Coffee To Go Episodes
Coffee to Go is a regular feature on Faith Unfiltered Podcast that invites listeners into the sacred rhythm of the Christian liturgical year. Hosted by Karin Peter and Blake Smith, each episode offers a thoughtful reflection on the seasons, scriptures, and holy days that shape our spiritual journey.
Whether you’re on your morning commute, taking a walk, or pausing for a quiet moment, Coffee to Go provides a companionable space for grounding yourself in the story of God — one sacred moment at a time.
Because sometimes, the Spirit speaks best in the spaces between… and a little coffee doesn’t hurt, either.
Whether you’re on your morning commute, taking a walk, or pausing for a quiet moment, Coffee to Go provides a companionable space for grounding yourself in the story of God — one sacred moment at a time.
Because sometimes, the Spirit speaks best in the spaces between… and a little coffee doesn’t hurt, either.
Sept. 20, 2025
896 | Coffee to Go | Proper 20 | Year C
How do we use our skills and resources for "Kingdom purposes?" This week on "Coffee to Go," we're talking about money, blessing, and the political implications of the Gospel with two challenging parables from the book of Luke. The discussion centers on the themes of financial stewardship, social justice, and radical discipleship. Blake and Karin question the notion that financial success is a divine blessing, instead suggesting that true blessings lie in using one's skills and resources for "...
Sept. 13, 2025
893 | Coffee to Go | Proper 19 | Year C
Celebrating is always fun, but it’s even better when shared with family and friends. In today’s passage from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus intervenes amidst criticism from religious leaders for dining with sinners and tax collectors, whom society considered traitors. Through parables of a shepherd finding his lost sheep and a woman recovering a lost coin, Jesus illustrates the joy in Heaven over one sinner who repents compared to 99 righteous individuals. And, in both stories, a crowd is invited to ...
Sept. 6, 2025
890 | Coffee to Go | Proper 18 | Year C
It’s not uncommon to sing songs or participate in activities in which we talk about laying down our burdens. And yet, Jesus says, “take up your cross and follow me.” What’s it going to be... or is it a little of both? Well, in this week’s Gospel passage from the 14th chapter of the Gospel of Luke, it seems that the cross wins. No one ever said being a disciple was going to be easy, but Jesus did say we wouldn’t have to do it alone. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they consider what it ...
Aug. 31, 2025
888 | Coffee to Go | Proper 17 | Year C
The “H” words of the day and not honor or homage, but rather, humility and hospitality. Of such is the upside-down Kingdom of God. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a conversation on the passage from Luke 14 that challenges social norms by inviting diverse individuals to meals and encourages us to consider our personal social obligations. Grab a seat ... just be careful which one you choose ... and a cup of coffee and get ready to be honest with yourself. Don’t get too comfortable, you ...
Aug. 24, 2025
885 | Coffee to Go | Proper 16 | Year C
Laws have their place, but when it comes to following a law ... especially “God’s law” ... at the expense of someone’s dignity, we may need to look deeper into the intent of the law. In today’s text from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus pushes the religious leaders to think carefully about the true meaning of Sabbath, and to consider how a legalistic view can actually cause harm which is never God’s intent. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a conversation about Sabbath as Jesus suggests it is ...
Aug. 17, 2025
882 | Coffee to Go | Proper 15 | Year C
Sometimes the Gospel writers don’t catch Jesus at his most pastoral moments. Sometimes Jesus just needs to get straight to the point. This week’s passage from the Gospel of Luke is one of those not so “happy Jesus” passages. Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith explore the context of Jesus' teachings amidst poverty and oppression, emphasizing the need for discipleship and standing against unjust systems. They remind us of the importance of interpreting cultural signs and the challenges of following...
