Commons Church Podcast

There is no doubt that every single one of us cares about the planet. Driving west through valleys made low by the Rocky Mountains is just one way to feel small in the best possible way. But how do we hold that care, and that smallness, alongside the convictions of our faith? Is it love God, love people, love the planet? If Jesus didn’t say that, could he have? Through the themes of play, awe, sustainability, and change we’ll consider how our love of God can fuse with our love of creation. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this engaging discussion, Yelena Pakhomova, a passionate advocate for sustainability and the nexus of faith and environmental care, shares profound insights on our responsibility towards creation. She explores how Jesus' teachings interweave with themes of play and awe in nature. Yelena emphasizes the importance of community in fostering environmental stewardship and encourages us to reflect on our relationship with the planet. Through scriptural narratives, she inspires listeners to find hope in divine presence, connecting spirituality with sustainability.

Scott Wall, an expert at the intersection of faith and environmental care, dives into the transformative power of awe. He explores how experiences of beauty, like the Rocky Mountains, can evoke a sense of smallness that connects us to creation. Wall examines biblical narratives of Christ’s transfiguration alongside modern psychological insights, emphasizing that moments of awe reveal essential truths. He encourages embracing these experiences through heightened awareness and prayer, blending love for God, people, and the planet.

There is no doubt that every single one of us cares about the planet. Driving west through valleys made low by the Rocky Mountains is just one way to feel small in the best possible way. But how do we hold that care, and that smallness, alongside the convictions of our faith? Is it love God, love people, love the planet? If Jesus didn’t say that, could he have? Through the themes of play, awe, sustainability, and change we’ll consider how our love of God can fuse with our love of creation. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jeremy Duncan is an insightful thinker exploring the deeper significance of home in our lives. He discusses the essential aspects of safety and security in housing, while also reflecting on the quieter hopes associated with the concept of home. The conversation touches on the legacy of family love and its role in shaping faith and community. They also examine the contrast between the teachings of James and Paul, emphasizing the importance of practical love and action in expressing genuine faith, grounded in personal relationships.

Whether you’re a homebody or not, home matters. Of course there are the equity pieces of housing first and affordability. These are big concerns in the life of the city. It’s good to want for others what we want for ourselves: safety, security, and a place to receive our Amazon packages. But there’s also a quieter hope for what home can mean. As is our practice in the summer, we’ll listen to the teaching team explore themes of rest, digest, repair, and relate through their experience of home and theological reflections on the places we live. ★ Support this podcast ★

Whether you’re a homebody or not, home matters. Of course there are the equity pieces of housing first and affordability. These are big concerns in the life of the city. It’s good to want for others what we want for ourselves: safety, security, and a place to receive our Amazon packages. But there’s also a quieter hope for what home can mean. As is our practice in the summer, we’ll listen to the teaching team explore themes of rest, digest, repair, and relate through their experience of home and theological reflections on the places we live. ★ Support this podcast ★

Whether you’re a homebody or not, home matters. Of course there are the equity pieces of housing first and affordability. These are big concerns in the life of the city. It’s good to want for others what we want for ourselves: safety, security, and a place to receive our Amazon packages. But there’s also a quieter hope for what home can mean. As is our practice in the summer, we’ll listen to the teaching team explore themes of rest, digest, repair, and relate through their experience of home and theological reflections on the places we live. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, we explore key moments in the life of Saul, the first king of Israel, through the lens of 1 Samuel 13. We'll uncover the complexities of biblical translation, the importance of understanding the true purpose behind scripture, and the dangers of intertwining religion with politics. Through stories of assassination, propaganda, and manipulation, this sermon challenges us to look beyond the details and grasp the deeper lessons that guide our faith journey. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this exploration of 1 Samuel 9-12, we delve into the intriguing story of Saul's ascension to kingship and Samuel's complex reaction. We're reminded of our human tendency to judge by appearances, as Saul is initially described as tall and handsome. Yet, the narrative subtly warns us against such superficial assessments. As we witness Samuel's reluctance to anoint Saul, we're invited to reflect on our own moments of passive resistance to God's will. This story challenges us to examine where we might be holding back in our own lives, whether out of wisdom or fear. Ultimately, we're encouraged to move forward with purpose, trusting in God's presence even amidst our doubts and hesitations. ★ Support this podcast ★