Coffee To Go Episodes

What do you wear to a party? You might say, “Well, it depends on what type of party it is, when it is and where it’s being held.” What if we told you that the party is every day, in every circumstance, and Jesus is the host? ...

It’s all about the fruit! So, what kind of fruit are you producing and harvesting? You wouldn’t want to be an unproductive “tenant” would you? This week’s journey with Jesus finds him facing off with some of the chief priest...

When it comes to matters of faith, it’s sometimes hard to know whether to stand up or to stay quiet. Today’s episode finds hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith journeying with Jesus in Jerusalem as the religious leaders are qu...

“That’s not fair!” is a common response to today’s gospel passage. But, then again, nothing is in the Kingdom of God … thank goodness! If things were “fair” we might get what we actually deserve rather than the grace and un...

This week’s journey with Jesus comes with an especially difficult but incredibly important challenge … the mandate to forgive. Too often, when we encounter conflict or disappointment with someone else, we choose to simply mov...

The NRSV uses the caption “Reproving Another Who Sins.” Well, it’s about time we got to call somebody out... right?! Wrong. A little deeper look into where we are with Jesus this week makes clear that what Jesus wants is for...

Following Jesus can be like a wild roller coaster ride. One minute you’re the rock on which Jesus says he’ll build his church, and the next minute he’s calling you Satan and telling you to get behind him. If that’s ever happ...

Who do you say that I am? Jesus’ question to Peter as recorded in the Gospel According to Matthew didn’t seem to catch Peter off guard. Peter was quick with his answer. How about you? Who would you say that Jesus is? Would...

A Rabbi, a Priest and a minister walk into a bar … Now that we have your attention, it was actually, a Syrophoenician who walked up to Jesus and the disciples and started shouting, “Have mercy on me Lord!” The thing is, Jes...

Do you sometimes feel like you are tossed about by the “stormy seas” of life? Why is it that we often wait until times get tough to reach out to God? In this week’s gospel passage, Jesus reminds us, through action not words, ...

Ever had one of those days where you’ve worked hard and you just want to go somewhere quiet, get a bite to eat and put your feet up? That’s the situation we find ourselves in this week with Jesus and the disciples. Join hosts...

“Of course we get it, Jesus! Why do you ask?” Imagine the looks on the faces of the disciples as they try to comprehend the laundry list of parables Jesus shares regarding the Kingdom of Heaven (aka the reign of God). One thi...

Do you sometimes find yourself surrounded by “toxic weeds” in your life … people whom you’d rather not be around for one reason or another? Have you ever wondered if you are the toxic “weed” in someone else’s “field?” In this...

Are you the seed, or are you the soil? If you’re the soil, you may find that some days you are more like rocky ground than fertile soil. Life happens, and we don’t always find ourselves in the most nurturing state of mind. ...

Do you ever feel like you’re under the scrutiny of “Goldilocks?” Too soft, too hard, not enough, too much … rarely just right? Do you try hard to please everyone only to realize there are just some people you may never please...

When was the last time you welcomed a stranger? Back in the “day,” houses had front porches, or stoops, and privacy fences were almost unheard of … at least in most neighborhoods. Now, we live in a time where back decks and p...

Nobody said it would be easy. Certainly not Jesus! If you’re looking for an easy ride, it could be that discipleship is not for you. It actually comes with a cost that is higher than some are willing to pay. The question is...

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Is this how we’ll know when the Kingdom of God has come near? What kind of Kingdom is this anyway? Did someone say it’s an “upside down” kingdom? Join host...

Discipleship is not about who you avoid. It’s about how you join Jesus in extending radical hospitality. Welcome to Ordinary Time, a time without festivals in which we can focus on our discipleship in everyday living. Join h...

A short passage for a deeply complex concept … the Trinity. Rather than getting bogged down in conversation about Trinity in this episode of Coffee to Go, however, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith focus in on the “sending” a...

The Spirit of God like a fire is burning! It’s Pentecost Sunday, and in this episode of Coffee to Go, cohosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith explore the scripture text that tells of this spirit-filled day. Put on something red, ...

He’s gone. He’s back. He’s gone again... now what? Have you ever found yourself feeling like the disciples must have on the day when Jesus ascended into heaven and before the coming of the promised Advocate? Confused? Lost? U...

Time is running short and Jesus has an important last-minute message to “drill” into the heads of his disciples. “This is my commandment that you LOVE ONE ANOTHER!” Before you get comfortable... that wasn’t just a message for...

Yes, we’re still in the season of Easter. But, it’s getting close to time for Jesus’ departure, and he is on an errand of hospitality. The disciples are concerned. How will they find their way to the divine dwelling place of ...