Between Sundays

Episode 165

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Between Sundays... In this final episode in the series, Jesus: A Way in the Wilderness, Abby and Amy look at Jesus' own wilderness journey that is marked by the church each Holy Week as we follow Jesus to the cross. In this story our true hope is revealed. Find this episode on the BLC website or wherever you like to listen to podcasts. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to "Between Sundays" on your favorite podcast app and help us spread the word through sharing!

Episode 164

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Between Sundays . . . As Abby and Amy continue exploring the theme Jesus: A Way in the Wilderness, they take on a familiar adage and offer a different way to think about wilderness experiences. Learn more about Bethlehem's Lenten theme Jesus: A Way in the Wilderness. Find this episode on the BLC website or wherever you like to listen to podcasts!

Episode 163

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Abby and Amy talk about the rich tradition of lament in scripture which offers a faithful way to name and give voice to our wilderness experiences. You can listen to a variety of music provided in the playlist that accompanies our Lenten theme Jesus: A Way in the Wilderness. Find this episode on the BLC website or wherever you like to listen to podcast.

Episode 162 -

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Between Sundays...Abby and Amy talk about our Lenten theme Jesus: A Way in the Wilderness and what these words mean to us as we head into the 40 days of Lent which begins with Ash Wednesday on March 5.

Episode 161

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 01:00:00 -0500

Between Sundays . . . Abby and Amy interview Chrisanne Gates who now serves as Bethlehem's Chancel Choir Director. Listen as Chris talks about the deep connection between music and faith in her life.

Episode 160

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 01:00:00 -0500

Between Sundays . . . Abby and Amy interview Alli O'Malley who now serves as Bethlehem's Volunteer and Ministry Support Coordinator. Listen in on a wide-ranging conversation about building connections, faith and ice cream!

Episode 147 - Encore

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 01:00:00 -0500

Between Sundays . . . In this encore episode Abby and Amy get curious with Patty Chaffee, Bethlehem's Family Faith Formation Coordinator! Listen to their discussion to learn more about Patty, her faith and her work.

Episode 159

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Between Sundays... Words for the Beginning. There's nothing like children and youth leading worship to add hope to our lives. Although doing it with a single rehearsal can feel risky! This week, Abby and Amy explore the theme that shapes the final Sunday in Advent - Hope Is Worth the Risk! Connect with us through Bethlehem Lutheran Church's website.

Episode 158 - Words for the Beginning

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Between Sundays... Words for the Beginning - We can't go alone but so often we try. Abby and Amy share thoughts on the personal and wider cultural influences that keep us from seeking what we need from each other and what is lost when we try to go it alone. You can read the interview with Robert Putnam that Abby mentions in today's episode. Abby's sermon is available to view (beginning at 27:40). Connect with us through Bethlehem Lutheran Church's website.

Episode 157 - Word for the Beginning

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Between Sundays . . . Words for the Beginning. What is it that we hope and long for in this season of Advent? Abby and Amy share thoughts about human connections and point to the birth of Jesus, celebrated at Christmas, as God's effort to connect ever more fully with humanity and stitch us together. Read the article referenced in their conversation. Connect with us through Bethlehem Lutheran Church's website.

Episode 156 -Words for the Beginning

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Between Sundays . . . Words for the Beginning - Abby and Amy mark the start of a new liturgical year and talk about how the church calendar and the start of Advent invite us to reflect on the ways we are changing even as God's love made known in Jesus remains steadfast. Connect with us through Bethlehem Lutheran Church's website.

Encore Episode 157

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Between Sundays . . . In this encore episode, Abby and Amy talk about memories and traditions and the ways they mark the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Episode 155 - Quilts

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Between Sundays . . . Amy shares a poem and a story this week. In times when we feel torn apart, the image of quilts offers us a way to think about the ways our Creator is stitching us and all our stories together into something both beautiful and useful. Listen and reflect this week on Crazy Quilt by Jane Wilson Joyce. Connect with us through Bethlehem Lutheran Church's website.

Episode 154 - Marriage

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0500

Between Sundays... Christian Faith Life Transitions In the 4th episode of this series, Abby and Amy talk about marriage in the Lutheran tradition. Listen and connect with us through Bethlehem Lutheran Church's website to share your questions and comments.

Episode 153 - Communion

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Between Sundays... Christian Faith Life Transitions In the 3rd episode of this series, Abby and Amy talk about communion in the Lutheran tradition. Listen and connect with us through Bethlehem Lutheran Church's website to share your questions and comments.

Episode 152 - Between Sundays... Christian Faith Life Transitions

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Between Sundays... Christian Faith Life Transitions In the 2nd episode of this series, Abby and Amy talk about funerals in the Lutheran Tradition. Listen and connect with us through Bethlehem Lutheran Church's website to share your questions and comments.

Episode 151 - Between Sundays... Christian Faith Life Transitions

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Between Sundays... Christian Faith Life Transitions In the 1st episode of this series, Abby and Amy talk about Baptism and Confirmation in the Lutheran Tradition. Listen and connect with us through Bethlehem Lutheran Church's website to share your questions and comments.

Episode 150 - Our Heightened Political Climate

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Between Sundays... Be Curious. Ask Questions. In our heightened political climate, Abby and Amy wonder how to remain curious when confronted with viewpoints and positions different from our own. Listen in and let us know if there's a topic or question you'd like to hear us wrestle with on a future episode. Connect with us through Bethlehem Lutheran Church's website.

