Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:02:23 -0500 https://meetinthemiddle.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 Meet in the Middle yes 84e8baf8-52c9-5d4c-b49c-aa7353ce070e Beloved Community episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Beloved Community https://storage.buzzsprout.com/d4qolncalutaptjxnbzopol3ded2?.jpg https://meetinthemiddle.buzzsprout.com Challenges of the Future Bishop Hector Burgos Nunez is Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh's guest. Bishop Burgos serves the Upper New York Conference, and is the first Latinx bishop of the United Methodist Church's Northeast Jurisdiction. He is also the first Puerto Rican bishop to serve in the United Methodist Church.  Together,  Zayzay and Bishop Hector talk about some of the challenges of the future of the church. 

]]> Bishop Hector Burgos Nunez is Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh's guest. Bishop Burgos serves the Upper New York Conference, and is the first Latinx bishop of the United Methodist Church's Northeast Jurisdiction. He is also the first Puerto Rican bishop to serve in the United Methodist Church.  Together,  Zayzay and Bishop Hector talk about some of the challenges of the future of the church. 

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-13274896 Sun, 23 Jul 2023 22:00:00 -0400 2348 4 5 full false Celebrating Music in Community Through Community Dr. Herbert V.R.P. Jones, the Founder and Director of the Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh  and former Pittsburgh Gospel Choir, joins Rev. Renee Mikell to share his experiences and influences in music,  discuss ethnomusicology, and the celebration of music in community through community.

]]> Dr. Herbert V.R.P. Jones, the Founder and Director of the Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh  and former Pittsburgh Gospel Choir, joins Rev. Renee Mikell to share his experiences and influences in music,  discuss ethnomusicology, and the celebration of music in community through community.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-12942282 Mon, 29 May 2023 22:00:00 -0400 3315 4 4 full false International Students Coming to America Rev. Dawn Lynn Check talks to Keisha Jimmerson, Associate Dean of Students for Diversity, Inclusion and International Student Services for Seton Hill University, and Graduate Assistant George DiMetriotis, a native of Cyprus. They share their experiences of students that come from different nations for education in the United States,

]]> Rev. Dawn Lynn Check talks to Keisha Jimmerson, Associate Dean of Students for Diversity, Inclusion and International Student Services for Seton Hill University, and Graduate Assistant George DiMetriotis, a native of Cyprus. They share their experiences of students that come from different nations for education in the United States,

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-12892803 Mon, 22 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 2869 4 3 full false Seeking Social Justice Pastor Zayzay Kpadeh is joined by members of the group Together We Can.  This group aims to create a multiracial and egalitarian society in America for all races including marginalized communities. 

]]> Pastor Zayzay Kpadeh is joined by members of the group Together We Can.  This group aims to create a multiracial and egalitarian society in America for all races including marginalized communities. 

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-12847671 Sun, 14 May 2023 21:00:00 -0400 3379 4 2 full false Women's History Month Episode: Celebrating Women Who Tell Their Stories Rev.  Renee Mikell talks with Rev. Dr. Josephine Whitely-Fields, the author of Pioneer Black Clergy Women.  Dr. Whitely-Fields shares why she wrote book, the clergywomen she featured in it, and her own personal experiences  of over 40 years in ministry.

]]> Rev.  Renee Mikell talks with Rev. Dr. Josephine Whitely-Fields, the author of Pioneer Black Clergy Women.  Dr. Whitely-Fields shares why she wrote book, the clergywomen she featured in it, and her own personal experiences  of over 40 years in ministry.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-12762058 Mon, 01 May 2023 16:00:00 -0400 2554 4 1 full false Christmas Reflections  Rev. Renee Mikell is joined in conversation today with a variety of people from all over the country, to share their thought of Christmas in the past and future.

]]>  Rev. Renee Mikell is joined in conversation today with a variety of people from all over the country, to share their thought of Christmas in the past and future.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-12098782 Mon, 23 Jan 2023 02:00:00 -0500 1840 3 6 full false Conversation with Dr. Lee Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh sits down with Rev. Dr. Asa Lee,  President of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and share how Dr. Lee came to PTS,  his thoughts on racism in America and the World, and his thoughts on the future of the church.

