Episodes

The world is changing with each new generation as we become a more global and technologically advanced (dare we say dependent) community, and none of this is lost on young people. Not only is their world changing, their needs are changing as well. What was seen as hospitality to young people even a decade ago, might now be seen as too much or too little. In this Extra Shot episode, we continue with the mini-series on hospitality presented by the Quorum of the Presidents of Sevent. Listen in as A...

Jane Gardner, Presiding Evangelist for Community of Christ, has a “full plate” now, and it seems like she always has. Say What hosts, Kassie and Mary Anne, sat down with Jane to talk to her about her role as Presiding Evangelist, but after checking out her bio, realized there was so much more to talk to her about while they had the chance. Join Kassie, Mary Anne and Jane for a deep dive into the many passions and roles Jane has lived out during her years in full-time ministry. Download Transcri...

How often do we ask a question with a “hoped-for” answer in mind? That’s exactly what is going on in this week’s gospel lectionary passage when Pilate comes face to face with Jesus. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, for this final episode in Year B of the lectionary cycle. Listen carefully as Pilate questions Jesus, and Jesus, in typical Jesus fashion, turns the tables ... answering questions with questions while pointing to a kingdom like no other. Then, take time to look for evidence of...

The Wight family has a long history of serving the church, and Estella Wight was no exception. A prolific author who got her start by submitting a story to Marietta Walker at a young age, and then going on to work for Herald Publishing for many years, Estella filled the minds and hearts of the children and youth of the church through articles, poetry, stories and books. In this latest episode in the “Women of the Restoration” series, Wendy Eaten explains how Estella’s contributions to the writin...

“Hospitality is not a missionary tool. It is not a tactic to get people to come to church. It is not something we do once in a while as part of our social or religious obligation, Christ-centered hospitality is a way of life that responds to the God who invites, welcomes and nurtures us,” says Senior President of Seventy and host, Karin Peter. In this Extra Shot episode, you’ll have the opportunity to listen in to Karin’s thoughts on why Christ-centered hospitality is so essential to mission and...

“And the walls came a tumblin’ down.” Actually, by the time the Gospel of Mark was written they probably already had. But, imagine sitting outside the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, and having Jesus tell you that it would all be coming down. Scary? Upsetting? Maddening? Perhaps all of the above. Bad stuff happens all the time, but in the midst of it, we have the assurance that we are not alone... and we ought to focus our attention on the hope that is resident within us because of o...

Community of Christ World Conference 2025 is closing in on us, and there is so much to know about the resolutions that have been proposed for consideration. Mary Anne and Cassie have chosen to sit down with the authors of the resolutions in the time leading up to World Conference to get a clear picture of the reasoning behind the resolutions. In this episode of “Say What?,” they sit down with Spencer Greenhalgh, author of G-1: Increasing Access to Creative Works Copyrighted by Community of Chris...

Let’s be clear, separation of church and state does not mean that disciples of Jesus Christ should avoid being politically active! Jesus was political. How could he not be, if he hoped to bring about the reign of God on earth? Left unchecked, politics can threaten the things we hold dear ... the worth of all persons, the sacredness of creation, unity and diversity ... you get the idea! In this extra shot episode, Joelle Wight shares her passion for political engagement and how engaging political...

Mark’s telling of the story we have come to know as “The Widow’s Mite” is a story about faithful generosity... or is it? Maybe it’s really about Jesus pointing out economic injustices. Giving one’s “spare change” means different things to the wealthy and the poor. And, in this case, the widow may have been the very source of the other’s abundance. Listen in as co-hosts Karin and Blake, sit across from the treasury with Jesus and ask some tough questions. In the end, they’ll let you decide what’s...

If the choice of where to go to school came down to Lamoni, IA or Boston, MA, which would you choose? Big city folks might quickly say Boston, but one ought not to rule out Lamoni and the Graceland experience. In this episode of Coffee in the Swarm, co-hosts Aliyah Farrell and Mike Hoffman sit down with Hunter Bouverette. Listen in as Hunter talks about her journey from Wisconsin to Iowa, and how her experience at Graceland has captured a part of her heart. Hear how students find joy in being a ...

Do you ever have a minute to slow down and listen for what God might be wanting to say to you, or are your “conversations” a chance for you to do the talking? In this guided meditation, led by Spiritual Director, Cathy Batey, you’ll be encouraged to slow down, relax, journey, and listen. Use your imagination to visualize color, objects, animals, or sacred spaces. Don’t hold back. Be present in the moment. Most importantly... listen. Check out “Seeking the Still Point.” Download Transcript Than...

Though it may have seemed like it, not everyone was trying to trick or test Jesus. Some actually just wanted to engage in honest dialogue with them. That is the case with the Scribe in today’s passage from the Gospel of Mark. As it turns out, Jesus doesn’t mind the questions... as long as we’re asking the right ones. Like ... “what matters most?” Ultimately, like the Scribe, we’re on a journey. Who knows, we also may also may “not be far from the Kingdom of God.” Until we get there though, don’t...

