There’s nothing quite like SPEC ... a place where young people can come together for a week of personal exploration, leadership development, visual and performing arts, worship, all you can eat soft serve ice cream, and ... yes ... a bit of healthy sports competition. No matter one’s level of skill in any of SPEC’s program offerings, everyone who a…

Dive into the heart of the Christian tradition with us on "Coffee to Go." This week, we're in Mark's Gospel, witnessing Jesus' encounters with a Syrophoenician woman and a deaf man. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they unpack the complexity of Jesus' actions, the coexistence of our best intentions and flaws, and the assertiveness of faith…

We know her. We love her. And, many of us have been blessed by her ministry. Meet Mareva Arnaud Tchong! Called to serve as Community of Christ’s next Presiding Evangelist, Mareva will bring unprecedented diversity to this world church leadership role. In this exclusive interview, Mareva candidly shares the process of receiving the call to Presiding…

So many things demand our attention, causing us to live our lives in a hurried pace ... rarely offering us a chance to catch our breath, much less pay attention to our breath and the toll stress takes on our bodies. There’s no better time than the present to pause and take care of yourself. So, why not join host and spiritual director, Tyler Marz, …

Leave it to the Pharisees to pick and choose which laws they want to follow while forgetting something a little more important ... the greatest commandments ... love God, and love one another. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith for this week’s “journey with Jesus” in the Gospel of Mark. As is his way, Jesus is ready to set the Pharisees straig…

It's time to get a glimpse of what mission and ministry look like in communities of Seekers who are needing a place of welcome and healing for themselves, not to mention communities that look different from week to week and year to year. In this episode of What’s Brewing, we’re picking up where we left off in Part 1. Prepare yourself for a raw and …

In this What’s Brewing episode, we’re headed to Northern Utah, to what we’re calling the Wasatch Front. Join host Blake Smith as he sits down with Utah Expansion Minister, Laura Pennock, and Salt Lake Pastorate Team Member/Communications Team Member, Brittany Mangelson, for a look into some very dynamic ministries that look a little different than …

Hopefully, followers of Jesus can say, without hesitation, that they believe in Jesus, but is that enough? The world is crazy, and we are faced with so much that can challenge or even scare us. In this episode of Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith suggest that it is not enough to simply believe. What Jesus calls us to do is abide in hi…

Issues that threaten the very heart of what we hold dear in Community of Christ also work to divide us as a people committed to following Jesus Christ, the peaceful one. The worst thing we can do is give in to the temptation to stop talking, stop listening and go our own ways. In this cross-post from Witness the Word, President Designate Stassi Cra…

Nothing screams “call to action” like people dancing around a pink boat that is blocking traffic in central London! At least that was part of what got Andrew Fellows started in the climate justice protesting business. In this episode of Climate Brewing, host Susan Oxley sits down with guest and fellow Climate Justice Team member, Andrew Fellows, to…

But I don’t want to eat his flesh and drink his blood. Do I really have to? Thank goodness Jesus talks in metaphor. What he really wants is for us to “abide” in him... to be so closely aligned with him that he becomes for us a life source. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, as they explore what it means to abide in Christ. Then, take time to …

There is nothing better than hearing someone say that one of the reasons they have stayed in the church is because they’ve been “loved to death.” And, that seems to be a recurring theme here at Chai Can’t Even. Kudos to the congregations who keep the love and welcome flowing. Join host, Blake Smith, for a sit down with Wes Hodgson, former pastor an…

Linda Stanbridge is no stranger to Project Zion Podcast. As an advocate for Harmony and the LGBTQIA+ community and as a minister of invitation, Linda has had lots of great things to share ... all of which have been laced with personal stories and passion. But there’s more to Linda’s story. She is back again, but this time it’s all about her persona…

Believing things about Jesus is good. As a matter of fact, knowing what you believe about Jesus is a great place to start, but it’s not necessarily life-changing. It’s when you come to the point of believing in Jesus that things begin to change within you. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, as they explore what it means to “partake” of the “br…

Are you a “prodigal?” Have you ever thought you knew a better way for your life only to find out that you had it pretty good? At least you knew you were loved and welcomed. Perhaps it is true that “the grass is NOT always greener...” In this episode of Coffee Connect, Host and former apostle, Linda Booth is back with a couple of prodigal stories, a…

Summertime comes with a vengeance this year across much of our world. Sustained high temperatures can have broad impact like damaging crops, illness or death for livestock, widespread power outages, and severe risk of wildfires. Several fires are blazing across the globe today. Sometimes our spiritual lives can feel scorched by heat, dried in the s…

What happens when we’re hungry for something, and it’s not what Jesus is serving? Many, if not all, have been in that place where we’re so hungry that, until we are fed physically, we can’t think about anything else...at least that’s what it feels like. In this week’s episode of Coffee to Go, Jesus is serving up a helping of deeper relationship wit…