]]> Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh sits down with Rev. Dr. Asa Lee,  President of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and share how Dr. Lee came to PTS,  his thoughts on racism in America and the World, and his thoughts on the future of the church.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-11897860 Mon, 19 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0500 2978 3 5 full false Voter Suppression in the Here and Now Jamal Craig, President of the Pittsburgh Coalition of Black Trade Unionists joins Re. Dawn Lynn Check as they discuss voter suppression. It's an ongoing situation in many areas, and it might be closer than you think. 

]]> Jamal Craig, President of the Pittsburgh Coalition of Black Trade Unionists joins Re. Dawn Lynn Check as they discuss voter suppression. It's an ongoing situation in many areas, and it might be closer than you think. 

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-11598755 Mon, 31 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400 2860 3 4 full false Beloved Community in Action Rev. Renee Mikell talks with Rebekah Greenawalt, Program Director of
 a camping  and retreat center. Rebekah shares her experiences and
 plans to continue offering  a space that supports Beloved Community  
values and puts them into action.

]]> Rev. Renee Mikell talks with Rebekah Greenawalt, Program Director of
 a camping  and retreat center. Rebekah shares her experiences and
 plans to continue offering  a space that supports Beloved Community  
values and puts them into action.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-11567039 Tue, 25 Oct 2022 14:00:00 -0400 1227 3 3 full false Roundtable to Remember Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh leads a roundtable discussion with Beverly Lawrence, Denise Jones and Barbara Rumore of Together We Can in Venango County, PA. All three share their experiences growing up as children in Oil City, PA . 

]]> Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh leads a roundtable discussion with Beverly Lawrence, Denise Jones and Barbara Rumore of Together We Can in Venango County, PA. All three share their experiences growing up as children in Oil City, PA . 

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-11426391 Mon, 03 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400 2748 3 2 full false A Litany of Equality Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh speaks with Rev. Timothy Harmon, Senior Pastor of 2nd Presbyterian Church of Oil City. They discuss the Litany of Repentance that was recently approved at the Presbyterian Church USA's 225th General Assembly held at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, Kentucky this past June.

]]> Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh speaks with Rev. Timothy Harmon, Senior Pastor of 2nd Presbyterian Church of Oil City. They discuss the Litany of Repentance that was recently approved at the Presbyterian Church USA's 225th General Assembly held at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, Kentucky this past June.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-11384070 Mon, 26 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400 2661 3 1 full false Coping in Buffalo Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh join Rev. Julian Cook, and his wife, Sigourney Cook. Rev. Cook is the Director of Houghton College Bethel Program in Buffalo New York, and Mrs. Cook is a teacher and a talented opera singer. They talk about the March 14th shootings at a Buffalo grocery market that killed 10, and injured dozens of others. The Cook's will share how the community is coping after the incident. 

]]> Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh join Rev. Julian Cook, and his wife, Sigourney Cook. Rev. Cook is the Director of Houghton College Bethel Program in Buffalo New York, and Mrs. Cook is a teacher and a talented opera singer. They talk about the March 14th shootings at a Buffalo grocery market that killed 10, and injured dozens of others. The Cook's will share how the community is coping after the incident. 

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-11059865 Mon, 01 Aug 2022 02:00:00 -0400 3120 2 26 full false Creating Men of Valor McKeesport Councilman Timothy Brown talks about the Men of Valor program for youth in his hometown.  Rev. Renee Mikell hosts the episode.

]]> McKeesport Councilman Timothy Brown talks about the Men of Valor program for youth in his hometown.  Rev. Renee Mikell hosts the episode.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-11028561 Tue, 26 Jul 2022 02:00:00 -0400 1413 2 25 full false Together We Can Roundtable Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh welcomes back members of Together We Can. Clarion area therapist Jeff Polley, and Pastor Tim Harmon of the 2nd Presbyterian Church in Oil City join for a roundtable discussion. Also joining the conversation, is Abby Williams from Rocky Grove, and Franklin Area graduate Adam Luther, who were two of six winners in Together We Can's recent essay contest. Oil City native Barbara Rumore also joins the conversation. 

