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.
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...
Feb. 4, 2024
679 | Coffee to Go | Epiphany 5
Remember the day when we used to share meals in each other’s homes? Maybe that wasn’t ever a “thing” where and when you were growing up, but that’s where Jesus is today … in the house of Simon and Andrew to share a meal. At least that was the original intent. Join co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for the real scoop about what happened that day and why. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permiss...
Feb. 2, 2024
678 | Coffee to Go | Candlemas
Just because Candlemas isn’t traditionally observed in Community of Christ, doesn’t mean we can’t do it here at Coffee to Go. Grab your cup of coffee and a candle for this special CTG episode in honor of Candlemas. We’ll revisit the presentation of Jesus in the temple where Simeon and Anna are waiting, but this time we’ll focus on the light. Join co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for an extra glimpse into journeying with Jesus on the special days of the liturgical calendar. Download Transcri...
Jan. 28, 2024
677 | Coffee to Go | Epiphany 4
It’s not very often that we find ourselves astounded by something that someone is teaching … not even in church. Yeah, that’s right. But in today’s passage, we find that the people were just that … astounded … by the teaching of Jesus. It wasn’t like the normal teaching. Jesus taught with authority. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith to take note of just what was so astounding about the kinds of things that happened when Jesus started teaching and healing. Who knew Sabbath could be important...
Jan. 21, 2024
674 | Coffee to Go | Epiphany 3
Get your tackle boxes ready … it’s time to go fishing! That’s right, in this episode of Coffee to Go, co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith join Jesus near the Sea of Galilee as he calls Simon, Andrew, James and John to follow him, using the skills they already have to participate in his mission. The good news is that you too already have the skills you need to herald the inbreaking of God’s peaceable kingdom... no fishing required. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! ...
Jan. 14, 2024
671 | Coffee to Go | Epiphany 2 Year B
What do the Andrews Sisters, an apple tree and today’s Coffee to Go have in common? Not much... with the exception of a reference to sitting under a tree. But for today’s journey with Jesus sitting under a fig tree if very important. Grab your coffee and join cohosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they witness Peter’s excitement, Nathaniel’s suspicion (at least initially), and Jesus’ revelation. Just when you think you know someone … hmph! Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfi...
Jan. 7, 2024
668 | Coffee to Go | Epiphany 1
John the Baptist and Jesus are important characters, but when the “hovering dove” shows up, you know it’s got to be important! In this moment, God shows up in the wilderness … on the shore of the Jordan, but the reality is that God is always present. Join co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they journey with Jesus on this important day, and see why it matters! And, don’t be afraid of the wilderness. It might just be the place where you meet God. If so, you won’t be the first. Download Trans...
Jan. 6, 2024
667 | Coffee to Go | Epiphany
Today is Epiphany … the day when we celebrate the revelation and acknowledgment that Jesus is the Son of God, and that he has come for all people. The star is shining bright and the “Magi” make their way to Bethlehem to meet Jesus. But it’s not good news for everyone. Take King Herod for example... the scripture say he was troubled. Join co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, to hear why it is good news for us. Then, take time to consider what is the “star” that guides you on your spiritual journ...
Dec. 31, 2023
665 | Coffee to Go | Christmas 1
Faithful action and wisdom take center stage in today’s episode of Coffee to Go. Even Jesus takes on a secondary role. Today is all about Anna and Simeon and Mary and Joseph. Hidden behind the words of the passage is the assurance that the sacraments and rituals of faith are accessible to all, and everyone … even old ladies … have something to contribute. Join co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, for a challenging conversation regarding the requirements and expectations of faith, as well as a f...
Dec. 25, 2023
663 | Coffee to Go | Christmas
Merry Christmas to all! Hopefully, you have not just completed a long ride on a donkey to get to wherever you are. If so, we understand if you feel a bit cranky. Who wouldn’t? Though our pageants, and carols, and nativities paint a beautiful picture of the birth narrative, chances are that even Mary, the mother of God, was a little out of sorts. Join co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a brief look inside and behind the scenes of the birth narrative. See how even though the process of follo...
Dec. 24, 2023
662 | Coffee to Go | Fourth Sunday of Advent
Somebody’s got some explaining to do. Mary may not doubt like Zechariah, but she’s not taking this without a little pushback. A baby. Are you kidding me? Well, in fact, Gabriel wasn’t kidding. Join Coffee to Go co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a look into Mary’s angel encounter and what that meant for her, and for us. Could be that there is more going on here than what you find in a Precious Moments nativity. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Fa...
Dec. 17, 2023
660 | Coffee to Go | Third Sunday of Advent
On this third Sunday of Advent, we find ourselves journeying with someone other than Jesus. Instead, we’re hanging out with the camel hair-wearing, locust-eating John the Baptist. It seems that Jesus wasn’t the only one the religious leaders were willing to interrogate. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they wander with John … clearly NOT Jesus, but rather the one that points to him. Perhaps we can pick up a few pointers from John as we wait for the true “light” to come. Download Trans...
Dec. 10, 2023
657 | Coffee to Go | Second Sunday of Advent
Are you ready to be fully immersed in something new? Put on your seatbelts and hold on to your hats. Today’s lectionary passage comes from Mark and he doesn’t waste any time with a beautiful birth narrative or an account of divine lineage. It’s straight to the business of preparing the way for the one greater than I/us. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a closer look at the task given to John the Baptist, and to us. You’ll get a chance to consider what opportunities you ought to conside...