Episodes

Do you have it? Sure you do. Even if you have to dig deep to find it, you’ve got that “thing.” And you’re not alone. As children of God created in the image of God we all have that “thing.” That something special that creates an hospitable environment where people feel like they matter … that they are of worth. Join host Blake Smith for a quick reminder of the importance of making everyone feel welcome. It may be one of the only effective ways to get beyond the things that seek to divide us. Do...

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 ...

Two young men have come together... in Texas... to create a practical, straight-shooting new podcast for those interested in having real conversations about things that matter in the church and ministry. Project Zion Podcast is happy to introduce our listeners to another great podcast, Ministry for Dummies, created by Community of Christ members, Humberto Tinsman and Jacob Ross. In this episode of What’s Brewing, host Robin Linkhart sits down with Humberto and Jacob to hear what’s behind their p...

For some, technology is a curse. But, for the church in a changing world, it has been a blessing. The reality is that there are those who cannot or will not enter a church building, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to belong to a loving community. One of the ways we meet that need is through hybrid ministry. It’s more than streaming. It’s real life, two-way connection that brings people together in meaningful ways. Join co-hosts Kelly Phipps and Blake Smith as well as panelists, James Clark...

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...

Avid reader and lifelong learner, Linda Stanbridge is back! In this episode, Linda sits down with host, Robin Linkhart, to discuss her Doctoral work on Social Justice and the Prophets. You’re sure to be captivated by Linda’s passion for helping Community of Christ members and friends become a truly prophetic people that are drawn to connect with marginalized people in the communities we serve. If you thought Social Justice was some relatively new concept … think again. This work is as old as the...

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...

“It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.” That’s what mom used to say when we were doing something we shouldn’t. And, though no one would have said colonialism was all fun and games, they would definitely have argued that it was for good. After all, who wouldn’t benefit from converting to Christianity? Who wouldn’t benefit from learning a new and “better” way (aka, our way) of doing things? Unfortunately, there were ulterior motives behind “saving” the “natives.” In this episode of Clima...

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...

We’ve all heard it before … there’s no sense in re-creating the wheel. All we have to do is make a couple of adjustments. Not everyone rides a bike after all. We need wheels adapted for cars, trains, wagons, etc. You get the idea! In this episode of Cuppa Joe, Robin Linkhart and Karin Peter will give a sneak peek into a new resource in the works that takes one of our “wheels” (the Cuppa Joe Theo-History Series) and modifies their content to create usable take-and-go lessons for reunions, congreg...

We all have a calling. Some are called to serve in ordained ministry, but calling is so much more. Join host Wendy Brian as she leads listeners through a meditation intended to “Open Our Hearts” to see, hear, and know that to which God is calling us. Bring your creative imagination, and a willingness to sit in silence as you grow in relationship with the Divine. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with p...

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...

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...

Grab a cup of coffee (or hot tea) and settle down to hear one of Linda Booth’s amazing stories of healing, restoration, and the power of community. In this episode, you’ll hear Colinda’s story and testimony of what happens when we take time to notice those around us who are hurting and alone. You’ll find from this story that you’re never too young (or old) to be the answer to someone’s need. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Int...

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...

Fred M. is most often associated with the briefly held church policy known as Supreme Directional Control, but there’s more to Fred than a single policy. In her recent lecture for the Historic Sites Foundation, Christin Mackay takes a look at Fred’s more personal side by sharing stories and anecdotes from his family’s time in Salt Lake City. Join host Karin Peter and guest Christin Mackay as they journey along with the Smiths to early 1900s Utah, and get to know another side of Fred M. View Chr...

A shining star from Independence who, by today has actually graduated from Graceland, but is still close by, joins Aliyah, Levi, and Mike in this episode of Coffee in the Swarm. Grab your coffee and sit down to hear from Katie Bover, and how her Graceland experience has been a continuation and an affirmation of her connection to Community of Christ. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “...

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! ...

It’s never too early or too late to stand up for what’s right... or to stand against what’s wrong. Though it took revelation from Wallace B. Smith to make the necessary change, women, and their advocates, started fighting for equality in the church for many years before that revelation arrived. Thanks to the work of grassroots groups like AWARE, the clarion call for equality and justice was heard around the church. Join Cuppa Joe host Karin Peter, for an engaging conversation with Historic Sites...

All inclusive! That is what Reaching Out Centre is trying to accomplish, and it would appear that they’re doing a heck of a job. But, being “all-inclusive” is not an easy task. It takes determination, hard work, intentionality, and a passion for mission. Join host Blake Smith for this very enthusiastic and inspiring conversation with James Clark, CFO of the Reaching Out Center located in Streetsville – part of the Canada East Mission Center. Here is a group dedicated to learning in order to trul...

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...

Who’s not up for creating a little doubt when it comes to the preconceived notions of those we label as “other?” And, though we often hear about the work of major organizations with lots of resources and influence, it can also happen in more accessible ways … between common people who take the time to invest in relationships. Join host Robin Linkhart as she sits down with Chuck Montgomery to hear about his work in citizen diplomacy and some of the powerful stories that have resulted. You’ll not ...

Long before the ordination of women in Community of Christ, women were leading and contributing to the church in critical ways. Take the Sunday School Association and development of study curriculum for children, youth and young adults for instance. Did you know that two of the major players in that development were un-ordained women? And one of them was someone we don’t hear much about, Christiana Steadman Salyards. Join host Karin Peter as she sits down with guest Wendy Eaton for another episo...

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...