]]> Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh welcomes back members of Together We Can. Clarion area therapist Jeff Polley, and Pastor Tim Harmon of the 2nd Presbyterian Church in Oil City join for a roundtable discussion. Also joining the conversation, is Abby Williams from Rocky Grove, and Franklin Area graduate Adam Luther, who were two of six winners in Together We Can's recent essay contest. Oil City native Barbara Rumore also joins the conversation. 

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10977220 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400 3229 2 24 full false Why Grandmothers Matter Rev. Renee Mikell talks with Mrs. Denise Bailey Myers,  author of the book, "Grandma's ABC's of Growing Up." The McKeesport native shares why she wrote the book, responds to some false narratives,  as well as the role of Grandmothers in today's society. Denise is also the founder of Grand-Marvelous. 

]]> Rev. Renee Mikell talks with Mrs. Denise Bailey Myers,  author of the book, "Grandma's ABC's of Growing Up." The McKeesport native shares why she wrote the book, responds to some false narratives,  as well as the role of Grandmothers in today's society. Denise is also the founder of Grand-Marvelous. 

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10888115 Fri, 01 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400 2371 2 23 full false After Shuman Lou Ransom, Jr., a Tipstaff for the family court of Allegheny County Common Pleas Court Judge Dwayne Woodruff, joins Rev. Dawn Lynn Check for a discussion about the closing of the Shuman Juvenile Detention Center last year, and the affect on the youth of Allegheny County since the closure.

]]> Lou Ransom, Jr., a Tipstaff for the family court of Allegheny County Common Pleas Court Judge Dwayne Woodruff, joins Rev. Dawn Lynn Check for a discussion about the closing of the Shuman Juvenile Detention Center last year, and the affect on the youth of Allegheny County since the closure.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10831095 Tue, 21 Jun 2022 13:00:00 -0400 2506 2 22 full false United Women in Faith Eight women sought to help women across the world. That energy led them to do more. Today we have United Women in Faith. Over 150 years of acting on their faith. Rev. Dawn Lynn Check talks with Linda Thayer, President of the United Methodist Women of Faith for Western Pennsylvania, and share it’s creation and how this group, formerly known as the United Methodist Women, are moving forward in service to God and their community.

]]> Eight women sought to help women across the world. That energy led them to do more. Today we have United Women in Faith. Over 150 years of acting on their faith. Rev. Dawn Lynn Check talks with Linda Thayer, President of the United Methodist Women of Faith for Western Pennsylvania, and share it’s creation and how this group, formerly known as the United Methodist Women, are moving forward in service to God and their community.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10743396 Mon, 06 Jun 2022 02:00:00 -0400 2505 2 21 full false White Fragility and White Grief Rev. Dawn Lynn Check talks with Rev. Lynette Moran, Deacon at Bethel UMC and PhD candidate and Mellon Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh. Lynette walks us through white fragility and white grief.

]]> Rev. Dawn Lynn Check talks with Rev. Lynette Moran, Deacon at Bethel UMC and PhD candidate and Mellon Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh. Lynette walks us through white fragility and white grief.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10703607 Sun, 29 May 2022 23:00:00 -0400 3058 2 20 full false Targeted Communities This interview comes on the heels of shootings in Buffalo New York, and California. Rev. Dawn Lynn Check speaks with Rabbi Sara Perman, a retired Rabbi from the Pittsburgh area and co-chair of the Westmoreland Diversity  Coalition, who gives us a glimpse into what it's like to be a targeted community  based on faith and or ethnicity. 

]]> This interview comes on the heels of shootings in Buffalo New York, and California. Rev. Dawn Lynn Check speaks with Rabbi Sara Perman, a retired Rabbi from the Pittsburgh area and co-chair of the Westmoreland Diversity  Coalition, who gives us a glimpse into what it's like to be a targeted community  based on faith and or ethnicity. 

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10631109 Tue, 17 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400 2265 2 18 full false Chaplain in the Middle Rev. Dawn Lynn Check talks with  Lt. Colonel Rev. Dr. Jonathan Bell who is a chaplain serving in the 171st Air Fueling Wing out of Pittsburgh. Jonathan, who is a United Methodist pastor, is just back from a seven month deployment.  Bell shares his experiences of being a deployed liaison for religious faiths, compassionate care,  and personal freedoms .

