Commons Church Podcast

Let’s start the new year expanding ideas of intimacy, attention, and intention as more of an art than a solution. The thing about art––be it dancing, painting, or writing––is that there are endless layers and iterations to all that we create. ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us this week as we explore The Art of Attention—the second installment in our series on intimacy and relationships. Building on last week’s focus on intentionality, we’ll dive into what it means to truly listen, notice, and connect with the people in our lives.This episode covers: • The lessons hidden in everyday moments, like a Tuesday family dinner. • How our brains naturally filter information and the importance of curiosity in overcoming these limits. • A deeper look at Jesus’ attentive interactions in John 5 and how they challenge us to be more present.Discover how genuine attention can reshape relationships, give others agency, and build connection—both with those around us and within ourselves. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jeremy Duncan, a speaker focused on modern relationships and the impact of technology, dives into what it takes to build meaningful connections today. He discusses the importance of intention and vulnerability in fostering authentic relationships. The conversation explores the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and social media, highlighting the detrimental effects on communication and community. Using storytelling, Duncan touches on historical injustices like the Rohingya crisis, emphasizing the significance of critical analysis in shaping our understanding of connections.

We explore the story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana and uncover its deeper meaning during the Christmas season. Through themes of anticipation, divine timing, and the power of small moments, this story invites us to recognize the presence of God in the ordinary and embrace the joy of transformation. A reflection on the beauty of faith and the magic of Christmas. ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt exploration of Jesus’ childhood story from Luke 2:41-52. In this message titled “The Boy in the Temple: Growing Up, Getting Lost, and Being Found”, we reflect on how Jesus’ formative years reveal deep truths about divine vulnerability, growing into our humanity, and finding God even when we feel lost.This third Sunday of Advent is a time of joy and anticipation, and yet it doesn’t shy away from our struggles. Bobbi invites us to embrace the tension of the season: joy and gloom, light and darkness, searching and being found. What can we learn from a 12-year-old Jesus in the temple? How does his story mirror our own journeys of faith, growth, and belonging? ★ Support this podcast ★

As we enter the Advent season, let’s approach Jesus’ life from a new angle. Not simply his birth, but all the stories that come before his public ministry. This series will look at old testament passages seen to point to Jesus, at the formative years of Jesus’ life, and exploring the lessons and experiences that shaped him as he grew. We’ll reflect on his humble beginnings, the nurturing of his faith, and the quiet yet profound moments that prepared him for his mission. Join us as we seek to understand the depths of Jesus’ humanity and find inspiration for our own spiritual journeys during this sacred season. ★ Support this podcast ★

🎄 Advent Series: Approach 🎄In this message, we reflect on the connection between Isaiah’s prophecy and Matthew’s gospel, uncovering how the ancient cry of “God with us” becomes tangible through the birth of Christ. From the threat of war in Isaiah’s time to the vulnerability of a child in a manger, we dive into how God’s presence transcends fear, conflict, and despair to bring peace, justice, and restoration.This talk challenges us to see Christmas not just as a celebration of the miraculous but as a profound reminder of God’s unshakable commitment to all of humanity. Whether you’re steeped in tradition or encountering these stories anew, discover the hope that comes with knowing Emmanuel, God truly with us.📖 Scripture Focus: Matthew 1:18–25, Isaiah 7🙏 Let’s prepare our hearts for the light breaking into the darkness this Advent.📍 Subscribe for more reflections on faith, scripture, and community. ★ Support this podcast ★

What does the parable of the sheep and the goats teach us about judgment, grace, and the nature of God’s kingdom? In this compelling talk, we unpack one of Jesus’ most famous—and often misunderstood—stories, exploring themes of humility, service, and the presence of the divine in everyday acts of love.Through this lens, we challenge traditional ideas of judgment and eternity, showing how Jesus shifts our focus from future speculation to present action. Join us as we discover how the life of the age to come begins in the here and now, inviting us to notice the divine all around us. Perfect for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on faith, theology, and living with compassion in today’s world. ★ Support this podcast ★

Today, we dive into one of Jesus’ parables told in two different places, exploring their deeper meanings and transformative implications. Are these stories about divine judgment, or are they invitations to a life of trust, grace, and courage in the face of uncertainty?We unpack the Parable of the Talents and its counterpart in Luke’s Gospel, reframing traditional interpretations and examining how these stories challenge us to rethink God’s character and our response to grace. Along the way, we explore themes of trust, justice, and the cost of doing the right thing, with a powerful parallel to Zacchaeus’ story. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, we explore the powerful lessons of Matthew 25 through Jesus’ parables on readiness, grace, and judgment. We delve into the deeper meaning of Jesus’ teachings and how they challenge our expectations of certainty, faithfulness, and generosity. Discover how these parables invite us to embrace grace, trust the divine timing, and shine our light in the world—even in moments when we might feel unprepared. Perfect for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on spirituality, purpose, and living with compassionate faith in today’s complex world. ★ Support this podcast ★