Episode 149

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Between Sundays... Be Curious. Ask Questions. Abby and Amy get curious about curiosity and questions! In our conversations, how do we embrace curiosity? What questions do we pose that deepen connections? Are we prepared to dive in when the questions of others prompt real thought and vulnerability? Follow the link to view questions that go beyond how was your day? Listen in and let us know if there's a topic or question you'd like to hear us wrestle with on a future episode. Connect with us through Bethlehem Lutheran Church's website.

Episode 148 - Grief

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Between Sundays... Be Curious. Ask Questions. Abby and Amy get curious about grief. How do we pay attention to it? How do we live with it? What does our faith say about grief? Listen in and let us know if there's a topic or question you'd like to hear us wrestle with on a future episode. Connect with us through Bethlehem Lutheran Church's website.

Episode 147 - Patty Chaffee

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Between Sundays . . . Be Curious. Ask Questions. Abby and Amy get curious with Patty Chaffee, Bethlehem's Family Faith Formation Coordinator! Listen in to their discussion. Let us know if there's a topic or question you'd like to hear us wrestle with on a future episode. Connect with us through Bethlehem Lutheran Church's website.

Episode 146 - Between Sundays . . . Be Curious. Ask Questions

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Between Sundays . . . Be Curious. Ask Questions. Abby and Amy unpack the theme that is shaping their Bethlehem community as we begin the program year. You can read the story of Jesus and a Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7:24-37. Let us know if there's a topic or question you'd like to hear us wrestle with on a future episode. Connect with us through Bethlehem Lutheran Church's website.

Episode 145 - Between Sundays

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0400

. . . is taking a summer break! Amy shares an update and invites your input as we plan for upcoming episodes. Listen to past episodes and let us know if there's a topic or question you'd like to hear us wrestle with on a future episode. Connect with us through Bethlehem Lutheran Church's website.

We will not share a new episode for several weeks.

Episode 144 - Created To Be Disciples.

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0400

As our Created to Be sermon series comes to an end, Abby and Amy talk about embodying a life of discipleship through the love we share with our neighbors. Our discipleship is grounded in God's love for us made known through Jesus. We love because God first loves us!

Episode 143 - Created To Be Disruptive

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Abby and Amy share reflections on living disruptive lives, even when that doesn't come naturally! In part four of this Created to Be series, we examine how our baptism into Christ calls us to be disruptive of the status quo in service of greater justice on behalf of our siblings and neighbors everywhere.

Episode 142 - Created To Be Free

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Leading into Independence Day, Abby and Amy talk about what it means to be free. In part three of this Created to Be series we explore the ways that our freedom is always tied to our neighbor. Read the words from Galatians referenced in today's episode or learn more Martin Luther's explanations of The Ten Commandments in the Small Catechism.

Episode 141 - Created To Be Authentic

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Abby and Amy talk about "norming" and how that impacts people across all ages and stages of life. In part two of this Created to Be series we explore the ways that we are created as authentic beings and how Jesus calls us (and the world needs us) to let our light shine! Read Paul's words referenced in today's episode.

Episode 140 - Created To Be Brave

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Abby and Amy talk about what it means to be brave as part of a sermon series preparing youth and adults to attend a National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Each of the next five weeks will include a conversation on the theme for the week. Read the Bible story referenced in today's episode. View the TedTalk: The Danger of a Single Story.

Episode 139 - It's time for a Preaching Party!

Thu, 09 May 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Amy talks about her upcoming preaching conference and looks ahead with Abby as we transition into the summer months! Watch your podcast feed on June 13 for Episode 140!

Episode 138 - Music Creates Community in Jesus . . . An Interview with Dr. Jim Jefferis.

Thu, 02 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Abby and Amy reflect with Jim on his lifetime of serving as a church musician and especially his time as Chancel Choir Director at Bethlehem Lutheran, Fairport, NY. Watch one of the Chancel Choir's pandemic music videos on Bethlehem's YouTube Channel.

Episode 137 - Branches, Vine, Fruit, Jesus, the Village, and Me

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Abby and Amy wonder together about Jesus words, "I am the vine and you are the branches" and consider what fruit we bear in the world around us. Learn more about Meta Herrick Carlson's Ordinary Blessings for Parents.

Episode 135 - Making Jesus known through friendship.

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode Abby and Amy talk about friendships, specifically reflecting on The Friendship of Women: The Hidden Tradition of the Bible by Joan Chittister, which Amy has been reading with a book study group. Friendship is essential to our humanity and has the power to make Jesus real to the people around us.

Episode 134 - Eclipsed by Love . . . Pondering Jesus in the Totality of Life

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Abby and Amy reflect on their experiences of the recent solar eclipse, the immensity of God's creation, and the promise of God's mindfulness which has captured human imagination for millennia. Read Psalm 8 in its entirety.

Episode 133 - Struggling with Easter, Holy Week and The Place for You and Jesus in Christianity Today

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Abby and Amy reflect on what it's like to be a pastor during Holy Week and Easter and how community is essential to remembering the story of Jesus.

