Jane Gardner, Presiding Evangelist for Community of Christ, has a “full plate” now, and it seems like she always has. Say What hosts, Kassie and Mary Anne, sat down with Jane to talk to her about her role as Presiding Evangelist, but after checking out her bio, realized there was so much more to talk to her about while they had the chance. Join Kas…

How often do we ask a question with a “hoped-for” answer in mind? That’s exactly what is going on in this week’s gospel lectionary passage when Pilate comes face to face with Jesus. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, for this final episode in Year B of the lectionary cycle. Listen carefully as Pilate questions Jesus, and Jesus, in typical Jes…

The Wight family has a long history of serving the church, and Estella Wight was no exception. A prolific author who got her start by submitting a story to Marietta Walker at a young age, and then going on to work for Herald Publishing for many years, Estella filled the minds and hearts of the children and youth of the church through articles, poet…

“Hospitality is not a missionary tool. It is not a tactic to get people to come to church. It is not something we do once in a while as part of our social or religious obligation, Christ-centered hospitality is a way of life that responds to the God who invites, welcomes and nurtures us,” says Senior President of Seventy and host, Karin Peter. In t…

“And the walls came a tumblin’ down.” Actually, by the time the Gospel of Mark was written they probably already had. But, imagine sitting outside the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, and having Jesus tell you that it would all be coming down. Scary? Upsetting? Maddening? Perhaps all of the above. Bad stuff happens all the time, but in t…

Community of Christ World Conference 2025 is closing in on us, and there is so much to know about the resolutions that have been proposed for consideration. Mary Anne and Cassie have chosen to sit down with the authors of the resolutions in the time leading up to World Conference to get a clear picture of the reasoning behind the resolutions. In th…

Let’s be clear, separation of church and state does not mean that disciples of Jesus Christ should avoid being politically active! Jesus was political. How could he not be, if he hoped to bring about the reign of God on earth? Left unchecked, politics can threaten the things we hold dear ... the worth of all persons, the sacredness of creation, uni…

Mark’s telling of the story we have come to know as “The Widow’s Mite” is a story about faithful generosity... or is it? Maybe it’s really about Jesus pointing out economic injustices. Giving one’s “spare change” means different things to the wealthy and the poor. And, in this case, the widow may have been the very source of the other’s abundance. …

If the choice of where to go to school came down to Lamoni, IA or Boston, MA, which would you choose? Big city folks might quickly say Boston, but one ought not to rule out Lamoni and the Graceland experience. In this episode of Coffee in the Swarm, co-hosts Aliyah Farrell and Mike Hoffman sit down with Hunter Bouverette. Listen in as Hunter talks …

Do you ever have a minute to slow down and listen for what God might be wanting to say to you, or are your “conversations” a chance for you to do the talking? In this guided meditation, led by Spiritual Director, Cathy Batey, you’ll be encouraged to slow down, relax, journey, and listen. Use your imagination to visualize color, objects, animals, or…

Though it may have seemed like it, not everyone was trying to trick or test Jesus. Some actually just wanted to engage in honest dialogue with them. That is the case with the Scribe in today’s passage from the Gospel of Mark. As it turns out, Jesus doesn’t mind the questions... as long as we’re asking the right ones. Like ... “what matters most?” U…

We all have, or have had, people who have touched our lives and influenced us in positive ways. Because of them, something in us has changed ... our own sense of worth, our worldview, the way we engage with others, the way we see and understand God. These are our “saints.” These are the ones we remember on All Saints Day. Many of them are no longer…

“Children offer a really unique way of seeing the world, just because [they’re] experiencing things for the first time,” says Mollie Linkhart-Pansing, guest for this episode of Say What?! Join hosts Mary Anne and Kassie, as they sit down with Mollie to get her perspective on being involved in World Conference as a youth. You’ll hear about being a y…

The journey from Galilee to Jerusalem is long. The disciples have heard a lot, seen a lot, and done a lot ... including shushing and turning away marginalized persons who have come seeking Jesus. As usual, however, Jesus invites them to come. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, as they point out the importance of focusing on and examining our o…

Life can get messy, even when we have the best of intentions. The great news is that there’s no safer place to be “messy” than in sacred community ... you know, that special kind of community that the church is supposed to be for one another. Sometimes, however, we get so focused on achieving perfection (the destination) that we miss the beauty hid…

Acknowledging the current climate emergency is only a first step. The question is, what are we willing to do about it? Host, Susan Oxley, and guest, Paul Bethel, are back in this episode of Climate Brewing to discuss just that. The North American Climate Justice Teams have submitted a resolution for the 2025 World Conference which calls for a just …

How many times did Jesus have to tell them, “It’s not about status!”? Just because society tells you that status matters, doesn’t make it so. But the disciples didn’t get it, and sometimes we too forget. If you want to be first, you need to be last. Makes perfect sense...right? Grab a cup of coffee and join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for ano…

