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.
Sept. 17, 2023
625 | Coffee to Go | Proper 19
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 move on rather than seek forgiveness and reconciliation … especially when dealing with “repeat offenders.” But as cohost Karin Peter reminds us in this episode of Coffee to Go, it’s in those times that we need to “put goodness and mercy out into the world.” After all, God never...
Sept. 10, 2023
622 | Coffee to Go | Proper 18
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 us to do everything in our power to reconcile and build up the community. Darn! Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they make their way toward Jerusalem with Jesus and come face to face with yet another example of the upside-down kingdom. No one said following Jesus wo...
Sept. 3, 2023
620 | Coffee to Go | Proper 17
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 happened to you, you’re in good company. Peter knew the words to say, but as hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith talk about in this episode of Coffee to Go, knowing the right words to say isn’t enough. And, taking up one’s “cross” isn’t just about dealing with your personal issues,...
Aug. 27, 2023
618 | Coffee to Go | Proper 16
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 you be ready with a quick answer, or would you need time to think it out? In today’s episode of Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider why it’s important to know the answer to that and to other questions of faith. It’s not about being right or wrong. It’s abo...
Aug. 19, 2023
615 | Coffee to Go | Proper 15
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, Jesus didn’t respond the way we might expect. Only through the woman’s persistence in the face of rejection did Jesus have a change of heart and listen to what she had to say. This week, join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they look at the more “fully human” side of this fu...
Aug. 13, 2023
613 | Coffee to Go | Proper 14
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, that self-care and preparation are important in helping navigate the storms of life. We need not wait until we are “sinking” to reach out our hand to God. God is available to us at ll times. Listen in as hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, discuss the message behind the mira...
Aug. 6, 2023
610 | Coffee to Go | Proper 13
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 Karin Peter and Blake Smith for this week’s journey to a hillside where there are lots of hungry people. Find assurance and courage for your own journey in those times when Jesus gives you an “impossible” task. Blessing taken from: Carlson, Meta Herrick. “For Living Genero...
July 30, 2023
609 | Coffee to Go | Proper 12
“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 thing is clear though... the reign of God leaves no one out. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith in this week’s journey with Jesus. And breathe easy! There won’t be a pop quiz at the end .... just a chance to find an analogy that works for you. Who will you choose to include...
July 23, 2023
607 | Coffee to Go | Proper 11
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 episode of Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith take a look at another parable in which Jesus suggests that, in the Kingdom of God, it’s better to let the weeds grow rather than pluck them out. After all, the “plucking” is God’s responsibility, not ours. Our resp...
July 16, 2023
604 | Coffee to Go | Proper 10
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. The great news is that God continues to sow seeds on all types of “ground.” Find hope, encouragement and challenge this week as hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith take a look at the Parable of the Sower. Whatever you do though, do something that enriches the soil of your inner ...
July 9, 2023
601 | Coffee to Go | Proper 9
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. It’s tiring, isn’t it? It’s a good thing that Jesus gives us permission to stop trying to please everyone and just be who we were created to be. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, as they discuss accepting the invitation to “come to [Jesus]” and find rest. Download T...
July 2, 2023
599 | Coffee to Go | Proper 8
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 privacy fences have become the norm. Welcoming the stranger may not be easy, but it is our calling and responsibility. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, as they walk with Jesus and the disciples in Matthew 10:40-42. and lift up the importance of hospitality in a seemin...
June 25, 2023
596 | Coffee to Go | Proper 7
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, what is too much for you and me? Only we can decide that for ourselves. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a look into where the disciples are with Jesus this week, and what it means for us in this day and time. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unf...
June 18, 2023
594 | Coffee to Go | Proper 6
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 hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they explore this week’s Gospel text in an effort to see where we are with Jesus on our journey this week, and what it will mean for how we are to act. The Gospel passage for this week’s episode is: Matthew 9:35 – 10:23. Download Transcript ...
June 11, 2023
591 | Coffee to Go | Ordinary Time Proper 5
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 hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they explore this week’s passage from the Gospel According to Matthew. It’s a chance to hang out with sinners. And, don’t worry... Jesus hung out with them too. The text for this episode’s blessing is from Vanderbilt University “Prayers of...
June 4, 2023
589 | Coffee to Go | Trinity Sunday
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” aspect of the scripture text. God sends Son, Son sends Spirit. Spirit sends the Church (a.k.a. the people... us). There’s no getting around it. No matter how you understand the Trinity... no matter how you refer to the Trinity … the bottom line is the same. As a disciple, you...
May 28, 2023
586 | Coffee to Go | Pentecost
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, and join them as they discuss the radical inclusivity that plays out on this day in the journey of the disciples, and how the Spirit continues to be present in the quiet and in the chaos. For more information on breathing peace and other spiritual practices for kids, go to:...
May 21, 2023
583 | Coffee to Go | Ascension Sunday
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? Uncertain? Living in the in-between? Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for this episode of Coffee to Go where they talk about the mystery of the “vacancy” left by Jesus’ second departure. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebo...
May 14, 2023
581 | Coffee to Go | 6th Sunday of Easter
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 the disciples …. “back then.” The mandate remains for us today! Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a hard look at a tough mandate. Don’t worry, you’ve got this!! Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! In...
May 7, 2023
578 | Coffee to Go | 5th Sunday of Easter
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 which Jesus speaks? Jesus has not only shown the disciples “the way,” he has proclaimed that he is, in fact, The Way. But, what exactly does that mean? Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for this episode of Coffee to Go as they explore "the way” as a way of being in the ...
April 30, 2023
576 | Coffee to Go | 4th Sunday of Easter
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 what ways is your life a “gate”... providing an entry point into the life about which Jesus teaches? Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a look into the “I am the Gate” passage from the Gospel according to John. How will you be an open “gate” for others this week? Down...
April 23, 2023
574 | Coffee to Go | 3rd Sunday of Easter
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’s time to take a walk to Emmaus. On this, the third Sunday of Easter, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith travel with Jesus and a couple of disciples on a road of discovery, hospitality and relationship. And, whatever you do, pay close attention to the road you’re on... you mi...
April 16, 2023
571 | Coffee to Go | 2nd Sunday of Easter
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 eaten it) and a cup of your favorite coffee and join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for more on Easter in this week’s episode of Coffee to Go. It will “no doubt” be worth your time. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instag...
April 9, 2023
568 | Coffee to Go | Easter
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 Jesus has risen? There are probably as many different answers to that question as there are people who will listen to this podcast...and then some. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they explore the events of Easter Sunday. No matter where you find yourself in the spect...