Episode 132 - Embodying our Faith thru Holy Week

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Abby and Amy talk about the movement of worship that unfolds beginning with Palm Sunday and continues throughout the week to Easter Sunday, including Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. You can learn more about the worship schedule of the community they serve at https://blcfairport.org/lent-2024/

Episode 131 - Leading with GRACE, with Lee Miller

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Abby and Amy share conversation with Lee Miller, Bishop of the Upstate New York Synod of the ELCA. Lee has been a previous guest on the podcast and is back to talk about the ways that the church is called to follow Jesus at this time. Listen back to Episode 126 if you want to learn more about Lee or visit the synod's website to read more about the GRACE mindset Lee talks about in this episode.

Episode 130 - Rescue Me

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Amy shares a poem, Rescue Me, from the Rev. Sarah Speed and talks with Abby about the prayers for help that we offer to God. Today's podcast refers to the story of the disciple Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:22-33 and references a sermon by the Rev. Nadia Bolz Weber.

Episode 129 - Tune my heart, Lord

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Abby and Amy share their thoughts about embracing the practices of Lent -- prayer, fasting, and giving -- that have shaped followers of Jesus for centuries. You can listen to Abby's Ash Wednesday Message online (beginning at 16:22) or sign-up to receive our daily devotions through email.

Episode 128 - Belonging, Curiosity and Hard Conversations with Pastor Abby Hoffman

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Abby and Amy share their podcast feed with Cass McCrory, host of Best Next Step. In this week's episode, Cass interviews Abby.

Episode 127 - Nurturing Spirituality

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Abby and Amy share conversation about the spiritual seeking that has been revealed to be part of our biology and the ways that the season of Lent, which begins on February 14, provides an opportunity to nurture our spiritual selves. You can listen to the House Calls podcast that Abby talks about and also learn more about how the community we serve will mark the Lenten season this year.

Episode 126 - From the Archives - Bishop Lee Miller

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0500

Our podcast features an interview that Abby and Amy conducted with Bishop Lee Miller in May 2022 early in our podcast journey and shortly after the mass shooting at the Tops Market in Buffalo, NY. We're revisiting this conversation to give us a chance to hear from Bishop Miller again and to hear his thoughts about about leading in the midst of community tragedy.

Episode 125 - After the Bustle

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 15:00:00 -0500

Abby and Amy talk about the longing for light that goes hand-in-hand with living through winter in Upstate NY and the ways that they have been experiencing and seeking light in their own lives. Read the poem Found by Frederick Buechner.

Episode 124 - Trying a New Lens

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Abby and Amy talk about "entanglement" and how it helps us understand our walk with Jesus, and one another. You can listen to the podcast that Amy references or learn more about The Book of Delights by Ross Gay.

Episode 123 - The Twelfth Day of Christmas

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In preparing for the arrival of the Wiseman, Abby and Amy ask you to consider the gifts you have been given to extend Christ's peace into the world.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app to receive each new reflection throughout the 12 Days of Christmas and to receive our weekly Between Sundays in the new year! Listen on the BLC website at blcfairport.org/between-sundays. Help us spread the word by liking, commenting and sharing!

Episode 122 - The Eleventh Day of Christmas

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Abby considers how Christ's presence is a gift that we can bring into every encounter beyond the Christmas season.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app to receive each new reflection throughout the 12 Days of Christmas and to receive our weekly Between Sundays in the new year! Listen on the BLC website at blcfairport.org/between-sundays. Help us spread the word by liking, commenting and sharing!

Episode 121 - The Tenth Day of Christmas

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Amy talks about her first love, music, and how a lifetime of sharing that gift has taught her about sharing love.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app to receive each new reflection throughout the 12 Days of Christmas and to receive our weekly Between Sundays in the new year! Listen on the BLC website at blcfairport.org/between-sundays. Help us spread the word by liking, commenting and sharing!

Episode 120 - The Ninth Day of Christmas

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

As we move further away from Christmas and return to our routines, Abby and Amy wonder how to bring God's love with us.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app to receive each new reflection throughout the 12 Days of Christmas and to receive our weekly Between Sundays in the new year! Listen on the BLC website at blcfairport.org/between-sundays. Help us spread the word by liking, commenting and sharing!

Episode 119 - The Eight Day of Christmas

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

At the start of a new year, Abby and Amy reflect on God's love which doesn't wait for us to get our lives in order.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app to receive each new reflection throughout the 12 Days of Christmas and to receive our weekly Between Sundays in the new year! Listen on the BLC website at blcfairport.org/between-sundays. Help us spread the word by liking, commenting and sharing!

Episode 118 - The Seventh Day of Christmas

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Simeon's song from Luke 2:25-33 offers a portrait of the long wait for God's elusive peace.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app to receive each new reflection throughout the 12 Days of Christmas and to receive our weekly Between Sundays in the new year! Listen on the BLC website at blcfairport.org/between-sundays. Help us spread the word by liking, commenting and sharing!

Episode 117 - The Sixth Day of Christmas

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

By this point in the Christmas season, perhaps you have already begun to restore order to your surroundings, or are ready to! Abby and Amy wonder if that is what God longs to do at times with this world as well.

Episode 116 - The Fifth Day of Christmas

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

As we move further from Christmas, how do we hold onto peace? Abby shares a helpful illustration!

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app to receive each new reflection throughout the 12 Days of Christmas and to receive our weekly Between Sundays in the new year! Listen on the BLC website at blcfairport.org/between-sundays. Help us spread the word by liking, commenting and sharing!