But wait... there’s more! That’s right, host Robin Linkhart is back with guests Chris, Lisa, Shannon and John to hear more about what they’ve learned in the process of bringing three mission centers, and two countries to one campground for one combined ... and amazing ... reunion. Listen in as they talk about lessons learned and the great new relat…

As Community of Christ approaches what is sure to be a historic World Conference in 2025, inquiring young minds have some questions about how it all works. Beyond the fellowship, the cultural interchange, the inspiring worship, and the excitement of just being together, there is work that must be done. In this first episode of Say What?, hosts Kass…

Money, money, money, money ... Money. The O’Jays said, “some people gotta have it.” (“For the Love of Money,” Philadelphia) But Jesus told the rich young ruler to go and give it all away, then, come follow him. We all know how that ended. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, for a look at that memorable passage from the Gospel of Mark. Maybe th…

Three mission centers, two countries, one campground, and lots of planning, talking, and listening to one another. All for something new ... a combined reunion that would bring together varying traditions and cultures for a shared experience. Listen in to part 1 of the conversation between host, Robin Linkhart and her guests Chris Phelps, Shannon M…

Once a casual believer in climate science, who, like most of us, did what was easy and convenient with regard to the environment, Paul Bethel is now a strong advocate for climate justice. In this episode of Climate Brewing, host Susan Oxley sits down with fellow Climate Justice Team member, Paul, to hear his story and glean from his deepening under…

“I’ve Got the Power” is not just the name of a song by Snap played in clubs and on radio stations ... it has been a foundational principle for groups of people ... especially men ... since the days of Moses. It continued into the days of Jesus, and it continues today. So, what does Jesus have to say about it? Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith…

Graceland is back in session, and PZP is back in the Swarm. In this episode of Coffee in the Swarm co-hosts, Aliyah Farrell and Mike Hoffman, sit down with Danny Dennis. Growing up in the Liberty Street congregation in Independence, MO, the church has always been an important part of Danny’s life ... even though he admits, he didn’t always go by hi…

Every day of our lives, we are writing our story. Sometimes the story comes out the way we plan it and sometimes it’s something altogether different. The thing is that we don’t write our story alone. It is added to by the people we encounter and with whom we journey. Some of those “co-writers” become like saints to us. That’s right, ordinary people…

“We are Companions on the Journey” ... a hymn sung many times in Community of Christ gatherings, and words we need to keep in mind as we navigate our personal spiritual journeys of life and faith. Like the disciples, we sometimes forget what and who is the focus of our journey. In those moments, our salt loses its “flavor.” Join hosts, Karin Peter …

If you’ve ever met Janne Grover, you know that she is a bright light, full of joy and a deep love for people. Her smile is contagious and inspiring. So much so that she could have been in commercials. Wait! She was. But you’ll have to listen to this episode of Nice to Matcha to get the details. And that’s not all you’ll get. Join host Robin Linkhar…

If you thought the Presiding Bishopric was only about money and budgets, you’re in for a treat. Join host, Robin Linkhart, for this episode of What’s Brewing to see how generosity not only drives mission, but how mission inspires generosity. Presiding Bishopric Ron Harmon, Wim van Klinken, and Carla Long share their hopes and dreams with the church…

There is no such thing as a dumb question. At least that’s what some people say. There are, however, questions that, when asked, may make one seem less smart. What’s worse is when someone thinks they know the answer so doesn’t see a need to ask any questions. Join hosts, Karin and Blake, for a walk through Mark 9:30-37 where the Twelve find themsel…

From the age of 10, he began to understand the world in a different way. He had to, because what he was experiencing and hearing didn’t fit with what he was beginning to understand and believe about God. 40 years later, with extended theological education, a deep love for his family, and a deep love for God’s vision for the World, Matt Frizzell has…

Mary Anne Bennet-Ripsam and Kassie Ripsam make their Project Zion Podcast Debut in this recording from their recent live event, Say What? Meet the Hosts. In this episode, these two young women share their hopes and dreams, as well as some of the pressing questions they hope to address in this new series. And, they take the mic to try out their inte…

Jesus’ ministry is taking a turn ... toward Jerusalem, and anyone who wants to be a follower will need to “take up [their] cross” and follow him. With each step toward “Jerusalem,” the cost of following gets more and more costly. That’s right... some things in life may be free, but discipleship is not one of them. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake …

Here’s your chance to get to know Carrie Welch, from Salem, Oregon! Newly called to the Council of Twelve Apostles, Carrie tells her story growing up in Community of Christ and the many unexpected adventures she experienced along Life’s path, now realizing how all of it helped prepare her to serve in a role that for her was once unfathomable. In th…

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…