Episodes

Everything is spiritual... even donuts. Today’s episode of Holy Grounds, hosted by Robin Linkhart, celebrates the connection between donuts and spirituality while paying homage to National Donut Day. You’ll get a sense of the broad spectrum of spiritual practices, from Lectio Divina to baking biscuits, as guests Tyler Marz and Blake Smith share insights and examples from their own spiritual journeys. Don’t be surprised at how often the subject of food drifts in and out of the conversation. You m...

What happens when you bring the gifts of faith to the task of community organizing? In this episode of What’s Brewing, guest Emily Rose reminds us that one of the key gifts we bring is a “hope for God’s future that is a real source of energy.” Grab a cup of coffee and be prepared to be inspired and uplifted by this high-energy, idea-packed conversation between Emily and host, Carla Long about the vast number of injustices in our world and how we might respond. If you think that your group is too...

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:...

Relationships, meaningful connections, mentors, encouragers... all incredibly important elements in the journey of faith. Everyone needs to hear and know that they are good enough and capable enough to live the life for which God has created them. Join host, Brittany Mangelson, for an inspiring conversation with life-long Community of Christ member and Central Mission Youth Minister, Tyler Horringa. Listen in as Tyler shares his story of the things and the people that filled those important role...

The pandemic taught us many lessons, but one of the most important is that we must rethink the way we do church. We must also respond to the unique contexts of the people and places where we are called to serve. In this episode of What’s Brewing, host Robin Linkhart sits down with Chicago Mission Center President and Financial Officer Blake Smith to talk about how the Chicago Mission Center’s “Path Forward” is an attempt to respond to the strong feeling that God is not done with them yet. Hopefu...

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...

Life might be better if we could just be handed “truth” on a proverbial silver platter. It would probably be easier if everything we thought we knew was all we needed to know. But, that’s not the way it works in a global, diverse community like the one we live in. Join host Blake Smith for this Coffee Connect episode in which he shares some brief reflections on the importance of understanding “truth” from more than our own perspective. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfilter...

At the Lamoni Food Pantry, choice matters! What started in a small basement room of a local church has continued to grow and expand … now serving more than 80 families a month. And that’s not even the best part! The best part is that those families are treated with dignity. Because of the blessings of community and the hard work of volunteers, families aren’t just handed a bag of beets... they get to choose the food they take home. Join host Carla Long as she sits down with the pantry’s director...

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...

Not everyone does church the same way or at the same time. Beyond the Horizon is a new expression of the church in Michigan that has shown how amazing things can happen when friends and neighbors come together in relevant and accessible ways to meet their spiritual needs. Join host, Brittany Mangelson as she sits down with Linda Stanbridge for an enlightening conversation about what is possible when we let the spirit breathe. Who knows, maybe there is something to “Pure Michigan.” For more info...

For some, the thought of getting “lost” in the masses is the preferred way to exist. But, for others, like Graceland University Freshman Addison Cole, a small university and a small-town atmosphere like Lamoni, IA is the perfect place to find one’s self. At Graceland, Addison has found a place where community is more important than competition, and personal integrity is more important than perfection. Join hosts Julie Wheaton and Mike Hoffman for a lively conversation with Addison in this episod...

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 ...

Who knew history could be so exciting? Barbara Walden and Lach Machay... that’s who! But, it doesn’t have to stop with them. Your story is church history. Join host Carla Long as she sits down with Barb and Lach to hear about what’s happening with the Community of Christ Historic Sites, the role that the Historic Sites foundation plays in the church’s historic sites, and the ways that you too can become part of sharing our history or making new history. For more information about internships, c...

Gardens can be places of beauty and awe. Gardens of all types are places where new life springs forth, and where hope is realized. We are the gardens in which God plants seeds in preparation for what is to come. We are patches of soil that need preparing, and tending so that God’s dream can come alive in us. Join Community of Christ minister, Robin LInkhart, for a time of spiritual reflection using the metaphor of seeds and planting. Consider what God is waiting and wanting to plant in you. Dow...

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...

Advancing technology, growing diversity in Conference attendance and in the leadership of the Church, the ordination of women. These are just a few things that have impacted World Conference, bringing about positive change in how Conference is done. In this episode of Cuppa Joe, host Blake Smith sits down with former Senior President of Seventy, now Evangelist, John Wight to talk about how World Conference has changed since he started attending … in 1952. Listen in to hear John’s stories as well...

You can run from God, but you can’t hide! When the people of God come together after, and in the midst of, spiritual preparation, there is no telling what God might do. World Conference in Community of Christ is a perfect example. It is both a unique and an amazing experience. Chances are, if you’ve been to World Conference, you know that to be true. Listen in as Retired Apostle and storyteller, Linda Booth, shares a few of her transformational moments in the World Conference setting. Download ...

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...

How does one lead a church out of a riotous and tumultuous time following the end of a second World War and the financial struggles such a war leaves in its wake? From rebellious teenager of a religious leader to President and Prophet of the Restoration at the age of seventy, Israel A. Smith steps into the role at just such a time. But, say what you will about Israel’s limited theological prowess, his pastoral way of leadership provided some much-needed stability. Join Lach Mackay, Tony Chavala-...

Where can one find a place of rest while wrestling with faith, gender, and sexuality? For Alex Guerrero, it came in the form of three “grandmas,” a house church, and the Community of Christ. In this episode of Fair Trade, Alex opens up with good friend, Brittany Mangelson, about his story of struggle and transition, and how a congregation’s willingness to listen and learn created the restful space he so deeply needed. As you listen, you’ll gain insights into how you too might create space where ...

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...

It’s time for another cup of coffee at Graceland University’s “The Swarm .” In this episode, you’ll meet Jocelyn Dailey from Campbellville, Ontario. Drawn to Graceland by previous family connections as well as her own experience of Graceland through SPECTACULAR, Jocelyn has found her place there. Jocelyn sits down with host, Mike Hoffman, to talk about her life at Graceland, and her experience growing up in the Community of Christ. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! ...

How do we make sense of all the evil in the world? It can’t be God, because God is love. And, it can’t be me, because I’m not capable of evil. There has to be some explanation. There has to be someone or something that we can blame! I know... “The Devil made me do it!” This is not a new conundrum. It’s been going on for millennia. Listen in as Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith give host Carla Long the inside scoop on how “Satan” came to take the blame for all of the evil in the world. Maybe it’s n...

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...