Episode 115 - The Fourth Day of Christmas

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

With hundreds of scripture passages referring to "peace," Abby and Amy reflect on a few of their favorites.

Episode 114 - The Third Day of Christmas

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Seeking peace looks different for everyone. Pastor Amy shares a favorite poem for this time of year - Christmas Light by May Sarton.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app to receive each new reflection throughout the 12 Days of Christmas and to receive our weekly Between Sundays in the new year! Listen on the BLC website at blcfairport.org/between-sundays. Help us spread the word by liking, commenting and sharing!

Episode 113 - The Second Day of Christmas

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Christmas can bring a change in routine which invites into the holy work of noticing.

Episode 112 - The First Day of Christmas

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

As we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, Abby and Amy reflect on where peace is being born today.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app to receive each new reflection throughout the 12 Days of Christmas and to receive our weekly Between Sundays in the new year! Listen on the BLC website at blcfairport.org/between-sundays. Help us spread the word by liking, commenting and sharing!

Episode 111.5 December 21 Between Sundays

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0500

Episode 111 - Leading up to Christmas

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Abby and Amy talk about what they have been doing and reading in these days leading up to Christmas and the ways that we're connected, or not, to the world around us. All Creation Waits by Gayle Boss can be obtained through your favorite bookseller and is also available in a Children's Edition.

Episode 110 - Focused on Jesus.

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Abby and Amy talk about the expectations that surround this time of year and the faithful ways we can extend hospitality and welcome to others while still being focused on Jesus.

Episode 109 - Living Out Our Values

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Abby and Amy reflect on the ways that the faith they share welcomes questions more than answers and how conversation with others is one way we can wrestle with living out our values.

Episode 108 - Thanksgiving!

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Abby and Amy talk gratitude and grace on this special Thanksgiving episode!

Episode 107 - Thanksgiving Memories and Traditions

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Abby and Amy talk about Thanksgiving memories and traditions and the ways we mark these days.

Episode 106 - Behold!

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Making connections with people is not something that comes naturally to most of us. Abby and Amy talk about seeing and responding to the humanity of the people around us and the act of beholding others. Here's the link to the Kate Bowsler podcast Abby mentions.

Episode 105 - Routines, Rituals and Traditions

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:00:00 -0400

Abby and Amy talk about routines and rituals and traditions - and what happens when those are interrupted! We return to our grounding and try to cultivate a life that helps those we encounter know they matter - to us and to God

Podcast 104 - Drawn In

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

What communities draw you in? Abby and Amy share why church is a community that draws them both in for different reasons.

Episode 103 - Putting on Love . . .

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Abby and Amy wrestle with how to respond to the atrocities of war. What does it look like to put on love when the world is torn apart?

Episode 102 - Community and Our Shared Humanity

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

More and more our communities look like enclaves of people who think exactly the way we do. Our world continues to reveal the danger of this practice, because when our communities mirror us, it's easy to lose sight of our shared humanity. If you're interested in going deeper into the writings referenced by Abby and Amy, view Monica Guzman's book or Kristin Johnson Largen's blog.

Episode 101 - Birthday Cakes, Community and the Nitty Gritty.

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Scripture gives us beautiful words to describe community and encourages us to embrace love and forgiveness as we practice being in relationship with one another, but what does that look like in the nitty gritty of everyday life? Abby and Amy talk about what having the "mind of Christ" means when it comes to birthday cakes! How do the actions and attitudes of Jesus shape your life between Sundays?

Episode 100 - The importance of writing and receiving.

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Abby and Amy talk about writing and receiving the words as others as a way of being sustained in and sharing faith.

Episode 99 - Trying Something New

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0400

For our 99th(!) episode we're introducing something new. Listen to the plans we have in place for connecting with you!

Episode 98 - The Foundations

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In our previous episode, we heard how love is the foundation of our life together and in this episode, Amy reminds us that the practice of forgiveness keeps our foundation solid and in good repair so that our lives remain grounded in Christ.

Matthew 18:21-35

Episode 97 - TOGETHER in Christ

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 13:00:00 -0400

Building Lasting Community that follows Jesus (which is what BLC is all about!) means being together in Christ. We are bound together in love - God's love for us and love shared with each other - so that wherever we are and whatever we do, we are together in Christ.

Receive this blessing for your week: Beloved child of God, you bring beauty to the world by being you. When you join together with others, God creates a masterpiece of love.

Romans 13:8-14 & Matthew 18:15-20

Episode 96 - Do you know who Jesus is?

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0400

"Who do you say that I am?" Jesus asks his disciples. Simon Peter boldly responds, "You are the Messiah, Son of the living God." This is not merely a comment about Jesus but a confession rooted in his own experience of Jesus. Peter's confession serves as the foundation for the whole church. Together, by the grace of God and through the witness of one another, we come to know Jesus as our Messiah.

Romans 12:1-8

Matthew 16:13-20

Episode 95 - Holding Out Hope

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Amy shares the words of a song by Kenyatta Emmanuel. You can view a performance of Emmanuel performing Holding Out Hope at Carnegie Hall. Today's reading tells the story of a woman holding out hope for her daughter. Her story is the story of all who at some point in life are "othered" by those in positions of authority. The good news of Jesus reminds us that God's capacity for mercy and grace is bigger than even our biggest vision of God's openness!

