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.
June 23, 2024
724 | Coffee to Go | Proper 7
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 emphasize that true faith is about trusting in God's love and presence through all circumstances, and that it is nurtured through community and pe...
June 16, 2024
721 | Coffee to Go | Proper 6
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 parables ... rest in them ... allow that to which they point, the reign of God, to invade our spirits. Recommended Readings/Poems for experiencing “invasion...
June 9, 2024
718 | Coffee to Go | Proper 5
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 enjoyed a little time alone on the mountain with God. Join co-hosts Karin Peter for an interesting conversation about why a little peace and quiet can do us...
June 2, 2024
716 | Coffee to Go | Proper 4
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 Christian tradition, emphasizing its importance in creating space for divine healing and wholeness. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith...
May 26, 2024
713 | Coffee to Go | Trinity Sunday
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 Nicodemus as they journey with Jesus into the “completeness of God and God’s love for us. And, for the record, it doesn’t matter who is on first. God lov...
May 19, 2024
710 | Coffee to Go | Pentecost Sunday
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 little frightening ... fear not ... you’re not alone. That kind of thing has been happening since way back “in the day” ... Jesus’ day! Grab a cup of ...
May 12, 2024
708 | Coffee to Go | Ascension Sunday
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 Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a conversation about the importance of rest so that we might have the capacity to receive the Holy Spirit who is to be ou...
May 5, 2024
706 | Coffee to Go | Sixth Sunday of Easter
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... “nobody said being a disciple would be easy.” But don’t be discouraged. We’re all in this together, and we can do it!! Download Transcript Thanks for li...
April 28, 2024
703 | Coffee to Go | Fifth Sunday of Easter
WARNING: This episode may make those with small personal space a little uncomfortable because things are going to get a little “clingy.” That’s right, this week Jesus tells his disciples (and us) that he is the vine and we are the branches. The goal ... bearing fruit. And, in order to bear fruit, the branches need to cling to (a.k.a. abide in) the vine. Those who don’t ... well, we hear tell that the vine grower is not afraid to use the pruning shears... just sayin’. Grab a cup of your favorite ...
April 21, 2024
702 | Coffee to Go | Fourth Sunday of Easter
Could it be that Christianity drew some of its images from surrounding culture? Of course! Not only could it, it did! And, the Good Shepherd seems to be one of those images. How else might we know what Jesus meant by using “good” as a descriptor here in today’s passage? Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for this week’s Coffee to Go, as they encourage listeners to identify images and characteristics in today’s culture that serve as guides for the journey of discipleship. Download Transcript...
April 14, 2024
701 | Coffee to Go | Third Sunday of Easter
Invite, eat, open, send! Four easy steps to being a witness ... or, if you prefer, a storyteller. Nothing to be afraid of, right? And yet, the disciples were just that ... afraid. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, for another look at the post-resurrection encounter between Jesus and his first disciples. This time from Luke’s perspective. Get a glimpse into the ways that Jesus encouraged, empowered, challenged and sent them (and sends us) into the world to continue his mission. Download T...
April 7, 2024
700 | Coffee to Go | Second Sunday of Easter
Jesus shows up. On this Second Sunday of Easter, join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a look into the passage from the Gospel According to John too often referred to as the “Doubting Thomas” passage. See how the passage emphasizes Jesus' presence in times of fear and doubt and highlights the idea that Jesus breathes life into those who are afraid and without power, offering hope and reassurance. It's a powerful reminder of the enduring presence of Jesus in our lives. Download Transcript ...
March 31, 2024
699 | Coffee to Go | Sunday Easter
Join us for a thought-provoking Easter episode of Coffee to Go, where we explore the significance of the resurrection and the role of those without power (especially women) in the biblical account. Karin Peter and Blake Smith delve into the Gospel of Mark, challenging traditional gender roles and emphasizing the message that God meets individuals in the midst of chaos. You'll be encouraged to contemplate your responses in similar situations. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Un...
March 30, 2024
698 | Coffee to Go | Holy Saturday
The quiet time between the crucifixion and the resurrection provides another great opportunity to explore themes of reflection, racial bias, and ethical integrity in the face of hatred and violence. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for this special “Holy Saturday” episode of Coffee to Go. Listen in as they discuss the roles of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus as well as many other Jews in supporting, following, and caring for Jesus. Consider the importance of understanding and combating a...
