Coffee To Go Episodes

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 ...

Fences are meant to keep things out … to protect what is inside. Gates, on the other hand, are meant to provide a passage through... both in and out. When you hear Jesus say, “I am the Gate,” what does that mean to you? In wh...

What does “a risen Lord” really mean after all these years? Would you recognize Jesus if he came up and walked alongside you? What would be the “thing” that would open your eyes to his presence? Put on your walking shoes! It’...

Easter is not over. On the contrary, it’s just getting started! Jesus is back, but Thomas … and the other disciples … have to see it to believe it. How about you? Grab your chocolate Easter Bunny (if you haven’t already eate...

The stone has been rolled away. All that remains in the tomb are the linen cloths in which Jesus’ body had been wrapped for burial. He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! But what does that mean for you? What does it mean that Jes...

“Anticipation, it’s making me wait.” These are not just the words to the refrain of a Carly Simon song or a ‘70s ketchup commercial. It is an expression of what we experience as we sit in the uncertainty of Holy Saturday... b...

Few people like the dark... especially when that darkness invades our everyday living. Ignoring it, however, will not make it go away. If anything, facing it head-on will only make the light that shines in the darkness that...

When was the last time you went to a dinner party and the host offered to wash your feet? How would you react if they did? Would you be embarrassed, or would you receive it as an extravagant gift? Once again Jesus does the un...

“Hosanna to the Son of David, blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” The cries of desperation from a people waiting for their “victor” to enter Jerusalem and liberate them. Instead, they witness an incredibly ...

When was the last time you did something without thinking about the “cost,” simply because it was the right thing to do? Giving without thought of cost is central to the extravagant nature of God. This week, join cohosts Kari...