In case you haven’t noticed, music plays a big role in the lives of both Humberto Tinsman and Jacob Ross, creators and hosts of the Ministry for Dummies podcast. And they are back in this cross-post of their fourth episode, Music and Our Faith. Watch out, they’ve got some strong opinions about what’s good and what’s bad, what’s spiritual and what’s…

It’s encouraging to hear stories of people finding deep welcome and connection in the church ... no matter which congregation they step into. That is the case in the personal stories shared by Mike Sherman of Pensacola, FL with host, Blake Smith. Join Mike and Blake for this episode of Chai Can’t Even, and you’re sure to find yourself reconnecting …

Which came first, the chicken or the egg ... abundance or blessing. You may have what you believe is THE correct answer, but apparently, there are sound arguments for both. In this episode of Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, join Jesus and the disciples on a mountainside and in a boat, both of which lead them to ponder whether or no…

No one in their right mind would sign up to go it alone on the frontier ... raising a family, tending a farm, and everything else that goes with it. Well, no one except the women who were part of the early Reorganization. Women whose husbands served as missionaries and were gone for long periods of time. It’s those women whose stories we hear in th…

“Yay, we’re at the party. We’re going to a church party!’ Wouldn’t it be great if a few more people felt that way about church ... and not just two-and-a-half-year-olds? In this episode of Chai Can’t Even, host Blake Smith sits down with Kara Sherman of the North Pensacola (FL) congregation to hear her story and what it is that has kept her coming …

“Come unto me all who are weary and I will give you rest. Oh wait, there are crowds of people gathering who need our help first!” Have you ever felt like just when you were about to get a chance to enjoy some much-needed rest, something “more pressing” came up? Well, you’re not alone! In this week’s episode of Coffee to Go, that is exactly the situ…

Violence in our world is not new, and neither is the conversation about non-violence in Community of Christ! In the special episode of Coffee Buzz, host Apostle Robin Linkhart sits down with Prophet President Steve Veazey and Prophet President Designate Stassi Cramm for an in-depth conversation about the recently released draft statement on non-vio…

How could something so “natural” be so dangerous? Two of the most harmful greenhouse gasses are the byproducts of very natural processes ... living (breathing) and dying (decay). We’ve all heard of the problems that increased amounts of CO2 can cause to the atmosphere, but in reality, methane is 80 times more potent ... at least in the short term. …

The desire to gain power and to keep it can make people do crazy, if not awful, things... even when they don’t really want to do them. Such is the case in today’s passage from the Gospel of Mark. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a look into the story of Herod and John the Baptist. See what is possible when power is at stake. Think deeply…

The desire to gain power and to keep it can make people do crazy, if not awful, things… even when they don’t really want to do them. Such is the case in today’s passage from the Gospel of Mark. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a look into the story of Herod and...

We don’t have to look too closely to find things in our past that may have been progressive at the time, but are considered embarrassing by many in today’s context. In those cases, we must ask, “Face it or erase it?” In this episode of Cuppa Joe, host Robin Linkhart talks with Lach Mackay about the First Presidency’s response to World Conference Re…

You know you’ve done something right when a child/adolescent goes to church... not because they have to, but because they want to. An ordained teacher at 18 and a high school band teacher at 21, Ethan Mitchell, was one of those children, and the credit goes to a loving congregation who created a loving, nurturing environment where kids could thrive…

Who does he think he is? Jesus, that’s who! This week we find Jesus teaching in the synagogue, and the people are astounded. How could this “son of a carpenter” know all of these things? Well, besides the fact that he’s the Son of God, he’s taken the time to be with people where they are... to experience “the world” with fresh eyes ... and to push …

Camping season is here. So, while campgrounds are on our minds, why not think creatively about how to sustain those resources while contributing to environmental justice? As you’ll hear in this episode in the Climate Brewing Series, there are several things we can do. Join host Susan Oxley, as she sits down with fellow Climate Justice Team member, …

There is no shame in being thankful for one’s blessings, especially as they relate to one’s country of origin or residence.... as long as the gratitude is grounded in an understanding that God doesn’t favor any one nation over another. After all, God is God of all the nations. It’s important to remember that people everywhere are God’s children ...…

Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they dive into a captivating exploration of faith, healing, and the transformative power of Jesus' presence in this episode of "Coffee to Go." Delving into the Gospel of Mark, they unpack two miraculous stories that not only showcase the incredible faith of those who encountered Jesus but also remind us of …

It doesn’t get any more real ... and welcoming... than a church where kids are included, bathrooms are available to the general public, music comes from a boombox, and the podium is made out of a cardboard box found out behind the building. Welcome to East Brewton, AL, a congregation that started as a house church with two people and now finds itse…