Matthew 15:10-28

Episode 94 - The God Who Saves is With Us

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode we encounter a familiar story, though one that is strange to our modern minds -- the story of Jesus walking on water. Amy reminds us today that a story that seems straightforward on the surface is filled with poetic nuance that is not always evident upon first hearing. In this story we are reminded that Jesus never stops moving towards the ones he loves, including you.

Matthew 14:22-33

Episode 93 - The Word

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Jesus is still teaching in parables. In today's episode Amy reflects on some of her experiences of teaching in Egypt over many years and focuses on the parable that describes the kingdom of heaven like a treasure hidden in a field. Asking what we'd sacrifice for such a treasure misses Jesus' point. Realizing that we are the treasure for which Jesus' sacrifices himself has the power to change our lives!

Episode 92 - Wheat or Weeds

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0400

As Jesus continues to teach in parables, wheat and weeds get all mixed up together. What happens when the good seed and bad seed grow side by side? The landowner in Jesus' parable counsels patience and forbearance . . . and maybe that's the just grace we need for the weeds in us to bear fruit. In today's message, Amy shares a reflection by Steve Garnaas-Holmes. Visit his website - unfoldinglight.net - to read Wheat among the weeds and other reflections on Biblical texts.

Matthew 13:24-30

Episode 91- The Sower

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Jesus begins to teach great crowds who have followed him through the use of parables. And the first one he names himself - The Parable of the Sower. Amy reminds us that that name Jesus gives says something about the parable's meaning. This is a parable about God, the sower of seed who sows extravagantly, and prolifically and hopefully, daring to believe that our imperfect lives are just the place where the good news could be sown, and even thrive! Let anyone with ears listen!

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Episode 90 - Rest for the world-weary

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0400

For a people who "do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do" (Romans 7:19), Jesus offers rest. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29). The rest Jesus offers is the assurance that we don’t have to hustle for our worth before God. Our salvation does not rest on a final tally of choosing “good” more often than “evil." We only ever do the good God calls us to do because we are yoked to Jesus, who we see in the face of our neighbors, friends, and family.

Scripture: Romans 7:15-25a and Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Episode 89 - Valued

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Following Jesus is hard. It was hard for the first disciples, hard for the early church, and it's hard for us too. While Jesus' admonition to "take up the cross and follow me," may be a literal reality for some in our world today; it is also a metaphorical reality for all of us who follow Jesus. As we travel this hard journey, we follow Jesus who leads the way, who never wants us to forget that we are eternally valued.

Matthew 10:24-39

Episode 88 - Who Jesus Calls

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:00:00 -0400

Notes: Jesus calls all kinds of people to step into his shepherding shoes and become full participants with him in God’s work of loving and restoring ALL of God’s good creation back to the abundance that God intends for it. In this week's episode, Amy wonders where God's harvest might be ripe in our world.

Matthew 9:35-10:8

Episode 87 - Following

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Following Jesus is a recurring theme in the gospels. Jesus calls and people follow. Sometimes people follow without even being called. In this passage from Matthew's gospel, we glimpse the variety of people who follow Jesus and are reminded that the following doesn't end when the call comes!

Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Episode 86 - Replanting the Church

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 14:00:00 -0400

The final verses of the gospel of Matthew provide a blueprint for the church's mission. The church is not a building but a people, gathered by God's grace and rooted in God's love, following Jesus, and sustained by the Spirit. What does the church need to grow and thrive, to learn and live all that Jesus commanded? Where does the world need the gifts of the church - love and forgiveness and healing and peace? Where might we as the church be replanted this summer?

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Episode 85 - Confirmed by God

Mon, 29 May 2023 08:00:00 -0400

The book of Acts shares the dramatic story of the first Pentecost in Jerusalem, 50 days following the resurrection of Jesus! The story is filled with so much spectacle that it's easy to think that is the point. Amy reminds us that the point is ALWAYS Jesus and his saving love made know in us and through us.

Acts 2:1-13

Episode 84 - The Word

Mon, 22 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Something different this episode as Amy reads a hymn text and reflects on its meaning. Listen to a hymn setting of Fred Pratt Green's text.

Episode 83 - House and Home

Mon, 15 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Jesus anticipates the loneliness his disciples would face upon his death, resurrection and ascension. In his final words to his disciples before his death, he promises them, "I will not leave you orphaned" and to send another - an Advocate - who like Jesus himself, will be a helper and friend to accompany them through all that is to come.

John 14:15-21

Episode 82 - Preparing a Place

Mon, 08 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

When Jesus promises to prepare a place for us, He's not just talking about our heavenly home. We are God's people, who prepare a place of love and care and mercy with and for one another. A mysterious doll family and a mailbox-house provided by the Powells (found in this Washington Post article:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2023/05/02/mailbox-doll-mystery-michigan/) serve as a whimsical example of the ways that we are called to love and receive each other.

John 14:1-14 & 1 Peter 2:2-10

Episode 81 - Jesus, the Door

Mon, 01 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400

We often think of Jesus as a Good Shepherd, but Jesus also teaches his followers to think of him as a gate or a door. A door that opens to abundant life. Amy invites us to wonder: what abundance does Jesus want to open for you?