]]> Rev. Dawn Lynn Check talks with  Lt. Colonel Rev. Dr. Jonathan Bell who is a chaplain serving in the 171st Air Fueling Wing out of Pittsburgh. Jonathan, who is a United Methodist pastor, is just back from a seven month deployment.  Bell shares his experiences of being a deployed liaison for religious faiths, compassionate care,  and personal freedoms .

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10540363 Mon, 02 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400 1744 2 17 full false Southern African Faith and Family Institute Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh talks with Dr. Elizabeth Hoorn Petersen and Rev. Zukisa Fumba of the South African Faith and Family Institute, talking about struggles in Southern Africa, and how SAFFI works for the betterment of those in need. First of a two part show.

]]> Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh talks with Dr. Elizabeth Hoorn Petersen and Rev. Zukisa Fumba of the South African Faith and Family Institute, talking about struggles in Southern Africa, and how SAFFI works for the betterment of those in need. First of a two part show.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10497220 Mon, 25 Apr 2022 03:00:00 -0400 2558 2 16 full false Supreme Court History in the Making Meet in the Middle co-hosts Rev. Dawn Lynn Check and Rev. Renee Mikell discuss the Senate confirmation hearings of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to replace Justice Steven Breyer on the U.S Supreme Court.

]]> Meet in the Middle co-hosts Rev. Dawn Lynn Check and Rev. Renee Mikell discuss the Senate confirmation hearings of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to replace Justice Steven Breyer on the U.S Supreme Court.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10456010 Sun, 17 Apr 2022 23:00:00 -0400 2247 2 15 full false A Grand Initiative Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton of the New York Conference joins Pastor Zayzay Kpadeh. Bishop Bickerton  helped to launch the Global Health Initiative and currently chairs United  Methodist Church's Global Health Initiative , which works on a variety of issues such as global poverty to the church's fight in eliminating and dismantling killer diseases. 

]]> Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton of the New York Conference joins Pastor Zayzay Kpadeh. Bishop Bickerton  helped to launch the Global Health Initiative and currently chairs United  Methodist Church's Global Health Initiative , which works on a variety of issues such as global poverty to the church's fight in eliminating and dismantling killer diseases. 

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10375756 Mon, 04 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0400 2209 2 14 full false Ecumenism, Alliances, and Social Justice Rev.  Ryan Pusch of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) joins Rev. Renee Mikell this week to discuss the value of  Ecumenism and the benefit of a collaborative approach to social justice issues. 

]]> Rev.  Ryan Pusch of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) joins Rev. Renee Mikell this week to discuss the value of  Ecumenism and the benefit of a collaborative approach to social justice issues. 

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10333075 Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -0400 3259 2 13 full false Enslaved in Plain Sight Pastor Drew Gordon talks with Rev. Jeff Bobin, who brought his presentation on Human Trafficking to the Pastors of the Franklin District.  Jeff shares his insight, as well as helping us to remember that human trafficking can happen even at our back door.

]]> Pastor Drew Gordon talks with Rev. Jeff Bobin, who brought his presentation on Human Trafficking to the Pastors of the Franklin District.  Jeff shares his insight, as well as helping us to remember that human trafficking can happen even at our back door.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10291062 Mon, 21 Mar 2022 15:00:00 -0400 1620 2 12 full false Sent to Camp Rev.  Dawn Lynn Check talks with Steve and Cathy Tanaka. Steve is a first generation Japanese American. His parents and grandparents were in internment camps during WWII. Forty percent of  those in camps died in captivity. 

]]> Rev.  Dawn Lynn Check talks with Steve and Cathy Tanaka. Steve is a first generation Japanese American. His parents and grandparents were in internment camps during WWII. Forty percent of  those in camps died in captivity. 

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10244435 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 01:00:00 -0400 2352 2 11 full false Together We Can Pastor Zayzay Kpadeh talks with Jeffrey Polley, a therapist in Clarion County in Western PA and  Pastor Timothy Harmon, .Senior Pastor of the 2nd Presbyterian Church of Oil City, PA. “Together We Can,” seeks a community approach in fighting for social change and racial justice in Venango County, Western Pennsylvania. 

