When was the last time you welcomed a stranger? Back in the “day,” houses had front porches, or stoops, and privacy fences were almost unheard of … at least in most neighborhoods. Now, we live in a time where back decks and privacy fences have become the norm. Welcoming the stranger may not be easy,…

Nobody said it would be easy.  Certainly not Jesus! If you’re looking for an easy ride, it could be that discipleship is not for you.  It actually comes with a cost that is higher than some are willing to pay. The question is, what is too much for you and me?  Only we can decide…

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.  Is this how we’ll know when the Kingdom of God has come near? What kind of Kingdom is this anyway? Did someone say it’s an “upside down” kingdom?  Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they explore this week’s Gospel text in…

Discipleship is not about who you avoid.  It’s about how you join Jesus in extending radical hospitality. Welcome to Ordinary Time, a time without festivals in which we can focus on our discipleship in everyday living. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they explore this week’s passage from the Gospel According to Matthew….

A short passage for a deeply complex concept … the Trinity. Rather than getting bogged down in conversation about Trinity in this episode of Coffee to Go, however, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith focus in on the “sending” aspect of the scripture text.  God sends Son, Son sends Spirit. Spirit sends the Church (a.k.a….

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…