John 10:1-10

Episode 80 - Kindled

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400

The story of Easter begins in the shadows of the early morning with women headed to the tomb in Matthew's gospel and it continues today in Luke's gospel in the shadows of the evening. In a remarkable and mysterious story, we hear of the first appearance of the risen Christ, and wonder where we might expect to find him in our world today?

Luke 24:13-35

Episode 79 - Locked Up by Fear

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Fear is powerful. Fear kept the disciples locked in a room instead of sharing the good news that Jesus is risen. How often do we let fear keep us in our place instead of stepping out in faith? The good news is that Jesus shows up and meets us behind closed doors to give us the courage and faith to venture out.

Scripture: Acts 2:14a, 22-32 and John 20:19-31

Episode 78 - Seeing

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0400

On the first Easter, two women went to Jesus' tomb to see. What were they looking for? What brought them there? What are you seeking at the empty tomb this year? No matter what it is, Jesus meets us with new life.

Matthew 28:1-10

Episode 77 - A Week to Remember

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Sunday marks the start of Holy Week, the most sacred time in the life of Christ's church. Amy shares why this is a week to remember. You can read the story of Jesus' final days as recorded in Matthew's gospel.

Matthew 26:14-27:66

Episode 76 - Living in the Promise

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Jesus brings life from death. In John 11, Jesus not only offers this promise to his friends, but displays his power over death for his friend, Lazarus. This promise of new life that is the source of hope at the end of our lives can be harder to trust at other times and in other situations. What could it look like to entrust our whole lives to Jesus' promise?

John 11:1-44

Episode 75 - Seeing with the eyes of faith

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0400

Have you ever read the story of the man born with blindness who was healed by Jesus on the sabbath…from the perspective of the man born blind? Jesus heals him not only by giving him physical sight, but also the eyes of faith. The waters of baptism do the same for us.
John 9:1-41

Episode 74 - No Other

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0400

From our world full of divisions, we hear the story of Jesus' encounter with an unnamed Samaritan women in today's gospel. In their lengthy conversation, we realize exactly who is part of the world that God so loves. Thanks to Roger Kolker and Koosje Jeanotte for assisting in bringing today's gospel reading to life.

John 4:1-42

Episode 73 - Relationship is the answer

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0500

The world may expect us to have all the answers, and we may prefer the certainty of having all the answers, but Jesus invites our questions. How can these things be? Pastor Hoffman suggests that we only find our answer in relationship with God and the world (and people!) God so loves. Jesus shows us the way through his life, death and resurrection.

John 3:1-17

Episode 72 - Dividing Questions; Binding Questions

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0500

What is the point of the questions we ask? Are we interested in the answer? Or do we ask because we already know the answers? Are we trying to divide and sabotage relationships? Or are we seeking ways to build connections? In exploring the very first questions asked in scripture, Amy invites us to reflect on the purpose of God's questions of us.

Genesis 3:1-13a

Episode 71- Weird

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0500

This weird narrative of Jesus' transfigured on a mountain raises all sorts of questions. And Amy voices many of them today. (Maybe even a few that you find yourself asking!) In her reflection on this text, Amy wonders if our questions might not be a deeply faithful response to the world we live in today . . . a sign that God is up to something new and inviting us to be a part of it.

Matthew 17:1-9

Episode 70 - Building Lasting and Flourishing Community

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0500

The focus of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount shifts direction from who we are to what means to live together in community. It's clear that Jesus wants us to know the life-giving nature of flourishing in human community, and to understand that building us into a community that reflects Christ's love is the work that God is doing in us and through us.

Matthew 5.17-26

Episode 69 - Salt and Light

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Our guest, the Rev. Eric Shafer, Pastor-in-Residence for Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services reminds us that by God's grace, we are salt and light. There's nothing conditional about this good news! What will we flavor? How will we shine?

Matthew 5:13-20

Episode 68 - Blessing for All!

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with words of blessing, that we know collectively as the Beatitudes. They are not an exhaustive list, but a reminder to each and every one of us: no matter your circumstances, no matter what you have done or left undone, you are blessed. You have a place in God's coming kingdom.

This was good news for the crowd of people that clamored to see and hear and be touched by Jesus early in his ministry. People who didn't feel particularly blessed, who were dismissed and disregarded by the worldly powers. And it's good news for us. God's blessing is upon us. How will you share this good news?

Matthew 5:1-12 & Micah 6:1-8

Episode 67 - Not Like Us

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Jesus begins his public ministry in today's gospel by proclaiming the good news and calling disciples. It might seem like business-as-usual for what we've come to expect of Jesus, until we dig in and realize that Jesus' ministry takes place among the Gentiles -- known by the Greek word ethnos.

In today's message, Amy explores the meaning of ethnos and suggests that one way to understand this word is "those who are not us." Jesus' call to follow him is an invitation to bring good news to those who are not like us, to those who make us uncomfortable and to those who we'd rather turn away from than engage. Business as usual is over. Jesus is calling us into a new way.

Matthew 4:12-23

Episode 66 - Named

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Of all the reasons that scholars give to explain Jesus' baptism, Amy wonders if maybe the reason Matthew includes this story in his gospel isn't very simple. In Jesus' baptism, God gives Jesus yet another name - My Son - an affirmation that this Jesus has a God-given purpose and is worthy of listening to, worthy of our worship and praise. And, she reminds us, God does this for us as well!

