A peaceful night with a star up above. A beautiful newborn wrapped in swaddling clothes. Kings...shepherds...clean, quiet animals watching quietly as they lay perfectly still. It makes for a nice story, but it also covers up the real-life grit and struggle that the Holy Family encountered in and around the birth of Jesus, not to mention the radical…

Sometimes we might think that our life journey is “all over the map.” From the outside looking in, one might say that about Mary Anne and Kassie’s guest in this episode of Say What, Matt Frizzell. From the lakes of Michigan as a child to ministry as a young adult, then on to the halls of academia, and back to ministry Matt has been on a constant (a…

Two expectant women, one old and one young, both wondering why God would choose them, yet both filled with joy ... that’s where we find ourselves on this last Sunday of Advent. Karin and Blake are always asking, “Where are we with Jesus this week?” Well, technically, he’s there too! Listen in to experience the joy that Mary and Elizabeth share as t…

“Boundaries are what makes relationships possible,” argues Tony Chvala-Smith in the second part of this Extra Shot episode where he and Charmaine sit down with host, Blake Smith, to talk about the importance of boundaries for establishing our identity ... as a church community as well as personally. You may think the Community of Christ has lost it…

Establishing one’s true identity and living in that identity may require the creation of boundaries. How can one know who they are without, in some circumstances, knowing who they are not? The Reorganization has faced some identity challenges over the years as a result of its shared history with the Mormon church and the tendency of its membership …

Unlike Micah, who responded politely when asked what God required of those who would follow, John the Baptist didn’t mince words or waste time worrying about people’s feelings. He simply laid it on the line ... for everyone. Repent and change your ways. Quit putting yourself first. Take what’s yours, only what’s yours, and be happy. As we come clos…

Not everyone who wants a meaningful relationship with God wants a relationship with church. As a matter of fact, a growing number of people who identify as “spiritual but not religious” have no desire for such a relationship... at least not as it is currently understood by most “churchy” people. Listen in to this Extra Shot episode as Karin Peter t…

Zombie Apocalypse? Nope, there’s nothing you can do about a Zombie Apocalypse ... but there are things we can do about the climate crisis. In this episode of Say What?, hosts Mary Anne and Kassie, sit down with one of the members of the World Church Human Rights team that crafted G-11: Climate Emergency Call to Action. Listen in to get a better und…

Lions and tigers and bears, Oh My! Wait. Scratch that. How about, “sacredness, energy, and divine presence?” Maybe the wilderness isn’t so bad after all! Grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage and join host Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a look into how “the voice crying out in the wilderness,” wasn’t running from large scary animals, but rathe…

What do history, balloon animals, and crocheting have in common? They are areas of interest for the guest of this episode of Coffee in the Swarm. That’s right, it’s time to head back to “the Swarm” for a cup of coffee and a sit down with Nicole Sherer of Woodbine, IA. Get a sense of the energy that Nicole has for Graceland and the church. Walk away…

In this episode of Awaken to God’s Presence, evangelist Cathy Batey is back with another guided meditation to ignite our imaginations, prompt our listening for the Divine, and prepare us for Advent and Christmas. Prepare to encounter Jesus as you wander through a snow-covered winter wonderland. Don’t worry, your imagination controls the temperature…

It’s a new liturgical year, and we’re still journeying with Jesus. As we enter the Advent season, we are reminded of God’s gracious welcome and hospitality ... full of justice and mercy. From interpersonal division to wars between nations, our world is full of chaos, there are those who would like us to think that the end of the world is coming and…

The world is changing with each new generation as we become a more global and technologically advanced (dare we say dependent) community, and none of this is lost on young people. Not only is their world changing, their needs are changing as well. What was seen as hospitality to young people even a decade ago, might now be seen as too much or too l…

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, …