Episodes

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...

Our world is rapidly changing, and so then is the meaning of being a worldwide... Global … church. We have to look at things differently. People in all parts of the world are hungering for authentic community, and we have been blessed with a variety of ways to create space for authentic communities. We just have to be willing to listen to God and experiment. Join host Robin Linkhart as she sits down with Apostle Richard James to hear how the mission is being lived out in new ways... placing rela...

Unity in Diversity feels like an oxymoron. How can it be? How can we maintain our own uniqueness in the presence of those who think and believe and live differently than us? The key may just lie in finding a way to see the value in the other, separate and apart from the ways in which they are different from you. Join host Wendy Brian for a guided meditation in which she offers ways in which to do just that. Then... practice, practice, practice. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith...

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...

In this special Project Zion Podcast Christmas edition, Community of Christ President Scott Murphy and Prophet President Steven Veazey, share treasured Christmas memories and cherished family traditions from the time they were children until now as parents and grandparents. Our host Linda Booth also shares some favorite Christmas moments. Today's podcast features excerpts from full-length Coffee Buzz episodes, originally posted in December 2021 and December 2020. Sit back with your favorite cup ...

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...

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...

Thanks to the efforts of the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation, we are able to share this special Christmas episode of Cuppa Joe. Sit back and listen to Christmas tales of old from Kirtland, Nauvoo, Plano and Lamoni (Liberty Hall and Graceland University). Get a taste of the joy and wonder that have surrounded the Christmas traditions of church members, young and old, for generations. If you’re not in the Christmas spirit before listening, you’re sure to be by the end. Find more Cup...

Advent is a time of anticipation and expectation. It is a time of waiting. But who likes waiting? What is the use of waiting for something when you already know how things will turn out. It’s like watching the end of a movie first. The reality is that there is so little in life that many of us have to wait for anymore. But, there are still millions in our world who wait every day … for everything from love and acceptance to food and clean water. Join host Blake Smith for a reflection on waiting....

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...

Did you know that some people go to Graceland to get married? Well, it was high on the list for today’s guest on Coffee in the Swarm... and apparently for his grandma. That’s right, It’s time for another episode of Coffee in the Swarm, and this time the whole team is on the scene. Join co-hosts, Aliyah Farrell and Levi Triplett, along with Campus Minister, Mike Hoffman, as they get Freshman Christian Biwott to share a little bit about himself and his hopes for the church. NOTE: As of this record...

Another historical moment in the life of the church came last year when beloved minister and deeply humble, Mareva Arnaud Tchong, was elected by the Council of Twelve to serve as president... making her the first non-native-speaking president of the council … and only the second woman. Though you may already feel that you know her well, in this episode of Nice to Matcha, host Robin Linkhart, engages Mareva in a delightful, honest and even vulnerable conversation that opens new windows into her h...

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...

We’ve said it here at Project Zion many times, and it bears repeating … “We sing our faith into being.” And, we’ve been doing just that for generations. Over time, because our understandings of God have deepened and our beliefs have shifted from time to time, some hymns no longer fit with the direction that Community of Christ is being called. In comes John Charles Duffy with a fresh perspective on how to honor our past and move into the future with some of those old favorites. Join host, Karin ...

Can you imagine what true peace would look like in your life? Would it be connected to a physical place or a quiet place in your soul? In this month’s episode of Awaken to God’s Presence, host Wendy Brian encourages us to join her in an imaginative meditation … creating for ourselves a “Shalom space” where we can find rest as well as joy, hope, love and peace … for ourselves and for the world. You won’t want to miss this time of reflection as we move into the quiet waiting time of Advent. Downl...

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...

Coffee Buzz is back with this latest episode in which host Carla Long sits down with long-time friend and former roommate, President Stassi Cramm, to talk about her shift from a double leadership role to serving solely in the First Presidency, and why that matters for the church going forward. Hear first-hand about her confidence in the new Presiding Bishopric and her deep sense of hope for the church … even though she admits that the journey ahead will be difficult at times. We at Project Zion ...

All of us have experienced grief, and dying is a reality that we all eventually face. But, how do we help someone else through that process? Can anyone do it? How does one prepare? These questions and many more are discussed in this incredibly insightful conversation between hosts, Jane Gardner and Kris Judd, and their special guest, Holly Nelson-Becker. The conversation was originally recorded for the Order of Evangelists in Community of Christ, but promises to be helpful for all who listen in....

“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...

We all have times in our lives when we could use a “God Moment.” In this episode of Coffee Connect, retired Apostle, Linda Booth, shares Elizabeth’s story of grief and desperation and how a God moment made all the difference in the lives of her and her two boys. Here, you’ll see what unconditional commitment to discipleship and ministry can do in the lives of others. And, you’ll find inspiration and encouragement for living out your own calling to make a difference in our world. Download Transc...

Have you been looking for ways to make church relevant in an ever-changing world? Is your congregation stuck doing things the way “they’ve always done them?” Fear not, you’re not alone. But there’s great news. God is at work doing something new in places that thought they were done. In a discussion originally held in Chesapeake Bay Mission Center (CBMC), Joelle Wight sat down with a group of panelists to talk about how they are experimenting with “new expressions” of the church... the challenges...

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...

Now that this “theo-history” journey is coming to an end, what can we take away from it that will enhance our vision for the future? Much has happened since the start of our movement... some good, some not so good … but all of it is filled with valuable teaching moments that remind us of the experiences that contributed to who we are and provided the foundations for who we are called to become. You may just be surprised at the conclusions to which Karin, Lach, and Tony come … conclusions that ha...

Life in a small town is only boring if you let it be. Take Lamoni, Iowa and Graceland University. In this episode of Coffee in the Swarm, guest Savanah Marshall gives us a glimpse of all the ways you can fill your time with things that make a difference in your life and in the lives of others. And... you don’t have to be a student athlete. Join cohosts Levi Triplett and Mike Hoffman for an energetic discussion as they help us get to know Savanah. You’ll get a sense of the excitement that comes f...