Still Speaking with St. Peter’s

This episode celebrates Pentecost Sunday, as the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the church. Pastors Amanda and Kris discuss story from Acts 2: 1-21, and make connections to the 150th Anniversary of the founding of St. Peter’s. Can we continue to share the spark and fan the flame of the Spirit in order to share our faith?

This episode begins with a Mother's Day blessing. Pastors Amanda and Kris discuss the farewell words of Jesus, in John 14:15-21, that call us to follow the love commandment. Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit, who is our Advocate, called alongside to help, assist, and comfort us. How can we live as witnesses who also give strength or courage to others?

This episode celebrates Confirmation Sunday. Pastors Amanda and Kris discuss the words of comfort Jesus shares in John 14:1-14. Rather than hearing any exclusion in Jesus’ invitation, the affirmation of inclusion is engaged with the article “Trusting in the Way,” by Natalia Terfa. Can we hear the words of Jesus wrap around us like a blanket to give us comfort and peace?

This episode celebrates Good Shepherd Sunday. Pastors Amanda and Kris discuss the imagery from Psalm 23 and John 10:1-10. The shepherd in the 23rd Psalm cares for the sheep, feeds them, and protects them from harm. In John 10, Jesus is the shepherd who protects the sheep and provides for abundant life. Considering modern spiritual sojourners, they discuss a “Sheep’s Guide to Sniffing Out Bad Religion” (adapted from Bruce Sanguin in The Advance of Love).

This episode celebrates Earth Day Sunday. Pastors Amanda and Kris discuss the importance of trees and the vision from Ezekiel 47:1-12. Thomas Merton wrote that, “A tree gives glory to God by being a tree.” But not every tree has been given the space to become what God intends. Climate trauma is robbing our capacity for imagination. Then, limited imagination limits our capacity for response. Can we embrace the vision of healing?

This episode explores the resurrection stories in John 20:19-31. Pastors Amanda and Kris discuss Jesus meeting us where we are and offering peace. Rather than calling him “Doubting Thomas,” he should be labeled “Thomas the Courageous.” Breath prayers are shared as a tool for finding calm. Passing the peace can be an opportunity for building community, deepening connections, fighting fear, and sharing light.

This episode is an offering of care and compassion. Pastors Amanda and Kris share words from a recent sermon and devotions that are intended to encourage and uplift. They also summarize resources from their book study and conversation partner, Amy-Jill Levine, the author of the book Entering the Passion of Jesus, A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week. May your Holy Week experience be blessed.

This episode explores the anointing of Jesus from Matthew 26: 6-13. Jesus asks us to tell this story in remembrance of this unnamed woman. Pastors Amanda and Kris discuss the ancient context and relevant connections, while also engaging the book Entering the Passion of Jesus, A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week by Amy-Jill Levine. The invitation of this season is to “Picture Ourselves in the Story.”

This episode explores events when Jesus was teaching during Holy Week from Matthew 22: 15-22 and Mark 12: 28-34. Pastors Amanda and Kris discuss their beliefs about their teaching and preaching, trying to reflect Jesus’ ministry, while also engaging the book Entering the Passion of Jesus, A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week by Amy-Jill Levine. The invitation of this season is to “Picture Ourselves in the Story.”

This episode explores the story of Jesus clearing the temple from John 2:13-21 and Mark 11: 15-19, along with how we deal with angry feelings. Pastors Amanda and Kris discuss the historical, cultural, and political context of the Jesus’ ministry, while also engaging the book Entering the Passion of Jesus, A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week by Amy-Jill Levine. The invitation of this season is to “Picture Ourselves in the Story.”