Join host, Blake Smith, for a sit down with Wes Hodgson, former pastor an…

Linda Stanbridge is no stranger to Project Zion Podcast. As an advocate for Harmony and the LGBTQIA+ community and as a minister of invitation, Linda has had lots of great things to share ... all of which have been laced with personal stories and passion. But there’s more to Linda’s story. She is back again, but this time it’s all about her persona…

Believing things about Jesus is good. As a matter of fact, knowing what you believe about Jesus is a great place to start, but it’s not necessarily life-changing. It’s when you come to the point of believing in Jesus that things begin to change within you. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, as they explore what it means to “partake” of the “br…

Are you a “prodigal?” Have you ever thought you knew a better way for your life only to find out that you had it pretty good? At least you knew you were loved and welcomed. Perhaps it is true that “the grass is NOT always greener...” In this episode of Coffee Connect, Host and former apostle, Linda Booth is back with a couple of prodigal stories, a…

Summertime comes with a vengeance this year across much of our world. Sustained high temperatures can have broad impact like damaging crops, illness or death for livestock, widespread power outages, and severe risk of wildfires. Several fires are blazing across the globe today. Sometimes our spiritual lives can feel scorched by heat, dried in the s…

What happens when we’re hungry for something, and it’s not what Jesus is serving? Many, if not all, have been in that place where we’re so hungry that, until we are fed physically, we can’t think about anything else...at least that’s what it feels like. In this week’s episode of Coffee to Go, Jesus is serving up a helping of deeper relationship wit…

In case you haven’t noticed, music plays a big role in the lives of both Humberto Tinsman and Jacob Ross, creators and hosts of the Ministry for Dummies podcast. And they are back in this cross-post of their fourth episode, Music and Our Faith. Watch out, they’ve got some strong opinions about what’s good and what’s bad, what’s spiritual and what’s…

It’s encouraging to hear stories of people finding deep welcome and connection in the church ... no matter which congregation they step into. That is the case in the personal stories shared by Mike Sherman of Pensacola, FL with host, Blake Smith. Join Mike and Blake for this episode of Chai Can’t Even, and you’re sure to find yourself reconnecting …

Which came first, the chicken or the egg ... abundance or blessing. You may have what you believe is THE correct answer, but apparently, there are sound arguments for both. In this episode of Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, join Jesus and the disciples on a mountainside and in a boat, both of which lead them to ponder whether or no…

No one in their right mind would sign up to go it alone on the frontier ... raising a family, tending a farm, and everything else that goes with it. Well, no one except the women who were part of the early Reorganization. Women whose husbands served as missionaries and were gone for long periods of time. It’s those women whose stories we hear in th…

“Yay, we’re at the party. We’re going to a church party!’ Wouldn’t it be great if a few more people felt that way about church ... and not just two-and-a-half-year-olds? In this episode of Chai Can’t Even, host Blake Smith sits down with Kara Sherman of the North Pensacola (FL) congregation to hear her story and what it is that has kept her coming …

“Come unto me all who are weary and I will give you rest. Oh wait, there are crowds of people gathering who need our help first!” Have you ever felt like just when you were about to get a chance to enjoy some much-needed rest, something “more pressing” came up? Well, you’re not alone! In this week’s episode of Coffee to Go, that is exactly the situ…

Violence in our world is not new, and neither is the conversation about non-violence in Community of Christ! In the special episode of Coffee Buzz, host Apostle Robin Linkhart sits down with Prophet President Steve Veazey and Prophet President Designate Stassi Cramm for an in-depth conversation about the recently released draft statement on non-vio…

How could something so “natural” be so dangerous? Two of the most harmful greenhouse gasses are the byproducts of very natural processes ... living (breathing) and dying (decay). We’ve all heard of the problems that increased amounts of CO2 can cause to the atmosphere, but in reality, methane is 80 times more potent ... at least in the short term. …

The desire to gain power and to keep it can make people do crazy, if not awful, things… even when they don’t really want to do them. Such is the case in today’s passage from the Gospel of Mark. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a look into the story of Herod and...