]]> Pastor Zayzay Kpadeh talks with Jeffrey Polley, a therapist in Clarion County in Western PA and  Pastor Timothy Harmon, .Senior Pastor of the 2nd Presbyterian Church of Oil City, PA. “Together We Can,” seeks a community approach in fighting for social change and racial justice in Venango County, Western Pennsylvania. 

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10201667 Mon, 07 Mar 2022 03:00:00 -0500 2718 2 10 full false The Reporter's Eye Deven Clarke   KPRC-TV Field Reporter describes himself as a southern Yankee, native Brooklynite, turned proud Texan. Pastor Drew Gordon talks with him this week about his start and development in the communication field. From his first time in front of a camera to recently covering the story of a Texas Death Inmate, Deven shares his thoughts on the status of the media today. 

]]> Deven Clarke   KPRC-TV Field Reporter describes himself as a southern Yankee, native Brooklynite, turned proud Texan. Pastor Drew Gordon talks with him this week about his start and development in the communication field. From his first time in front of a camera to recently covering the story of a Texas Death Inmate, Deven shares his thoughts on the status of the media today. 

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10156313 Mon, 28 Feb 2022 03:00:00 -0500 1782 2 9 full false Understanding Ukraine Rev. Dawn Lynn Check talks to Rev.  Michael Airgood, a former United Methodist missionary to Ukraine, and to Nazar Yatsysshyn a working Christian publisher and former United Methodist Church fellow. They discuss their history, and current situations in Ukraine.

]]> Rev. Dawn Lynn Check talks to Rev.  Michael Airgood, a former United Methodist missionary to Ukraine, and to Nazar Yatsysshyn a working Christian publisher and former United Methodist Church fellow. They discuss their history, and current situations in Ukraine.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10112908 Mon, 21 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500 2223 2 8 full false Breaking Barriers - Sharing Stories This week, Meet in the Middle celebrates Black History Month by sharing stories of those who broke barriers in their chosen fields. Rev. Renee Mikell and Rev. Dawn Lynn Check host. 

]]> This week, Meet in the Middle celebrates Black History Month by sharing stories of those who broke barriers in their chosen fields. Rev. Renee Mikell and Rev. Dawn Lynn Check host. 

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10069981 Mon, 14 Feb 2022 02:00:00 -0500 1241 2 7 full false Remember His Name - Part 2 Following the shooting of Marquis Campbell, a differently abled student, Britany Bova, the school based coordinator at Oliver Academy joins Rev. Dawn Lynn Check to share her recollection of the incident.

]]> Following the shooting of Marquis Campbell, a differently abled student, Britany Bova, the school based coordinator at Oliver Academy joins Rev. Dawn Lynn Check to share her recollection of the incident.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-10025854 Mon, 07 Feb 2022 03:00:00 -0500 2063 2 6 full false Remember His Name - Part 1 Following the shooting of Marquis Campbell, a differently abled student, Rev. Kelly Smith joins other clergy to show support for staff and teachers. She joins Rev. Dawn Lynn Check this week.

]]> Following the shooting of Marquis Campbell, a differently abled student, Rev. Kelly Smith joins other clergy to show support for staff and teachers. She joins Rev. Dawn Lynn Check this week.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-9982266 Mon, 31 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500 1656 2 5 full false Maintaining the Nyadire and Zimbabwe Connections Greensburg District Superintendent Rev. Paul Ritchey talks with Western PA Conference Missional Engagement Coordinator Sandra Matoushaya and Connection Leader  Drew Harvey talk about the 15th anniversary of the Nyadire Connection and the 11th anniversary of the Partnership with the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area.

]]> Greensburg District Superintendent Rev. Paul Ritchey talks with Western PA Conference Missional Engagement Coordinator Sandra Matoushaya and Connection Leader  Drew Harvey talk about the 15th anniversary of the Nyadire Connection and the 11th anniversary of the Partnership with the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-9939814 Mon, 24 Jan 2022 01:00:00 -0500 2316 2 4 full false G.O.A.T.S For Common Good Rev. Renee Mikell interviews Rev. Dr. C. Anthony Hunt, an Author, Professor and Pastor serving the Baltimore - Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church.  They discuss the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the common good of all people.