Matthew 3:13-17

Episode 65 - Led by a star

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0500

At Bethlehem, we extended the Christmas season a couple of days and observed the feast of the Epiphany, when the wise men finally reach the manger. (Epiphany is normally celebrated as the conclusion to the 12 days of Christmas on January 6.) Recounting the journey and antics of the Wandering Wisemen (FB link here: https://www.facebook.com/thewanderingwisemen), Abby invites us to consider that our life of faith takes us on a journey to notice the signs God uses to share the good news of great joy for all people - that God's love has taken on human form in Jesus.

Matthew 2:1-12

Episode 64 - The Year Begins!

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Happy New Year! Christmas continues and we are excited to share this gift with our listeners. This week we welcome friend of The Word, Cass McCrory, to share some of her wisdom on setting intentions as a new year begins. You can view her full TedTalk here! https://youtu.be/T4f0jOn8B58

Episode 63 - Love Comes!

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Merry Christmas! In the midst of the 12 days of Christmas, Amy welcomes you into a moment of quiet and stillness as she shares the poem "Christmas Light" by May Sarton and reflects on its meaning. (If you were a fan of Amy's pandemic poem reflections, you'll appreciate this episode!)

Show Notes: Christmas Light by May Sarton

Episode 62 - Jesus Emmanuel

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0500

Of all the names that could have been given to the Son of God, Matthew's gospel tells us his name will be Jesus Emmanuel, which means the God who saves is with us. But it's more than a name, it is also a promise that in whatever chaos we find ourselves inhabiting - like the chaos Joseph found himself a part of when Mary, his betrothed, was found to be with child -- the birth of Jesus Emmanuel reminds us the God who saves is with us, too! In today's message, Amy reminds us that this is the promise that allows us to take courage, step forward, and love!

Romans 1:1-7 and Matthew 1:18-25

Episode 61 - Come, Wisdom, Come

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -0500

"Every creature is a word of God." Meister Eckhart said. If so, what wisdom does it have to speak to us? Seeking wisdom from Jesus and for ourselves is at the heart of today's gospel reading. In her message today, Pastor Amy, refers to the book All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings by Gayle Boss. It's a great resource for reflecting on the wisdom of the world around us and what God's creatures have to teach us about wisdom and waiting.

Texts: Isaiah 35:1-10 and Matthew 11:2-11

Episode 60 - Repentance as a Reorientation

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -0500

John the Baptist is a fixture in Advent with his call to repent! While his message drips with judgment, Pastor Hoffman reflects how his call is less about shaping up and more about reorienting our lives toward the One who was and who is and who is to come.

If you'd like to hear more from Father Richard Rohr, whose understanding of repentance shaped Pastor Hoffman's sermon on this text, you can hear Brene Brown's full interview with him here:

https://brenebrown.com/podcast/spirituality-certitude-and-infinite-love-part-1-of-2/
https://brenebrown.com/podcast/spirituality-certitude-and-infinite-love-part-2-of-2/

And if you want to find out where to buy a pair of those 3D glasses she references, reach out to Pastor Hoffman here:
https://blcfairport.org/contact/
Isaiah 11:1-10 and Matthew 3:1-12

Episode 59 - Jesus, Dayspring

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0500

"Advent begins in the dark," preacher Fleming Rutledge once said. In today's message, Pastor Amy invites us to tune our eyes and hearts to be on the lookout for the signs of Dayspring - a new day - that marks Christ's coming into our world and into our lives. If you're looking for a resource to guide your Advent waiting, Pastor Amy references Kate Bowler's online devotional, The Season of Waiting (and waiting... and waiting...). You can sign up online to receive the devotional.

Isaiah 2:1-5 and Matthew 24:36-44

Episode 58 - Jesus, Word

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 20:00:00 -0500

O come, O Key of David, come . . . we know these words from the old carol, O come, O come, Emanuel. But what does it mean that we call Jesus, "key of David." Pastor Amy does some digging in scripture to help us understand where this title comes from and invites us to consider what it means for our life of faith.

Jeremiah 23:1-6 and Luke 23:33-43

Episode 57 - Joy to the world! The Lord is come!

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0500

We traditionally think of Joy to the World as a Christmas carol, but this year, it frames the beginning of an extended Advent observance at Bethlehem. Based on the words of Psalm 98, this beloved carol reminds us of the one for whom we wait. When the world is falling apart, we look with eager hope for God's kingdom to come.

Psalm 98 and Luke 21:5-19

Episode 56 - Death Is No Dilemma

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0500

Faced with the pain of death, it's easy to distance ourselves from our grief. When challenged to encounter the dilemma of death, Jesus takes the opportunity to proclaim the God of life! This week the church provides us the opportunity to remember and name the saints who have shaped our faith, taught us the good news of Jesus, and now live in the light of eternity. As we recall their names and the impact they've had on us, we also remember that we are also saints called to make Christ's love known in the world.

Readings; Job 19:23-27A, Luke 20:27-38

Episode 55 - See(k)ing Jesus

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 16:00:00 -0400

Like the tax-collector, Zacchaeus, who makes an appearance in today's gospel, we want to see Jesus. We also want to remove the barriers that keep others from seeing and knowing Jesus. Like Martin Luther, who was creative in helping others to see Jesus in his day, we continue to seek ways to make Jesus known in our world. Listen in with the Bethlehem community as co-pastors Abby and Amy invite us to reflect on where we can meet and welcome Jesus into the ministry of Bethlehem by generously sharing our various gifts with the world.