The desire to gain power and to keep it can make people do crazy, if not awful, things... even when they don’t really want to do them. Such is the case in today’s passage from the Gospel of Mark. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a look into the story of Herod and John the Baptist. See what is possible when power is at stake. Think deeply…

We don’t have to look too closely to find things in our past that may have been progressive at the time, but are considered embarrassing by many in today’s context. In those cases, we must ask, “Face it or erase it?” In this episode of Cuppa Joe, host Robin Linkhart talks with Lach Mackay about the First Presidency’s response to World Conference Re…

You know you’ve done something right when a child/adolescent goes to church... not because they have to, but because they want to. An ordained teacher at 18 and a high school band teacher at 21, Ethan Mitchell, was one of those children, and the credit goes to a loving congregation who created a loving, nurturing environment where kids could thrive…

Who does he think he is? Jesus, that’s who! This week we find Jesus teaching in the synagogue, and the people are astounded. How could this “son of a carpenter” know all of these things? Well, besides the fact that he’s the Son of God, he’s taken the time to be with people where they are... to experience “the world” with fresh eyes ... and to push …

Camping season is here. So, while campgrounds are on our minds, why not think creatively about how to sustain those resources while contributing to environmental justice? As you’ll hear in this episode in the Climate Brewing Series, there are several things we can do. Join host Susan Oxley, as she sits down with fellow Climate Justice Team member, …

There is no shame in being thankful for one’s blessings, especially as they relate to one’s country of origin or residence.... as long as the gratitude is grounded in an understanding that God doesn’t favor any one nation over another. After all, God is God of all the nations. It’s important to remember that people everywhere are God’s children ...…

Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they dive into a captivating exploration of faith, healing, and the transformative power of Jesus' presence in this episode of "Coffee to Go." Delving into the Gospel of Mark, they unpack two miraculous stories that not only showcase the incredible faith of those who encountered Jesus but also remind us of …

It doesn’t get any more real ... and welcoming... than a church where kids are included, bathrooms are available to the general public, music comes from a boombox, and the podium is made out of a cardboard box found out behind the building. Welcome to East Brewton, AL, a congregation that started as a house church with two people and now finds itse…

Everybody loves camp. It’s the highlight of the summer. But, not too many fill a car with school friends they’ve invited to join in on the fun. In this episode of Steamers and Sodas, host Blake Smith sits down with Levi Blakesley, a very avid inviter when it comes to camping. Blake and Levi discuss the importance of camp experiences for youth, with…

This week on "Coffee to Go," Blake Smith and Karin Peter explore the theme of faith in the face of life's storms, drawing from the Gospel of Mark where Jesus calms a raging sea. The hosts discuss the misconceptions surrounding faith and challenge the idea that it should be used to compare oneself to others or as a measure of personal strength. They…

In this episode of the Project Zion Podcast, host Robin Linkhart sits down with Andrew Webber, a member of the Community of Christ congregation in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Andrew shares his personal journey from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) to his current faith home in the Community of Christ. He discusses the challenges and ref…

“Well ... if nobody else is going to ... I will.” This was Rod Downing's response to a lack of conversation in the church (specifically in the Herald) about environmental issues. Rather than complain, he started doing something about it. In this episode of Climate Brewing, host Susan Oxley pushes environmental and climate advocate Rod Downing to sh…

Holy Invasion... doesn’t that sound intriguing? Perhaps a bit scary or creepy rather. In this episode of Coffee to Go, we find Jesus speaking in parables. Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider the importance of approaching those parables as a heart project versus a head project. Like poetry, sometimes it’s good to just “experience” the parable…

Which campfire songs are your favorite... your least favorite? In this episode of What’s Brewing, we’ve cross-posted an episode from Ministry for Dummies in which Humberto and Jacob are stirring up controversy... but it’s all in fun. Listen in as Humberto and Jacob offer their very humble opinions about some classics, some all-time favorites, and e…

For over 40 years, Rod Downing has been on the front lines (literally) of the struggle for environmental and climate justice. Listen in as host Susan Oxley and Rod sit down for a chat about how he got started, what he has done and seen, and how activism has changed over the years. Perhaps you’ll come away inspired to join in the struggle with this …

Turn down the noise! (After you listen to this episode of Coffee to Go, of course). Sometimes the chaos that results from large gatherings can get a bit overwhelming… and Jesus did not get a “pass” when it came to crowds. Add to that the cacophony of questions, challenges of authority, and requests for healing,...…

Turn down the noise! (After you listen to this episode of Coffee to Go, of course). Sometimes the chaos that results from large gatherings can get a bit overwhelming... and Jesus did not get a “pass” when it came to crowds. Add to that the cacophony of questions, challenges of authority, and requests for healing, and, well... no wonder Jesus enjoye…

Jason and Robin are back for part 2 of Jason’s Fair Trade Story. In this episode, Robin zeroes in on Jason’s leadership roles since joining Community of Christ. Find out how true hospitality played a significant role in Jason’s move into this faith community as well as how that same deep hospitality continues to be foundational to his ministry as h…

