Episodes

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. Listen to more...

Here we are at the end of the second week of Advent, but it’s never too late to start a new spiritual practice. This bonus episode from Common Grounds is all about Advent as a spiritual practice. Host Karin Peter joins Katie Harmon McLaughlin as they explore the invitation of Advent to slow down and intentionally wait in the tension that the season brings. This episode first aired on December 1, 2018. At that time, Katie was the Spiritual Formation Specialist for Community of Christ. Katie now s...

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...

In this Extra Shot episode, originally posted in December of 2016, author and former pastor, Debbie Blue, shares a sermon on “Mary the Magnificat.” Debbie is the author of Magnificat: A God Who Never Stopped Considering Women. Grab a cup of your favorite brew and listen in as Debbie shakes things up a little. It’s a perfect way to start the Advent season. Listen to other episodes in the Extra Shot series. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and ...

We often need to be reminded to slow down ... especially as things seem to speed up in anticipation of the Christmas season. In this episode of Awaken to God’s presence, host Robin Linkhart encourages listeners to find peace, hope, and joy amidst life's challenges. She emphasizes the importance of slowing down and embracing the season's holy waiting, and describes Advent hope as a trust in God's movement, peace as God's presence in struggle, joy as small, tender moments, and love as ever-arrivin...

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!! Listen to more episodes in the ...

In this inspiring episode of Climate Brewing, host Susan Oxley sits down with Justice Manning, an 89-year-old retired environmental engineer from Daphne, Alabama. Once a committed climate change denier, Justice shares his remarkable journey—shaped by a career in environmental work, shifts in scientific data, lived experience with extreme weather, and the influence of Community of Christ’s Enduring Principle Sacredness of Creation. Listen to other episodes in the Climate Brewing series. Downloa...

“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 yourse...

In a time where people of color in the United States face new and escalating marginalization, we at Faith Unfiltered thought it timely to re-post this timeless conversation about faith and courage. Join Katie Langston as she interviews Vivian Jenkins-Nelsen, a social worker, scholar, and anti-racism activist from Minneapolis who was awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award from Barack Obama. Vivian shares her remarkable faith journey: growing up as the daughter of the only Black Lutheran...

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. Listen to other episodes in the Coffee to Go series. ...

Something new is being born in Community of Christ. A new spirit of hope is rising, and sometimes we need a reminder of all that we’ve experienced as a people and how we’ve been blessed by being open to God’s movement among us. This Cuppa Joe episode which originally aired two years ago, is a great way for us to remember our past, and ground ourselves for what is yet ahead. Much has happened since the start of our movement... some good, some not so good … but all of it is filled with valuable te...

In need of an “oil change?” Or, perhaps your oil is just running a little low and you need to top it off. Either way, the time is now... don’t wait! What’s all this talk about oil, you ask? Well, join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith … along with the wise and foolish bridesmaids (hint... hint) for this episode of Coffee to Go to hear about how oil is a metaphor for our commitment to follow Jesus... at least in this week’s text. And, for the record, when it comes to discipleship, having a backup...

Social justice is a deep topic, and this cross-post episode from Ministry for Dummies, Humberto and Jacob dive into social justice, and share their definitions ... what it is and what it isn’t. They define it as fair and equitable treatment for all, regardless of race, gender, or economic status, and they emphasize the importance of love, curiosity, and dialogue in social justice advocacy. They even highlight practical examples from their work and personal experiences. Whether you agree or disag...

Join Robin Linkhart for a guided meditation on gratitude and renewal. In this episode, we embrace the quiet of November as nature prepares for winter's rest. The practice invites you to reflect on the harvest's abundance and the blessings—large and small—of your year. It's a call to connect with the divine, community, and the sustaining rhythm of life. Take a deep breath and allow your spirit to find calm in the storm of life. Listen to other episodes in the Awaken to God’s Presence Series. Do...

Do you have phylacteries and long tassels (fancy cars, designer clothing and accessories, etc.) that you like to show off as a symbol of your status? Though there’s nothing wrong with having those things, how you display them, and for what reason, might matter. The same is true for your life as a disciple. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they discuss what Jesus had to say about those who choose status and power over humility and servanthood. No judgment here. Just honest reflection in ...

Who are the “Saints” in your life? You know, the ones that have been a positive influence in your life. The ones who have modeled grace and generosity and unconditional love. In this special episode of Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith talk a bit about the importance of honoring those who have gone before us and remembering the impact they’ve had in our lives. But wait, being a disciple calls us to the same responsibility with regard to others. Where might your name fall in the lis...

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again...the world is changing, and so is the way young seekers are thinking about life and faith. It can be hard to keep up with all the change and new perspectives. That’s why it’s important to have people like Humberto Tinsman, Emerging Generations Specialist for Community of Christ, who come to the table with a joy for ministry, a love for youth, and a willingness to listen and learn from the voices that need to be heard... our children, youth, and young...

Would you rather ... stay home and read old children’s books, or go to Africa and face the realities of abject poverty? One might say they both have their pros and cons. In this What’s Brewing episode cross-post from Ministry for Dummies, hosts Jacob Ross and Humberto Tinsman talk about what they’ve been doing between episodes. Most of their conversation focuses on the lessons Jacob learned during his work trip to Kenya. It sounds like it’s not a trip for the faint of heart. Listen to more epis...

Are you more like the judgmental Pharisee or the humble tax collector? This week on Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith dive into Jesus' challenge to those who regard others with contempt. Learn why self-righteousness is different from true righteousness and how to choose mercy. Listen to more episodes in the Coffee to Go series. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Eve...

We all talk about trying to be inclusive and welcoming of all, but rarely do we make it our mission and driving force. Well, Laura Schlenker and her staff are doing their very best to live the inclusive dream at their camp for third through eighth graders, Camp Element. From music to food, to activities, to staff roles, creating a space, welcoming environment where every camper feels valued just the way they are is the primary focus. There is nothing they are not willing to do to make everyone f...

The journey continues. In this second half of Robin Linkhart’s interview with Jordan Harmon, Jordan shares more about the dissonance that led him to explore other faiths, and his ultimate confirmation in Community of Christ. Jordan says he's still trying to figure out what it means to be “all in,” but he does know what it means to belong. For him, like for many...if not all... of us, trust and belonging are vital in a faith community. Listen to more Fair Trade episodes. Download Transcript Th...

An unjust judge and the persistent widow walk into the Gospel of Luke, and guess who gets served... well, that depends on your perspective. For hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, the unjust judge got served (called out) and the persistent woman got served (blessed). As always, Jesus stands on the side of the oppressed and marginalized. True justice requires both prayer and action in a world where justice means being in harmony with God’s created order. Listen in this week and then take some time...

For anyone who has ever experienced a faith crisis or a faith transition, it’s good to know that you’re not alone. Here at Faith Unfiltered, we continue to hear stories that we find inspirational and encouraging. In this Fair Trade episode, you’ll hear the first part of Jordan Harmon’s faith journey. Listen carefully as he shares the good and the bad, the ups and the downs, and the ways in which his journey has strengthened him along the way... even when it didn’t feel good in the moment. Jordan...

It all started with the pandemic which found many congregations gathered in virtual fellowship and worship, helping maintain community despite losses. And, for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls congregation, it didn’t end there. Instead, the entered into a discernment journey that led them to new and exciting adventures. With an emphasis on teamwork, communication, and leveraging their strengths, this congregation has found its new calling. Join host Robin Linkhart and the pastor team of the Waterloo-Ced...