Episodes

This is our fourth and last episode in our repost series honoring the tenth anniversary of our hymnal, Community of Christ Sings, which, at the time this episode first aired, was used as a textbook at Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. Listen in as Carla interviews Reverend Daniel Damon and Reverend Dr. Nancy Hall about their class, A Cry for Justice in Hymnody. They discuss some of the unique features of Community of Christ Sings, their favorite songs– including several that Dan wrote that...

The call and ordination of each new President/Prophet of the church has brought with it new and exciting challenges and opportunities. In 1996, the church found itself not only with a new President/Prophet, but the first one not from the family of Joseph Smith and the first not born in the United States. But the firsts didn’t stop there. Join host Karin Peter for an enlightening conversation with regular guests Tony Chvala-Smith and Lach Machay as they take a brief look back at the leadership of...

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...

Two Seventies walk into a church … it may sound like the beginning of a joke but it’s actually what happened for this episode of What’s Brewing. Host Blake Smith sat down with friend and guest Craig Perryman to talk about Congregational Discernment. The process of discernment is typically filled with contemplative moments and extended times of prayer, but you won’t find quiet contemplation here. Instead, you’ll find passion and energy as Craig shares insights he’s gained by leading multiple cong...

For more than 50 years, SPEC has created a unique environment for high school-aged youth to form and experience community. From volleyball camp in its early days to a truly spectacular event where youth can develop existing skills or try something completely new through Leadership, Arts, Sports and Worship, SPEC continues to evolve. In this episode of What’s Brewing, host, Robin Linkhart, gets to the heart of this incredible youth event... and the hearts of its current team of directors, Jenn Ki...

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...

This is the third in our repost series honoring the 10th Anniversary of Community of Christ Sings. At the time of the recording, guest Joey Williams was serving as the Mission Center President of The British Isles, Western Europe, and Eurasia Mission Centers. Join host Carla Long as she sits down with Joey to talk about his time on the hymnal team, and some of his favorite hymns. Prepare to travel the world in your imagination as Joey also shares some of the exciting adventures he had while reco...

Like the Apostle Paul, we sometimes find ourselves doing the very things we hate, even though we know better. Making responsible choices can get sidelined by spontaneous responses to the world around us. It’s certainly easier to make responsible choices when we have time to think them through. In today’s episode of “Awaken to God’s Presence,” host Wendy Brian takes us through a guided meditation on Community of Christ’s Mission Initiative, Responsible Choices. Through this time of silence and me...

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,...

Sometimes it feels like being a disciple can create more questions than answers … especially when you’re living out your faith in the midst of other disciples struggling with similar issues but coming to very different conclusions. Questions are good though. It is in facing tough questions that our faith is strengthened and our communities are shaped. Join host Blake Smith in this episode of Coffee Connect as he lifts up just a few of the tough questions, the answers to which are necessary for t...

All roads lead to Lamoni, Iowa — at least for Chad and Katie. Their relationship began when they were both students at Graceland, and it all came full circle when they found themselves back in Lamoni, bringing their vision for a chemical-free produce and cut-flower farm to life. In this episode of Chai Can’t Even, host Robin Linkhart sits down with Chad and Katie Hensley to hear the story of how they met, the Big Creek Farms origin story, and also the Hensley’s thoughts on how the church can be...

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...

For some people, the best way to relate their story is through music, and the best way to share their testimony is through hymns. In this Project Zion Podcast, we continue our mini-series honoring the 10-year anniversary of Community of Christ Sings. Every hymn in the hymnal comes with a story, but few of them are ever shared. In this conversation between host Carla Long and Grammy-nominated organist Jan Kraybill, however, you’ll get an insider’s look into some of those amazing, and sometimes fu...

What is it that draws people to individuals and their teachings? Why do people shift from one religious group to another and back again? Well, grab your coffee and settle in, because Eric Paul Rogers is back for another episode of Cuppa Joe with host Karin Peter, and he’s got some fascinating insights to share about a group of people who went from Mormon to Morrisite to Josephite and Beyond. It’s a story you’ll want to hear! View a recording of Eric’s Spring Lecture discussed in this episode he...

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...

Too many churches are missing the boisterous laughter, Joyful awe, and sometimes disruptive behavior of children. As congregations age, there is little worry of stains on the carpet, marks on the walls, or inappropriate behavior during the often solemn act of worship. Whatever happened to “of such is the kingdom of God?” The great news is that the kids are still there. It’s just that “there” might not be in our pews. Instead, they are in our neighborhoods and when we’re willing to listen to God ...

From the dust-covered shelves of church history comes the amazing, though often difficult, story of yet another incredibly resilient woman who had a significant impact on the church, the people, and even the world. With a gentle spirit, Nina Smith brought ministry and compassion to so many through her music as well as many roles in association with the presidency of the church (daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, wife, and sister/mother). Join host, Karin Peter, and guest Wendy Eaton as they take a ...

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...

In Community of Christ and on Project Zion, we talk a lot about being a prophetic people. One of the greatest tools to help us get there is our hymnal, Community of Christ Sings. Over the next few weeks, we want to honor the 10th anniversary of that hymnal by reaching back into the Project Zion vaults and reposting some of the episodes that have focused on the hymnal during those ten years since the hymnal was introduced. Today’s gem is an interview that host Carla Long did with Presiding Evange...

Don’t you just love it when you run across a hidden gem that you forgot existed? Well, that’s what you’ll find in this episode of Holy Grounds. From deep within the Covid vaults comes this interview on Spiritual Formation with now President of the Council of Twelve, Mareva Arnaud Tchong. The interview was originally recorded in 2020 following a trip to French Polynesia by interviewer and host, Robin Linkhart. Sit back and enjoy this delightful … and deeply honest … conversation between two wonde...

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...

Forever seems like a long time when talking about how long someone will remember the mistakes that you made. Camera phones and social media have made memories even longer than before. But what happens if we use the memories of our mistakes and the mistakes of others to navigate the future... a future where reconciliation and forgiveness is a possibility? Join host Blake Smith for a thoughtful reflection on the importance of reconciliation … on both sides of every mistake. All scriptural referen...

What is your worth in your eyes? In the eyes of others? In God’s eyes? Community of Christ upholds nine Enduring Principles, one of which is the Worth of All Persons. You are included in that “all.” Join host Wendy Brian for a guided meditation that will help you listen for God’s call in your life. Find assurance that you are gifted, called, and chosen. You are of inestimable worth. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Ou...

“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...