]]> Rev. Renee Mikell interviews Rev. Dr. C. Anthony Hunt, an Author, Professor and Pastor serving the Baltimore - Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church.  They discuss the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the common good of all people.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-9898174 Mon, 17 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500 3500 2 3 full false Deaf Community and the Church Rev. Drew Gordon talks with Rev. Leo Yates, Jr. of the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, who has written several books on Deaf ministry and services. Drew and Leo discuss personal experiences in the Deaf community, and how churches can assist in building ministry for the Deaf, Deaf/blind ministry, and those who are losing their hearing as they mature. 

]]> Rev. Drew Gordon talks with Rev. Leo Yates, Jr. of the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, who has written several books on Deaf ministry and services. Drew and Leo discuss personal experiences in the Deaf community, and how churches can assist in building ministry for the Deaf, Deaf/blind ministry, and those who are losing their hearing as they mature. 

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-9856874 Sun, 09 Jan 2022 20:00:00 -0500 2040 2 2 full false Diversity and Inclusion Rev. Debra Mason, Diversity Development and Inclusion Coordinator of the Western Pennsylvania Conference joins Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh to talk about diversity and inclusion in the conference, and the steps we need to achieve it.

]]> Rev. Debra Mason, Diversity Development and Inclusion Coordinator of the Western Pennsylvania Conference joins Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh to talk about diversity and inclusion in the conference, and the steps we need to achieve it.

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-9821649 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500 2568 2 1 full false Worship, Prayer, Traditions and Seasonal Celebrations Rev. Steve Cordle of the Crossroads United Methodist Church joins District Superintendent  Rev. Paul Ritchey to share about God's vision for his church planting in this area;  annual congregational Spiritual practices, evangelistic opportunities, and the witness of God's movement during Holiday services. 

]]> Rev. Steve Cordle of the Crossroads United Methodist Church joins District Superintendent  Rev. Paul Ritchey to share about God's vision for his church planting in this area;  annual congregational Spiritual practices, evangelistic opportunities, and the witness of God's movement during Holiday services. 

]]> Beloved Community Buzzsprout-9790965 Mon, 27 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 1731 1 17 full false Unwrapping Christmas Stories and Traditions Rev.  Dawn Lynn Check visits some  friends who share the traditions of Ukraine, Zimbabwe, and Columbia.  A  child guest tells what Christmas is about, and Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi  describes her family's Christmas Eve Tradition. 

]]> Rev.  Dawn Lynn Check visits some  friends who share the traditions of Ukraine, Zimbabwe, and Columbia.  A  child guest tells what Christmas is about, and Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi  describes her family's Christmas Eve Tradition. 

]]> WPAUMC ART Buzzsprout-9751439 Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500 2708 1 16 full false Getting Through the Holidays The holiday season can be fun and exciting. But many feel the stress of the season, or sadness at personal loss. Pastor Drew Gordon talks with Pastors Jacob Penvose and Becky Edwards, both trained professional counselors. They'll talk about stress and depression, and what can be done to overcome those obstacles. They discuss Blue Christmas services, and an Advent initiative from the Western Pennsylvania Abundant Health Team for pastors in difficult times. 

]]> The holiday season can be fun and exciting. But many feel the stress of the season, or sadness at personal loss. Pastor Drew Gordon talks with Pastors Jacob Penvose and Becky Edwards, both trained professional counselors. They'll talk about stress and depression, and what can be done to overcome those obstacles. They discuss Blue Christmas services, and an Advent initiative from the Western Pennsylvania Abundant Health Team for pastors in difficult times. 

]]> WPAUMC ART Buzzsprout-9709693 Mon, 13 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0500 1677 1 15 full false Appreciating the Grinch Rev. Renee Mikell talks with Rev. Alyce Weaver Dunn about her favorite Christmas character -- The Grinch. They discuss the differences in the Grinch before and after understanding the meaning of Christmas, and how to apply to our lives.

]]> Rev. Renee Mikell talks with Rev. Alyce Weaver Dunn about her favorite Christmas character -- The Grinch. They discuss the differences in the Grinch before and after understanding the meaning of Christmas, and how to apply to our lives.