In 1964, Julie Andrews, playing the role of Mary Poppins sang the song “My Favorite Things.” In today’s episode of Awaken to God’s Presence, host and spiritual director Tyler Marz focuses the listener’s attention on wonderful things. Using Howard Thurman’s poem How Wonderful as a starting point, Tyler encourages us to celebrate the wonderful things…

Take a break. Put your feet up. Grab some coffee. Whatever it is you do to rest. Just don’t confuse that kind of rest with Sabbath. In this episode of Coffee to Go, we find Jesus and his disciples clashing with the religious leaders over the issue of Sabbath. Join co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a discussion on the concept of rest in the C…

Since joining Community of Christ in 2017, Jason Eyre has jumped in with reckless abandon....finding new ways to express his ministry and leadership giftedness. Jason first shared his faith transition story back in 2017, but has come back to tell of the things that he’s learned, and how he’s found his place in this sacred community. The story is so…

Healing spaces, educational opportunities, community connections ... who knew all this (and more) could be found in a scripture garden? Join host Blake Smith for this episode of What’s Brewing where he sits down with Forest Hills Scripture Garden co-founder, Joyce Blair, and leader of the new “Friends of the Garden” leadership team, Blake Rosbury, …

What’s more confusing than the old, “Who’s on First?” Abbot and Costello routine? If you have no idea what ... or who ... we’re talking about ... Google it! Then, grab your coffee and your thinking cap because today is Trinity Sunday, and little in this world is more confusing than the Trinity. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, along with Nic…

Fair Trade is back, and this episode is full of deep insights resulting from our guest’s transparent sharing of his spiritual journey beginning in early childhood and spanning across multiple continents and faith traditions ... all of which ultimately led him and his husband to Community of Christ. You might need a large mug of coffee for this one!…

What do food trucks and children’s books have in common? They are both interests, and potential career choices, for the latest guest on Coffee in the Swarm, Talina Sepulveda. Hailing from Colorado and experiencing her first semester at Graceland, Talina agreed to sit down with hosts Aliyah Farrell, Christian Biwott, and Mike Hoffman to talk about h…

Goodness, gracious, great tongues of fire! It’s Pentecost, and anything is possible when the Holy Spirit is on the loose and seeking to infiltrate your heart. By the way, if the thought of people from all over the world speaking in their own language and you understanding without a translator being present is confusing, intriguing and maybe even a …

The Road to Welcoming and Affirming is a long and winding road, but the travel is well worth it. Just ask our panelists: Nancy McClellan, Matt Bryant, and Humberto Tinsman. In this episode which originally aired as a live event on May 6, 2024, they sit down with co-hosts Linda Stanbridge and Blake Smith to talk about their journey. The lessons they…

In this episode of Coffee Connect, Linda Booth shares a personal experience where a scripture story about Mary Magdalene's journey to the tomb on Easter morning came alive for her during the preparation of an Easter sermon. Join Linda as she reflects on the transformative power of scripture and personal experiences, emphasizing the profound impact …

Wait. Rest. Bless. Repeat. What if Ascension Sunday was about more than Jesus leaving to be with God? What if the disciples just needed a break ... a time to rest ... a time to make space for the coming of the Holy Spirit? Imagine how exhausted the disciples must have been, physically and emotionally following what we call Holy Week. Join hosts Kar…

This episode of What’s Brewing finds us out in Runnells, IA for “a party at the pantry.” In April 2021, Tami Enos-Borg and Bob Borg responded to God’s call in their lives by starting the 3G Food Pantry in Runnells, IA and they’ve never looked back. Join host, Blake Smith, as he sits down with Bob and Tami for an enthusiastic conversation about what…

In this episode of "Awaken to God's Presence," host Blake Smith guides listeners through a spiritual practice in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The episode features a poem entitled "Communi-tea: Our Stories" by Prasanta Verma, which celebrates the diversity and unity within the Asian American community. It encourages s…

Live, eat, breathe, speak, act in love toward one another ... even those who seem unlovable. That’s a tall order, but that is what is expected of one who “journeys with Jesus.” Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for another week of “abiding.” Be prepared for a week of deep and abiding love. We’ve said it before and it bears saying again... “nob…

Jacob and Humberto are back and they’re keepin’ it real, in this cross-post from their new podcast, Ministry for Dummies. Jacob and Humberto joined Robin Linkhart in February 2024 to talk about the podcast and we promised to air some of the episodes here at PZP. And we’re nothing if not true to our word, so... grab your favorite cuppa joe and settl…