Aug. 10, 2025
879 | Coffee to Go | Proper 14 | Year C
It’s important to remember that we are always being sent as empowered disciples to live Jesus' ministry and message. The focus of this week’s Coffee to Go episode is Luke 12:32-40, which urges believers to prepare for God's Kingdom by focusing on the present and always being ready for God's purposes. Jesus' audience in the midst of a kingdom, and so do we ... though we don’t call it a kingdom. We need to be vigilant and ready, engaging in intentional quiet time to discern God's presence and r...
Aug. 3, 2025
876 | Coffee to Go | Proper 13 | Year C
Greed and the accumulation of material possessions are encouraged in our North American context, but they’re not something we like to talk a lot about. Could it be that’s because it sometimes touches a little close to home? Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith reflect on a parable where a rich man builds larger barns, only to be reminded of his mortality. The conversation touches on the cultural shift from a "just wants and needs" setup to modern consumerism, emphasizing the challenge of defining "...
July 27, 2025
873 | Coffee to Go | Proper 12 | Year C
This week on Coffee to Go, Karin Peter and Blake Smith explore "the other Lord's Prayer" from Luke 11:1-13. They delve into the practical, concise nature of Luke's version compared to Matthew's , discussing what it means to ask for "daily bread" and the profound implications of "forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us". Join us as we reflect on persistence in prayer and consider writing your own personal prayer. Download Transcript Thanks for listening ...
July 20, 2025
870 | Coffee to Go | Proper 11 | Year C
We all make judgements about how people act or respond in certain situations or to certain circumstances ... ultimately deciding which is the “better” response or action. We can’t help ourselves. In today’s gospel passage from the Gospel of Luke, we find ourselves watching as two sisters respond differently to Jesus’ presence, and one of them tries to get Jesus to choose sides. In reality, we all respond to things in different ways, and one is not necessarily better than others... at least not a...
July 13, 2025
867 | Coffee to Go | Proper 10 | Year C
“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.” At least once the Good Samaritan comes along. This week’s episode has Karin and Blake journeying with Jesus in the 10th chapter of Luke, and talking about what it takes to be “like a good neighbor...” Karin encourages us to emphasize hospitality as a counter to hostility, and rate ourselves on a five-point scale for compassion. Where would you rank yourself ... hostile or hospitable? Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follo...
July 6, 2025
864 | Coffee to Go | Proper 9 | Year C
It’s one thing to say, “Don’t worry, God will take care of you,” but it’s quite another to live it out. As a matter of fact, some would argue that God gives us brains so we can think about what we need and plan accordingly. But... in this week’s passage from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells his disciples to go out and witness ... and take nothing with you. WHAT!? Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a conversation on living in the hospitality that is the kingdom of God. Download Transcript...
June 29, 2025
862 | Coffee to Go | Proper 8 | Year C
When it comes to invitation, there’s a fine line between allowing time and space for others to join in or simply moving on to someone else. The cost of discipleship is high, and everyone can’t make snap decisions on matters of consequence. In this week’s passage from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus seems to be in the “move on” mode. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they journey with Jesus. Determine for yourself how you can walk that line between relationship and discipleship. When does the i...
June 22, 2025
859 | Coffee to Go | Proper 7 | Year C
Change is often hard and even uncomfortable. It can also be threatening when someone else’s change for the better makes us look bad, or when the change challenges our own sense of power and/or control. In this episode of Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith explore the Gospel of Luke's account of Jesus healing a demon-possessed man, highlighting the political and social implications of Jesus' actions and emphasizing the importance of recognizing and challenging oppressive systems. Do...
June 15, 2025
856 | Coffee to Go | Trinity Sunday | Year C
Scholars have been working for centuries to figure out the Trinity, so don’t feel discouraged if the topic makes you scratch your head in wonder. You are not alone. Karin and Blake don’t have the answers, but they do offer a couple of things to help you navigate through this week in the lectionary. There is a light at the end of the tunnel... or maybe it’s just a little light in the darkness. Either way, there’s a blessing in it for you. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfilt...