]]> WPAUMC ART Buzzsprout-9669871 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 01:00:00 -0500 1770 1 14 full false I'm Asking For A Friend - Part 2 The tables are turned as WPAUMC Communications and Social Media Coordinator Liz Lennox interviews Rev. Renee Mikell in difficult conversations by posing questions on the current state of race and ethnic relations in our society. 

]]> The tables are turned as WPAUMC Communications and Social Media Coordinator Liz Lennox interviews Rev. Renee Mikell in difficult conversations by posing questions on the current state of race and ethnic relations in our society. 

]]> WPAUMC ART Buzzsprout-9627780 Mon, 29 Nov 2021 01:00:00 -0500 1812 1 13 full false I'm Asking for a Friend - Part 1 A two-week series in which Rev. Renee Mikell,  and Liz Lennox, Communications and Social Media Coordinator of the WPAUMC Conference, engage difficult conversations by posing questions about the current state of race and ethnic relations in our society.  

 

]]> A two-week series in which Rev. Renee Mikell,  and Liz Lennox, Communications and Social Media Coordinator of the WPAUMC Conference, engage difficult conversations by posing questions about the current state of race and ethnic relations in our society.  

 

]]> WPAUMC ART Buzzsprout-9590427 Mon, 22 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500 2027 1 12 full false Disability and the Church Part 2 Rev.  Zayzay Kpadeh talks with Rev. Rob Wilson, Director of At the Lake Ministries in Erie, PA and Director of Congregational Development for the Western Pennsylvania Conference. They share experiences at At the Lake Ministries, and talk about ways to open doors to work in ministry with those with special needs.

]]> Rev.  Zayzay Kpadeh talks with Rev. Rob Wilson, Director of At the Lake Ministries in Erie, PA and Director of Congregational Development for the Western Pennsylvania Conference. They share experiences at At the Lake Ministries, and talk about ways to open doors to work in ministry with those with special needs.

]]> WPAUMC ART Buzzsprout-9549025 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500 2041 1 11 full false Disability and the Church Part 1 Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh begins a two part series on Disability and the Church, starting with Rev. Debbie Hills, a retired Deacon who continues to support the Disability Ministries within  the Western PA United Methodist Conference and at the General Church level. Rev. Hills shares her experiences, and provides direction about how to better serve those with special needs.

]]> Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh begins a two part series on Disability and the Church, starting with Rev. Debbie Hills, a retired Deacon who continues to support the Disability Ministries within  the Western PA United Methodist Conference and at the General Church level. Rev. Hills shares her experiences, and provides direction about how to better serve those with special needs.

]]> WPAUMC ART Buzzsprout-9509850 Mon, 08 Nov 2021 02:00:00 -0500 2491 1 10 full false Crying Out For Justice Mr. Tracy Merrick meets with Rev. Renee Mikell to discuss the need for Social Justice related to recent tasering and subsequent arrest that resulted in the death of  Mr. Jim Rogers (54).  Mr. Rogers was best known as a loving uncle, a creative and talented, artist. Pittsburgh First United Methodist Church hosted an Interfaith Candlelight Prayer Vigil on Monday, November 1st at 7pm in his memory.  

]]> Mr. Tracy Merrick meets with Rev. Renee Mikell to discuss the need for Social Justice related to recent tasering and subsequent arrest that resulted in the death of  Mr. Jim Rogers (54).  Mr. Rogers was best known as a loving uncle, a creative and talented, artist. Pittsburgh First United Methodist Church hosted an Interfaith Candlelight Prayer Vigil on Monday, November 1st at 7pm in his memory.  

]]> WPAUMC ART Buzzsprout-9467487 Mon, 01 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400 1718 1 9 full false Valuing Laity and Others Pastor Drew Gordon sits down with Jenny Gordon, Indiana District Lay Leader, and Former Director of the Indiana District Lay Servant Ministry School, together they share the importance of valuing Laity and other people groups in the United Methodist Church.

]]> Pastor Drew Gordon sits down with Jenny Gordon, Indiana District Lay Leader, and Former Director of the Indiana District Lay Servant Ministry School, together they share the importance of valuing Laity and other people groups in the United Methodist Church.

]]> WPAUMC ART Buzzsprout-9423715 Mon, 25 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400 1471 1 8 full false Diversity and the Theology of Inclusion Rev.  Zayzay Kpadeh speaks with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi,  of the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church  on the topics of diversity and inclusion  locally,  regionally,  and across the world.

