Episode 6 - Q&A with Jordan and Jessica Rice  In this final episode of Real Love Conversations, host Jessica Rice is joined by Jordan Rice, her husband, and Renaissance Church’s lead pastor. Jordan and Jessica have a unique love story - both were married in their 20’s to different people, and both lost their spouses in their 20’s. In this episode, Jordan and Jessica share their stories of loss, of taking steps to date and hope again, and what it was like when they first met and later decided to get married. In the second half of this episode, they answer questions they received from listeners about dating, being married to a widowed person, and maintaining connection in a marriage as two people grow and change.  Real Love Conversations is a special collection of interviews released in conjunction with Renaissance Church’s Real Love sermon series. As we talk about how our relationships can thrive according to God’s model and direction, we’re also taking the opportunity to hear about diverse relationship experiences from some of the people who make up the Renaissance community. It’s going to get real!  Mentioned in this episode:   Jordan & Jessica’s Story on YouTube (played at their wedding)  Ephesians 3:20-21: Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.   Prepare/Enrich Assessment (must be completed with a facilitator/therapist/counselor)

Explore the transformative power of forgiveness and how it shapes relationships. Discover the myths surrounding forgiveness and learn the importance of letting go of past grievances. Uncover the damaging effects of unforgiveness and delve into the concept of agape love as a choice. Enjoy a compelling parable that illustrates grace and humility, and understand how embracing forgiveness can deepen your connections with others and enhance your spiritual journey.

Episode 5 - Adrienne  What does “real love” look like outside of a romantic relationship? In this episode, Adrienne shares honestly and gives us a window into one person’s journey with singleness, relationships, and abstinence. There’s so much here about the hard parts of life, about the big, overwhelming love of God, and about choosing to follow God even when we don’t know the next step.  Note: In this episode, we talk about mature/sensitive topics related to sex and sexuality.  Real Love Conversations is a special collection of interviews released in conjunction with Renaissance Church’s Real Love sermon series. As we talk about how our relationships can thrive according to God’s model and direction, we’re also taking the opportunity to hear about diverse relationship experiences from some of the people who make up the Renaissance community. It’s going to get real!  Mentioned in this episode: Sermon "The Myth of a Soulmate" - October 25, 2021

Discover the profound concept of covenantal love that prioritizes sacrifice for the good of others. Explore the essence of agape love and its role in nurturing lasting relationships. Hear personal stories that contrast self-centered love with unconditional commitment, particularly in marriage. Reflect on the significance of enduring commitments, like parenting and marriage, and understand how these principles relate to divine relationships. This thought-provoking discussion invites listeners to embrace real love in their lives.

Episode 4 - Malaika and Jermaine Small  Sometimes the struggles experienced in marriage aren’t necessarily because of something your spouse has done, but because of challenges, outside of your control, that life throws at you. When we get married, we commit to love and stay with someone not knowing what kinds of hardship they may experience -- professionally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. In this episode, Malaika and Jermaine take us through the story of how they met and how they’ve navigated several hardships, from neither of them having a blueprint of what marriage should be to their journey with infertility.   Real Love Conversations is a special collection of interviews released in conjunction with Renaissance Church’s Real Love sermon series. As we talk about how our relationships can thrive according to God’s model and direction, we’re also taking the opportunity to hear about diverse relationship experiences from some of the people who make up the Renaissance community. It’s going to get real!   Mentioned in this episode:   Fibroids - Tumors made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. They develop in the uterus. It is estimated that 70 to 80 percent of women will develop fibroids in their lifetime — however, not everyone will develop symptoms or require treatment. Fibroids are almost always benign, or noncancerous.   Endometriosis - an often painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis.  Will Smith & Jada Pinkett-Smith

Jesus Wants to do Something New  Mike Kelsey  Mark 2:18-22  You can’t experience what Jesus wants you to experience by just adding him to the life you’ve already decided to live.  Give to help financially support the ministry of Renaissance Church in the Harlem community: https://renaissancenyc.com/give  Keep up with Renaissance by filling out a connection card: https://renaissancenyc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/5/responses/new

Episode 3 - Kelly Newsome   The Biblical view of marriage is that two people would commit to and serve one another for a lifetime. And yet, we know the reality is that some marriages don’t go the distance. In this episode, we hear from Kelly, as she reflects on her experiences of getting married at 22 and getting divorced seven years later. The things she learned about herself, God, and relationships along the way are things that can help all of us, no matter what our current relationship status is.  Real Love Conversations is a special collection of interviews released in conjunction with Renaissance Church’s Real Love sermon series. As we talk about how our relationships can thrive according to God’s model and direction, we’re also taking the opportunity to hear about diverse relationship experiences from some of the people who make up the Renaissance community. It’s going to get real!   Mentioned in this episode:   Philippians 4:6-7 - Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.   Tsion Cafe - Ethiopian Food at 763 St Nicholas, New York NY, 10031

Loneliness and Rejection  Real Love Series  Jordan Rice  Genesis 2:18, Isaiah 53:3  Because we live in a broken world, we will all experience loneliness and rejection. In this message, we explore how to navigate these difficult emotions biblically and faithfully.  Give to help financially support the ministry of Renaissance Church in the Harlem community: https://renaissancenyc.com/give  Keep up with Renaissance by filling out a connection card: https://renaissancenyc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/5/responses/new

Episode 2 - Kyra and Jonathan “JD” Daniels Dating as a Christian can be hard, and there’s no manual for how to do it perfectly. In this episode, we hear from Kyra and Jonathan Daniels, who met at Renaissance Church in 2018, started dating in 2019, and got married in January 2021. Kyra and JD share how their backgrounds and faith shaped their dating experiences and how their relationship progressed from dating to engagement to marriage. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t exactly smooth and easy.  Real Love Conversations is a special collection of interviews released in conjunction with Renaissance Church’s Real Love sermon series. As we talk about how our relationships can thrive according to God’s model and direction, we’re also taking the opportunity to hear about diverse relationship experiences from some of the people who make up the Renaissance community. It’s going to get real! Mentioned in this episode: Dan B. Allender, Ph.D, is a prominent Christian therapist, author, professor, and speaker focusing on sexual abuse and trauma recovery, as well as story, marriage and family, and Christian Sabbath. The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God, By Timothy Keller, with Kathy Keller https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Marriage-Facing-Complexities-Commitment/dp/1594631875 Clove Indian Restaurant at 1592 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10031 FUMO Harlem - Pizza & Pasta at 1600 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10031

Me, Myself, and I Real Love Series Jordan Rice Matthew 12:34-36, James 4:1-3 If you don't heal from what hurt you, you'll bleed on people that didn't cut you. Give to help financially support the ministry of Renaissance Church in the Harlem community: https://renaissancenyc.com/give  Keep up with Renaissance by filling out a connection card: https://renaissancenyc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/5/responses/new  Sign up for Events: https://renaissancenyc.com/connect