June 8, 2025
853 | Coffee to Go | Pentecost Sunday | Year C
On this first Sunday after the 2025 Community of Christ World Conference, where many have experienced a “Pentecost” experience in the coming together of people from many nations, cultures, and languages... we celebrate Pentecost. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a dive into the Pentecost passage from the Book of Acts. Imagine yourself in the place of those who gathered from all over to hear the message of love and inclusion, and explore how you can carry that into the places you live a...
June 1, 2025
851 | Coffee to Go | Ascension Sunday | Year C
It’s time to get some new “clothes.” Who doesn’t like that? Right? But there’s a small catch... we have to wait a little bit. Just stay here and wait, Jesus says ... until you are clothed in the Holy Spirit. The reality is that we could all use an excuse to get a little rest. It is in resting that we are able to receive the blessing of the Spirit's presence. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they rest in the Gospel of Luke for this Ascension Sunday episode of Coffee to Go. Rest and be bl...
May 25, 2025
848 | Coffee to Go | Sixth Sunday of Easter | Year C
We could all use a little reminding every once in a while. In the midst of chaos and hectic schedules, the call to do something uncomfortable is easily shrugged off with extremely relevant rationalizations as to why we can’t. That’s why Jesus promised an advocate. Unfortunately, however, the advocate of whom he spoke is not there to speak on our behalf, but rather to remind us of our call and conviction. We have been given the peace of Christ to reside in us, and that, believe it or not, is enou...
May 18, 2025
845 | Coffee to Go | Fifth Sunday of Easter | Year C
It is perhaps one of the easiest commandments to speak, and yet one of the hardest to put into action. We live in a world where it seems to have become easier to build walls than to sit and listen to one another... much less love one another. In many arenas, people are attempting to define diversity as a bad thing. The idea of unity in diversity, to them, seems impossible. But, Jesus reminds us to love one another, just as he loved us. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a conversation ab...
May 11, 2025
842 | Coffee to Go | Fourth Sunday of Easter | Year C
Who doesn’t like a good festival ... especially one that calls for renewal? No doubt, we could all use a little time for renewal. Well, this week’s episode of Coffee to Go finds us in the Gospel According to John, and it’s time for a festival of renewal. Unfortunately, this time of renewal isn’t about taking a day off, it’s about renewing your commitment and dedication to God. The great news is that there’s nothing more renewing than resting in God’s presence... even if it means more work. Watc...
May 4, 2025
840 | Coffee to Go | Third Sunday of Easter | Year C
What’s your “go-to” when you get stressed out? When things aren’t going your way, or when you’re feeling alone or lost, what, or where, brings you comfort? For Peter and the disciples, it was fishing. For some, it’s a hike in the mountains or a stroll on the beach. No matter where it is, Jesus meets us where we are. Join hosts Karin and Blake for a closer look at the disciples’ response to Jesus’ appearance in John 21:1-19. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow u...
April 27, 2025
837 | Coffee to Go | Second Week of Easter | Year C
Thomas, often referred to as ‘doubting Thomas,’ often gets a bum rap. He just wanted to have the same experience that everyone else had. He had an intimate relationship with Jesus and all he was asking for was a chance to see it for himself. We, too, have our own personal relationship with Christ and with the Divine. There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking God for the kind of experience you need in order to strengthen your relationship with the Divine. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smit...
April 20, 2025
834 | Coffee to Go | Easter | Year C
He is risen! On this episode of Coffee to Go, Karen and Blake look closely at Mary Magdalene's experience at the tomb – from darkness and weeping to a personal encounter with the risen Christ. They ask: How do our expectations limit us from seeing God at work? And have you felt the Spirit call you by name? Discover the significance of being called by name and challenge yourself to see the Divine in the everyday. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us...
April 19, 2025
833 | Coffee to Go | Holy Saturday | Year C
As we wait in the darkness between the events of Good Friday and the coming resurrection, we have the opportunity to consider the cost of discipleship. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a brief Coffee to Go episode to hear the scripture, to receive a blessing, and to wait. Don't rush to the resurrection just because you know how the story ends. Sit in the darkness ... and wait. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro an...