Everybody loves camp. It’s the highlight of the summer. But, not too many fill a car with school friends they’ve invited to join in on the fun. In this episode of Steamers and Sodas, host Blake Smith sits down with Levi Blakesley, a very avid inviter when it comes to camping. Blake and Levi discuss the importance of camp experiences for youth, with…

This week on "Coffee to Go," Blake Smith and Karin Peter explore the theme of faith in the face of life's storms, drawing from the Gospel of Mark where Jesus calms a raging sea. The hosts discuss the misconceptions surrounding faith and challenge the idea that it should be used to compare oneself to others or as a measure of personal strength. They…

In this episode of the Project Zion Podcast, host Robin Linkhart sits down with Andrew Webber, a member of the Community of Christ congregation in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Andrew shares his personal journey from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) to his current faith home in the Community of Christ. He discusses the challenges and ref…

“Well ... if nobody else is going to ... I will.” This was Rod Downing's response to a lack of conversation in the church (specifically in the Herald) about environmental issues. Rather than complain, he started doing something about it. In this episode of Climate Brewing, host Susan Oxley pushes environmental and climate advocate Rod Downing to sh…

Holy Invasion... doesn’t that sound intriguing? Perhaps a bit scary or creepy rather. In this episode of Coffee to Go, we find Jesus speaking in parables. Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider the importance of approaching those parables as a heart project versus a head project. Like poetry, sometimes it’s good to just “experience” the parable…

Which campfire songs are your favorite... your least favorite? In this episode of What’s Brewing, we’ve cross-posted an episode from Ministry for Dummies in which Humberto and Jacob are stirring up controversy... but it’s all in fun. Listen in as Humberto and Jacob offer their very humble opinions about some classics, some all-time favorites, and e…

For over 40 years, Rod Downing has been on the front lines (literally) of the struggle for environmental and climate justice. Listen in as host Susan Oxley and Rod sit down for a chat about how he got started, what he has done and seen, and how activism has changed over the years. Perhaps you’ll come away inspired to join in the struggle with this …

Turn down the noise! (After you listen to this episode of Coffee to Go, of course). Sometimes the chaos that results from large gatherings can get a bit overwhelming... and Jesus did not get a “pass” when it came to crowds. Add to that the cacophony of questions, challenges of authority, and requests for healing, and, well... no wonder Jesus enjoye…

Turn down the noise! (After you listen to this episode of Coffee to Go, of course). Sometimes the chaos that results from large gatherings can get a bit overwhelming… and Jesus did not get a “pass” when it came to crowds. Add to that the cacophony of questions, challenges of authority, and requests for healing,...…

Jason and Robin are back for part 2 of Jason’s Fair Trade Story. In this episode, Robin zeroes in on Jason’s leadership roles since joining Community of Christ. Find out how true hospitality played a significant role in Jason’s move into this faith community as well as how that same deep hospitality continues to be foundational to his ministry as h…

In 1964, Julie Andrews, playing the role of Mary Poppins sang the song “My Favorite Things.” In today’s episode of Awaken to God’s Presence, host and spiritual director Tyler Marz focuses the listener’s attention on wonderful things. Using Howard Thurman’s poem How Wonderful as a starting point, Tyler encourages us to celebrate the wonderful things…

Take a break. Put your feet up. Grab some coffee. Whatever it is you do to rest. Just don’t confuse that kind of rest with Sabbath. In this episode of Coffee to Go, we find Jesus and his disciples clashing with the religious leaders over the issue of Sabbath. Join co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a discussion on the concept of rest in the C…

Since joining Community of Christ in 2017, Jason Eyre has jumped in with reckless abandon....finding new ways to express his ministry and leadership giftedness. Jason first shared his faith transition story back in 2017, but has come back to tell of the things that he’s learned, and how he’s found his place in this sacred community. The story is so…

Healing spaces, educational opportunities, community connections ... who knew all this (and more) could be found in a scripture garden? Join host Blake Smith for this episode of What’s Brewing where he sits down with Forest Hills Scripture Garden co-founder, Joyce Blair, and leader of the new “Friends of the Garden” leadership team, Blake Rosbury, …

What’s more confusing than the old, “Who’s on First?” Abbot and Costello routine? If you have no idea what ... or who ... we’re talking about ... Google it! Then, grab your coffee and your thinking cap because today is Trinity Sunday, and little in this world is more confusing than the Trinity. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, along with Nic…

Fair Trade is back, and this episode is full of deep insights resulting from our guest’s transparent sharing of his spiritual journey beginning in early childhood and spanning across multiple continents and faith traditions ... all of which ultimately led him and his husband to Community of Christ. You might need a large mug of coffee for this one!…