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.
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...
Dec. 3, 2023
655 | Coffee to Go | First Sunday of Advent
It may be the beginning of a season of waiting, but not here at Project Zion! Co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith jump right into the new Lectionary year … journeying with Jesus through the gospel narratives. That’s right, we’re journeying with Jesus and waiting for him to be born. The important thing is that, on this First Sunday of Advent, as the world around us seems to be awash in darkness, we know that just around the corner, the light is coming! Be awake!! Download Transcript Thanks for...
Nov. 26, 2023
652 | Coffee to Go | Reign of Christ
“Did I do that?!” When Urkel asked that question in the TV show “Family Matters,” it was usually because he had done something wrong. But, that is not the case when referring to Christ’s mission and the Reign of Christ. As a matter of fact, we should hope that the answer would be a resounding “Yes.” Join co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, as they discuss this week’s journey with Jesus where Jesus is summarizing through parable what really separates the “sheep” from the “goats.” Then ask yours...
Nov. 19, 2023
650 | Coffee to Go | Proper 28
Doing nothing is an unacceptable response! What’s the worst thing that can happen if you take a risk here or there? The treasure that we have been given … the Gospel story … won’t do anyone any good if we “bury” it for safekeeping. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a look at the parable of the talents, and the importance of becoming a risk taker. Accept the challenge to share the treasure you’ve been given. You’re not in this alone. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Un...
Nov. 12, 2023
647 | Coffee to Go | Proper 27
In need of an “oil change?” Or, perhaps your oil is just running a little low and you need to top it off. Either way, the time is now... don’t wait! What’s all this talk about oil, you ask? Well, join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith … along with the wise and foolish bridesmaids (hint... hint) for this episode of Coffee to Go to hear about how oil is a metaphor for our commitment to follow Jesus... at least in this week’s text. And, for the record, when it comes to discipleship, having a backup...
Nov. 5, 2023
645 | Coffee to Go | Proper 26
Do you have phylacteries and long tassels (fancy cars, designer clothing and accessories, etc.) that you like to show off as a symbol of your status? Though there’s nothing wrong with having those things, how you display them, and for what reason, might matter. The same is true for your life as a disciple. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, as they discuss what Jesus had to say about those who choose status and power over humility and servanthood. No judgment here. Just honest reflection in...
Nov. 1, 2023
644 | Coffee to Go | All Saints Day
Who are the “Saints” in your life? You know, the ones that have been a positive influence in your life. The ones that have modeled grace and generosity and unconditional love. In this special episode of Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith talk a bit about the importance of honoring those who have gone before us and remembering the impact they’ve had in our lives. But wait, being a disciple calls us to the same responsibility with regard to others. Where might your name fall in the li...
Oct. 29, 2023
642 | Coffee to Go | Proper 25
When you get to the point that you’re asking Jesus which of the commandments (laws) is the greatest, you’re either trying to trick him, or you’re looking for a loophole! If your intent is to trick, be prepared to have the tables turned on you. If your intent is to find a loophole, well … good luck with that. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith in this episode of Coffee to Go as they “throw a little love around.” After all, it all boils down to love … God’s love? Download Transcript Thanks f...
Oct. 22, 2023
639 | Coffee to Go | Proper 24
Most everyone wants to belong … to a group or organization or sacred community, but not many folks will admit wanting to belong to someone. It’s a good thing, then, that God is not just any some “one.” And, from the day of our conception, and made public in the waters of baptism, we belong to God. It doesn’t matter whose head is imprinted on the coins in our pockets. God’s image is imprinted on our hearts. In this episode of Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith take a look at what’s r...
Oct. 15, 2023
636 | Coffee to Go | Proper 23
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? The reality is that you, and all of God’s children, have been invited to a “feast.” Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they journey with Jesus to a “wedding feast,” and see how what you “wear” is more important than you might think. Download Transcript Thanks for li...
Oct. 8, 2023
633 | Coffee to Go | Proper 22
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 priests and Pharisees... again! Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they explore the Parable of the Tenants. Find some ways that you might share focus on the “fruits” of God’s reign in your life and the lives of those with whom you journey. Download Transcript Thanks for li...
Oct. 1, 2023
631 | Coffee to Go | Proper 21
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 questioning Jesus about his authority. And, no surprise, Jesus has a question or two of his own that leaves them speechless. The question is, will we be speechless when we are called on to stand up for our faith and claim without embarrassment that which we say we believe? And, ...
Sept. 24, 2023
628 | Coffee to Go | Proper 20
“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 unconditional love offered to us freely by God. This week, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith take us on a journey with Jesus as he shares the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. Imagine the frustration of those hearing this passage who wonder if “they’ve been good all of th...