]]> Rev.  Zayzay Kpadeh speaks with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi,  of the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church  on the topics of diversity and inclusion  locally,  regionally,  and across the world.

]]> Communications Coordinator Buzzsprout-9385269 Mon, 18 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2726 1 7 full false The Faith and Blue Alternative Rev.  Renee Mikell is joined by co-host Pastor William "BT" Gilligan as they welcome  Dr. Jonathan Lotson and Julie Yocca of Movement Forward in Atlanta, Georgia, leaders of a nationwide effort to build bridges between police, places of worship, and people in surrounding communities. 
For more information  https://faithandblue.org/ and https://movementforward.org/

]]> Rev.  Renee Mikell is joined by co-host Pastor William "BT" Gilligan as they welcome  Dr. Jonathan Lotson and Julie Yocca of Movement Forward in Atlanta, Georgia, leaders of a nationwide effort to build bridges between police, places of worship, and people in surrounding communities. 
For more information  https://faithandblue.org/ and https://movementforward.org/

]]> Communications Coordinator Buzzsprout-9346202 Mon, 11 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2725 1 6 full false What's a Welcoming Church? Washington District Superintendent Rev. Paul Ritchie talks with retired Elder, Rev.  Dr. Jeff Sterling about what makes a welcoming church. Both pastors share tips and ideas to help strengthen your church.

]]> Washington District Superintendent Rev. Paul Ritchie talks with retired Elder, Rev.  Dr. Jeff Sterling about what makes a welcoming church. Both pastors share tips and ideas to help strengthen your church.

]]> Buzzsprout-9304814 Sun, 03 Oct 2021 23:00:00 -0400 2018 1 5 full false Advocacy in Action Rev. Renee Mikell talks with Western Pennsylvania Conference Lay Leader Sharon Gregory, and Susquehanna Conference Lay Leader/Pennsylvania Advocacy Coordinator  Dr. Joyce Davis about her work in advocacy nationally and internationally, and how she continues to apply her knowledge and experience in the Harrisburg area, and within the Susquehanna Conference.

]]> Rev. Renee Mikell talks with Western Pennsylvania Conference Lay Leader Sharon Gregory, and Susquehanna Conference Lay Leader/Pennsylvania Advocacy Coordinator  Dr. Joyce Davis about her work in advocacy nationally and internationally, and how she continues to apply her knowledge and experience in the Harrisburg area, and within the Susquehanna Conference.

]]> Buzzsprout-9264808 Mon, 27 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2370 1 4 full false It Takes a Healthy Village... Pastor Drew Gordon talks with Keith Murphy of the Healthy Village Learning Institute of McKeesport. Keith shares the community and cultural connection that the institute has with residents and community leaders. 

]]> Pastor Drew Gordon talks with Keith Murphy of the Healthy Village Learning Institute of McKeesport. Keith shares the community and cultural connection that the institute has with residents and community leaders. 

]]> Communications and Social Media Coordinator Buzzsprout-9225071 Mon, 20 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2260 1 3 full false Thoughts From Bishop Moore-Koikoi Pastor Zayzay Kpadeh talks with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi of the Western Pennsylvania Conference about the 2022 UMC General Conference and her thoughts moving forward.

]]> Pastor Zayzay Kpadeh talks with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi of the Western Pennsylvania Conference about the 2022 UMC General Conference and her thoughts moving forward.

]]> ART Buzzsprout-9187053 Mon, 13 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0400 3237 1 2 full false Helping All God's Children Rev.  Zayzay Kpadeh talks with Charlie Stehlik, Executive Director of All God's Children Ministry of Erie, Pennsylvania. They discuss the ministry, how it helps serve families and those affected by  disability locally and internationally, and how we can become involved to support them.  

]]> Rev.  Zayzay Kpadeh talks with Charlie Stehlik, Executive Director of All God's Children Ministry of Erie, Pennsylvania. They discuss the ministry, how it helps serve families and those affected by  disability locally and internationally, and how we can become involved to support them.  

]]> ART Buzzsprout-9144975 Sun, 05 Sep 2021 21:00:00 -0400 2300 1 1 full false