March 29, 2024
697 | Coffee to Go | Good Friday
Tune in for a reflective and meditative experience where hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, delve into the Scripture passage from the Gospel of John, which takes us through the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, emphasizing Jesus' nonconformity and his challenge to established religious authorities. The episode concludes with a prayer, urging listeners to embody courage and selflessness in confronting the adversities of the world. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltere...
March 28, 2024
696 | Coffee to Go | Maundy Thursday
Join us for a thought-provoking journey through the Christian tradition on Maundy Thursday with this special episode of Coffee to Go. Hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith explore the significance of Jesus' act of foot-washing during the Last Supper, emphasizing the themes of humility, vulnerability, and love. Delve into the transformative power of humble service and its alignment with the character of God. Don't miss out on this enriching discussion! Download Transcript Thanks for listening to F...
March 24, 2024
694 | Coffee to Go | Palm Sunday
Join us for a thought-provoking journey through the scriptures and traditions of the Christian faith in our latest episode of Coffee to Go. In this special Palm Sunday episode, Karin Peter and Blake Smith delve into the Gospel of Mark's portrayal of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, exploring themes of humility, authenticity, and servanthood. Discover the significance of Palm Sunday and how it invites us to reflect on our own identities and the expectations placed upon us. Don't miss out on this insi...
March 17, 2024
693 | Coffee to Go | Fifth Sunday of Lent
Some Greeks want to see Jesus. That’s the subtitle of today’s focus passage for Coffee to Go. The question is, should we let them? Should we make Jesus accessible to whoever wants to see him? Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, for their discussion of the possible exclusive way the focus passage is often read, as well as an alternate way to read it in which God’s “honor” becomes much more inclusive. There’s plenty of God’s honor to go around. No need to keep it to ourselves. Download Transc...
March 10, 2024
691 | Coffee to Go | Fourth Sunday of Lent
This little light of mine ... I’m gonna let it shine! Today we take a break from walking with Jesus, and take a few minutes to talk about him. Why, in fact, did God send the Son to the world? Is it so that a few select people who believe a certain way and act a certain way (at least on Sundays) could get to heaven? We think not! Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, for a deep look into a passage that includes the infamous “John 3:16,” but does not end there. Download Transcript Thanks for l...
March 3, 2024
690 | Coffee to Go | Third Sunday of Lent
Watch out! Jesus has arrived at the Temple in Jerusalem, and he’s not happy! On this third Sunday of Lent, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith spend a little time with Jesus as he starts turning over tables and throwing people out. The outer courts of the Temple are filled with vendors and moneychangers who are taking advantage of those who have come offer their ritual sacrifice to God for Passover, and the ones affected the most are the poor. It’s time to speak up against this (and other) blatant...
Feb. 25, 2024
688 | Coffee to Go | Second Sunday of Lent
As we get closer to Jerusalem, things are heating up, and Peter is beside himself. Things don’t seem to be turning out the way they should. And...what do you mean, “die to self?” Tough words to hear by someone who has already given up everything. Lucky for Peter, and us, dying to self doesn’t refer to a literal death. It’s all about sacrificing our own self-interest for the good of the whole. And, it’s about following the teachings of Jesus... living like Jesus … not just believing in him. Join ...
Feb. 18, 2024
685 | Coffee to Go | Lent 1
Thunderous voices, rending of the heavens, temptation in the wilderness! Doesn’t sound like your typical baptism, but that’s how the writer of Mark tells the story of Jesus’ baptism. No time is wasted on flowery feel-good talk. It’s time to get down to the business of bringing about the reign of God. Join co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for this important passage that helps us prepare for the journey through Lent. Be prepared to think about what “rending” needs to be done in your own life d...
Feb. 14, 2024
683 | Coffee to Go | Ash Wednesday
Romance or renewal … which will it be? With Ash Wednesday falling on St. Valentine’s Day, who knows? For this special edition of Coffee to Go, journey into the Psalms with co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith to get a sense of the deep yearning for renewal that is appropriate as we enter this Lenten Season. Grab your coffee and a broom. There just might be some “cleaning up” that needs to be done. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram...
Feb. 11, 2024
681 | Coffee to Go | Last Sunday of Epiphany (Transfiguration Sunday)
Got a tent? Doesn’t matter. You won’t be needing one anyway. We won’t be on the mountain long enough to get it set up. We will, however, be there long enough to see Jesus get lit... well... lit up … as in the transfiguration. Join Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they, along with Moses and Elijah, join Jesus on the mountaintop. It’s important NOT to pitch your tent in any one spot. Remember, God’s presence is not confined to any one place. “Mountain top experience” is just a figure of speech...