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 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...
April 8, 2023
567 | Coffee to Go | Holy Saturday
“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... between the crucifixion of Good Friday and the resurrection of Easter. It’s also something experienced by many in the everyday uncertainty of life. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a look at the good and bad of waiting on Holy Saturday, and find ways to make that wa...
April 7, 2023
566 | Coffee to Go | Good Friday
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 much brighter. Some say that you can’t celebrate the light of Easter without having experienced the darkness of Good Friday. In this episode of Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith will explore the darkness of Good Friday, and offer some helpful thoughts to acknowl...
April 6, 2023
565 | Coffee to Go | Maundy Thursday
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 unexpected. Co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith take us to the upper room for a lesson in servant ministry in this Maundy Thursday episode of Coffee to Go where Jesus lays out the mandate to “love one another.” Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Fo...
April 2, 2023
564 | Coffee to Go | Palm Sunday
“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 humble event ironically referred to as the Triumphal Entry. How can a scripture telling of such deep humility in the midst of heightened expectations possibly be relevant to us today? Join co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for the first of several episodes taking us throu...
March 26, 2023
561 | Coffee to Go | Fifth Week of Lent
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 Karin Peter and Blake Smith at the house of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus for a lesson from Jesus on extravagant generosity. It’s always the “right thing.” Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music use...
March 19, 2023
559 | Coffee to Go | Fourth Week of Lent
Struggling with spiritual blindness? Held back by biases you’ve inherited or learned over your lifetime? Lent is the time to regain your sight... to put away those biases and blinders by intentionally working to see the world from another perspective. You don’t have to wait for Jesus to spit in the mud and rub it on your eyes to be able to see. Just start by taking an honest look at your own sin, whatever that (sin) looks like for you! Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Project Zion P...
March 12, 2023
556 | Coffee to Go | Third Week of Lent
It’s the third week of Lent and we find that Jesus has “crossed the line,” and it’s a good thing. Join cohosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for this week’s episode of Coffee to Go in which they talk about Jesus’ encounter with the Woman at the Well, and how that relates to us in a world that too often draws lines in the sand and encourages an “us and them” mentality. See how you are being called to “cross the line” with Jesus. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Fol...
March 5, 2023
554 | Coffee to Go | Second Week of Lent
How can these things be? On this, the second Sunday of Lent, join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they engage with Nicodemus and Jesus in a teachable moment about the natural and spiritual birth that God desires for all of us and creation. Consider the fact that some things having to do with God are complicated and confusing, and understanding is not always easy to come by... but that’s OK. In the midst of confusion, we can still make space for God and for others if we remember that “God so...
Feb. 26, 2023
551 | Coffee to Go | First Week of Lent
Are you ready for a little time in the wilderness, or is life a wilderness from which you need a break? In this episode of Coffee to Go, join cohosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith on this first Sunday of Lent as they consider what it means to join Jesus in the wilderness. What does “wilderness” like for you? What might it look like for others? What temptations confront you in the wilderness? Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! In...
Feb. 22, 2023
549 | Coffee to Go | Ash Wednesday
In this, the first episode of Coffee to Go, co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, focus their conversation on Ash Wednesday... its purpose...and its call on our lives as disciples of and co-journeyers with Jesus. See how David’s heartfelt self-reflection and repentance in Psalm 51 connects with our own need to make space for God, and how we can move forward in a healing way. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro m...
Feb. 17, 2023
547 | Coffee to Go | Introduction
Lots of people wonder if Jesus has any value for their life and faith journey. Sometimes it is difficult to connect what we read in the scriptures with what we experience in daily life. Join co-hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, for this introduction to “Coffee to Go”... a new weekly series in the Project Zion Podcast family. See how spending a little intentional time each week might help you make those very important connections as you journey with Jesus. Download Transcript Thanks for listen...