We all have, or have had, people who have touched our lives and influenced us in positive ways. Because of them, something in us has changed ... our own sense of worth, our worldview, the way we engage with others, the way we see and understand God. These are our “saints.” These are the ones we remember on All Saints Day. Many of them are no longer with us physically, some may even, at best, be unlikely saints. But, they are saints just the same. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, as they h...

“Children offer a really unique way of seeing the world, just because [they’re] experiencing things for the first time,” says Mollie Linkhart-Pansing, guest for this episode of Say What?! Join hosts Mary Anne and Kassie, as they sit down with Mollie to get her perspective on being involved in World Conference as a youth. You’ll hear about being a youth delegate and serving in the Youth Service Corps. But that’s not all. Listen in as Mollie talks about life at Graceland, struggling with addiction...

The journey from Galilee to Jerusalem is long. The disciples have heard a lot, seen a lot, and done a lot ... including shushing and turning away marginalized persons who have come seeking Jesus. As usual, however, Jesus invites them to come. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, as they point out the importance of focusing on and examining our own journey with Christ, rather than pointing the finger at those who have gone before. Like the disciples, we participate in silencing the voices of o...

Life can get messy, even when we have the best of intentions. The great news is that there’s no safer place to be “messy” than in sacred community ... you know, that special kind of community that the church is supposed to be for one another. Sometimes, however, we get so focused on achieving perfection (the destination) that we miss the beauty hidden below the mess (the journey). We need others ... companions on the journey ... to help us see the beauty that lies within. In this episode of Coff...

Acknowledging the current climate emergency is only a first step. The question is, what are we willing to do about it? Host, Susan Oxley, and guest, Paul Bethel, are back in this episode of Climate Brewing to discuss just that. The North American Climate Justice Teams have submitted a resolution for the 2025 World Conference which calls for a just transition to renewable energy and opposes the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure, and aims to raise awareness and encourage members to influence...

How many times did Jesus have to tell them, “It’s not about status!”? Just because society tells you that status matters, doesn’t make it so. But the disciples didn’t get it, and sometimes we too forget. If you want to be first, you need to be last. Makes perfect sense...right? Grab a cup of coffee and join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for another look into Jesus’ interactions with the disciples as told in the Gospel of Mark. Hurry... the good seats are going fast!! Download Transcript Th...

But wait... there’s more! That’s right, host Robin Linkhart is back with guests Chris, Lisa, Shannon and John to hear more about what they’ve learned in the process of bringing three mission centers, and two countries to one campground for one combined ... and amazing ... reunion. Listen in as they talk about lessons learned and the great new relationships and connections that have been and are being made. Allow the energy and potential to inspire and challenge you to experience the spirit in un...

As Community of Christ approaches what is sure to be a historic World Conference in 2025, inquiring young minds have some questions about how it all works. Beyond the fellowship, the cultural interchange, the inspiring worship, and the excitement of just being together, there is work that must be done. In this first episode of Say What?, hosts Kassie Ripsam and Mary Anne Bennet-Ripsam, sit down with guest John Wight, to pick his brain about resolutions and revelation ... how they make it to the ...

Money, money, money, money ... Money. The O’Jays said, “some people gotta have it.” (“For the Love of Money,” Philadelphia) But Jesus told the rich young ruler to go and give it all away, then, come follow him. We all know how that ended. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, for a look at that memorable passage from the Gospel of Mark. Maybe the problem wasn’t really money, but the power that money and other possessions have over us. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfilt...

Three mission centers, two countries, one campground, and lots of planning, talking, and listening to one another. All for something new ... a combined reunion that would bring together varying traditions and cultures for a shared experience. Listen in to part 1 of the conversation between host, Robin Linkhart and her guests Chris Phelps, Shannon McAdam, Lisa Stecher and John VanDerWalker as they talk about what they’ve learned and the joy they’ve experienced working together to overcome perceiv...

Once a casual believer in climate science, who, like most of us, did what was easy and convenient with regard to the environment, Paul Bethel is now a strong advocate for climate justice. In this episode of Climate Brewing, host Susan Oxley sits down with fellow Climate Justice Team member, Paul, to hear his story and glean from his deepening understanding of the problems we face... as well as some of the root causes. What is becoming apparent is that science cannot solve the problem alone. What...

“I’ve Got the Power” is not just the name of a song by Snap played in clubs and on radio stations ... it has been a foundational principle for groups of people ... especially men ... since the days of Moses. It continued into the days of Jesus, and it continues today. So, what does Jesus have to say about it? Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, to get an idea of what is really behind the interchange between Jesus and some Pharisees in the 10th chapter of Mark. Don’t get too caught up in the...