Coffee Connect Episodes

A new year has begun, and the pressure is on, whether you fall prey to it or not, to make some new year resolutions. Many will do it. Some will succeed. Some know better than to even try. In this short episode of Coffee Connect, host, Blake Smith, reminds us to focus on the small steps. Setting goals can be a good thing because it keeps us growing and moving forward. What’s important is that the goals (aka resolutions) be attainable. Better to set your sights on something small and succeed than ...

Life can get messy, even when we have the best of intentions. The great news is that there’s no safer place to be “messy” than in sacred community ... you know, that special kind of community that the church is supposed to be for one another. Sometimes, however, we get so focused on achieving perfection (the destination) that we miss the beauty hidden below the mess (the journey). We need others ... companions on the journey ... to help us see the beauty that lies within. In this episode of Coff...

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, and you might be surprised to find that one of the stories is her story. It just goes to show you that it can happen to anyone. But, the good news is t...

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 of dwelling in God's Word. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music...

Do you have it? Sure you do. Even if you have to dig deep to find it, you’ve got that “thing.” And you’re not alone. As children of God created in the image of God we all have that “thing.” That something special that creates an hospitable environment where people feel like they matter … that they are of worth. Join host Blake Smith for a quick reminder of the importance of making everyone feel welcome. It may be one of the only effective ways to get beyond the things that seek to divide us. Do...

Grab a cup of coffee (or hot tea) and settle down to hear one of Linda Booth’s amazing stories of healing, restoration, and the power of community. In this episode, you’ll hear Colinda’s story and testimony of what happens when we take time to notice those around us who are hurting and alone. You’ll find from this story that you’re never too young (or old) to be the answer to someone’s need. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Int...

Advent is a time of anticipation and expectation. It is a time of waiting. But who likes waiting? What is the use of waiting for something when you already know how things will turn out. It’s like watching the end of a movie first. The reality is that there is so little in life that many of us have to wait for anymore. But, there are still millions in our world who wait every day … for everything from love and acceptance to food and clean water. Join host Blake Smith for a reflection on waiting....

We all have times in our lives when we could use a “God Moment.” In this episode of Coffee Connect, retired Apostle, Linda Booth, shares Elizabeth’s story of grief and desperation and how a God moment made all the difference in the lives of her and her two boys. Here, you’ll see what unconditional commitment to discipleship and ministry can do in the lives of others. And, you’ll find inspiration and encouragement for living out your own calling to make a difference in our world. Download Transc...

The Apostle Paul asks the question in relation to the love of God, but it’s time for us to ask the question in relation to our relationships with God, with each other and with all of creation. Better yet, perhaps we could ask the question, “What can bring us together?” In this episode of Coffee Connect, host Blake Smith reflects on the importance of relationships and connections. Our hearts should break at the knowledge that there are those who have been separated for any reason, and we should b...

Sometimes it feels like being a disciple can create more questions than answers … especially when you’re living out your faith in the midst of other disciples struggling with similar issues but coming to very different conclusions. Questions are good though. It is in facing tough questions that our faith is strengthened and our communities are shaped. Join host Blake Smith in this episode of Coffee Connect as he lifts up just a few of the tough questions, the answers to which are necessary for t...

Too many churches are missing the boisterous laughter, Joyful awe, and sometimes disruptive behavior of children. As congregations age, there is little worry of stains on the carpet, marks on the walls, or inappropriate behavior during the often solemn act of worship. Whatever happened to “of such is the kingdom of God?” The great news is that the kids are still there. It’s just that “there” might not be in our pews. Instead, they are in our neighborhoods and when we’re willing to listen to God ...

Forever seems like a long time when talking about how long someone will remember the mistakes that you made. Camera phones and social media have made memories even longer than before. But what happens if we use the memories of our mistakes and the mistakes of others to navigate the future... a future where reconciliation and forgiveness is a possibility? Join host Blake Smith for a thoughtful reflection on the importance of reconciliation … on both sides of every mistake. All scriptural referen...

Can one be both a Christian and a patriot at the same time? For some in the US, it is a resounding yes, while for those who live out their Christian discipleship in a global faith community like Community of Christ, the answer is much more nuanced. In this brief episode of Coffee Connect, especially written in recognition of the United States’ Independence Day observance, host Blake Smith reminds us that although the United States is “one nation, under God,” it is not the only nation under God. ...

Arthur Brooke wrote about it. William Shakespeare brought it to stage. In 1957 it came to stage again under another name. It’s a tale as old as time, and we continue to hear versions of it in our daily news. But what’s at the heart of it? Join host Blake Smith for a brief yet thought-provoking episode of Coffee Connect in which he looks at the story within the story. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used wi...

Life might be better if we could just be handed “truth” on a proverbial silver platter. It would probably be easier if everything we thought we knew was all we needed to know. But, that’s not the way it works in a global, diverse community like the one we live in. Join host Blake Smith for this Coffee Connect episode in which he shares some brief reflections on the importance of understanding “truth” from more than our own perspective. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfilter...

You can run from God, but you can’t hide! When the people of God come together after, and in the midst of, spiritual preparation, there is no telling what God might do. World Conference in Community of Christ is a perfect example. It is both a unique and an amazing experience. Chances are, if you’ve been to World Conference, you know that to be true. Listen in as Retired Apostle and storyteller, Linda Booth, shares a few of her transformational moments in the World Conference setting. Download ...

Host and master storyteller, Linda Booth, is back with another episode of Coffee Connect, and a call to action. Listen in as she tells stories of modern-day “Good Samaritans,” and how their simple acts were mighty deeds in the eyes of those who were the recipients of their kindness and generosity. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Mu...

Grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage and get cozy as Linda Booth shares holiday stories just in time for your Christmas weekend! Host: Linda Booth Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org “The Trees of...

Stories heal, bring understanding, and connect humanity. Today, Linda Booth shares three short stories from her time as an apostle in Community of Christ. Host: Linda Booth Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmiss...

Grab your favorite brew and listen to Project Zion's resident storyteller, Linda Booth, share tales from the heart. Host: Linda Booth Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org “The Trees of the Field,”...

In the swarm of uncertainty during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, Linda Booth decided she couldn't simply wait for miracles, but needed to take an active role in creating them by connecting safely with those around her. Host: Linda Booth Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t...

Finding God in the midst of storms and heartbreak is one of life's biggest challenges. Today, Linda Booth shares a deeply personal story about one of her family's greatest storms and how she was able to find grace, love, and forgiveness in the midst of it. Host: Linda Booth Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin....

The ordination of women was a controversial move in Community of Christ and did not come without broken relationships. Today on the podcast, Linda Booth shares a story of an unusual friendship between herself as an ordained apostle and leaders of Restoration congregations. These friendships led to the Restoration Reconciliation Committee and for Linda, they continue to be a reminder that reconciliation is possible in a divided world. Host: Linda Booth Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podca...

Retired Apostle Linda Booth shares three stories that answer the question Jesus asked in Luke chapter 10, "Who is my neighbor?" Host: Linda Booth Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org “The Trees of the F...