Luke 19:1-10

Episode 54 - Building Lasting Community - Part 4 Final Episode

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0400

In the final episode of our four-part series on Building Lasting Community that follows Jesus, Abby and Amy talk about what it means for Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fairport over the coming year. How does our vision of Building Lasting Community that follows Jesus inform our priorities and ministry in the year to come? To support our vision financially, visit: https://blcfairport.org/support-the-blc-vision/

Episode 53 - The Beautiful Trap

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 12:00:00 -0400

In this week's message, Pastor Amy invites us to pan out and see a wider scene than the close up Jesus offers. In that wider scene, we are invited to see ourselves on a continuum that stretches from one who is content to rely entirely on himself to one who is certain he cannot measure up and lies beyond the scope of God's mercy. Across that wide expanse, Jesus offers himself as the source of life for all.

Jeremiah14:7-10, 19-22; Luke 18:9-14

Episode 52 - Building Lasting Community - Part 3

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In Part 3 in the ongoing series on Building Lasting Community that follows Jesus, Abby and Amy share their thoughts on what is lasting about the work we do together. You can read the article they reference in this episode by following the link. To support Bethlehem's ministry, visit: https://blcfairport.org/support-the-blc-vision/

Episode 51 - The Power of Persistence

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:14 - 4:5 and Luke 18:1-8

Pastor Hoffman reflects on the ways that Jesus calls us to be persistent in prayer. Persistence in prayer pays off, not because we get our way, but because we become more connected to God. Through prayer, we begin to see the world as God sees it, and our hands and feet and hearts become the means through which God answers prayer.

Support the BLC Vision: https://blcfairport.org/support-the-blc-vision/

Episode 50 - Building Lasting Community - Part 2

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 12:00:00 -0400

In Part 2 in the ongoing series on Building Lasting Community that follows Jesus, Abby and Amy share their ideas on being built into God's community. Hint: it doesn't start with us! To support Bethlehem's ministry, visit: https://blcfairport.org/support-the-blc-vision/

Episode 49 - The ABCs of Thanks

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 14:00:00 -0400

Readings: Psalm 111 and Luke 17:11-19

"Thank you!" We're taught to say these words as children and social scientists teach us today about the lasting benefits of gratitude. In her reflection, Pastor Amy reminds us that thanksgiving is about more than good manners or personal wellbeing. Every time we name our thanksgiving we are pointing to another moment of God's revelation in this world that God so loves!

Episode 48 - Building Lasting Community - Part 1

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In the first of a series, Amy and Abby talk about what it means to be a community that follows Jesus and how we live that in the world around us. (To hear more about our vision of Building Lasting Community that Follows Jesus, listen to Episode 13.) Let us know you're listening by emailing theword@blcfairport.org.

Episode 47 - The faith of worms

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Scripture: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4; Luke 17:5-10

Notes: Amy shares a reflection on Luke's gospel, reminding us that Jesus doesn't demand more faith from us, but invites us to practice the faith we have, trusting that God can work with our efforts, however insignificant and ordinary they might be, like worms moving the earth beneath our feet. Her reflection is inspired, in part, by an essay she heard last week.

Episode 46 - When we talk about Advent in the church what do we mean?

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0400

When we talk about Advent in the church what do we mean? What is the waiting that lies at the heart of this season that anticipates the celebration of Christ's birth? We share some of our pastoral thoughts about the season of Advent and preview an upcoming adult study at Bethlehem that begins on Sunday, October 2.

Episode 45 - A Better Way

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Readings: Amos 6:1a, 4-7; Luke 16:19-31

In Episode 43 - Money Matters - we heard that what we do with what has been entrusted to us matters. In today's message, we hear that our actions matter as well. Not as a way to ensure our place in heavenly glory, but they matter for the life we live and the relationships we are called to embrace as God's people today.

Episode 44 - Living the Word - A new program year

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

The Living the Word weekly episodes on Thursday are back! We are still using this weekly podcast as a place to talk about living the Word - how and where we engage our faith in daily life. Some weeks that will still include a special guest, but many weeks, Pastor Amy and Pastor Hoffman will reflect together on a topic about faith and life.

It's a new program year at Bethlehem! This week, listen in as the co-Pastors share their thoughts about what we're up to as a community of faith.

If you want details about anything they mention, be sure to check the church calendar

Episode 43 - Money matters

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Texts: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 and Luke 16:1-13

Jesus tells a confusing parable, made even more confusing if we interpret it as instructions for faithful living. But the bottom line is that what we do with what has been entrusted to us matters.

We can't completely extricate ourselves from the stuff of life - money and property and possessions. Instead, following Jesus means that we use what we have to serve God instead of serving what we have as though it is our god.

Episode 42 - Which one among you . . . ?

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Texts: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 and Luke 15:1-10

Events around us, like the attacks of September 11, 2001 or even the death of an important figure, like Queen Elizabeth, can be disorienting and leave us feeling lost and unmoored. Jesus tells two parables about things that are lost and then found.

In these parables, Jesus invites his followers to orient themselves in a vision of God as a seeker who does not grow weary in searching and experiences joy and invites celebration when the lost is found!

Episode 41 - The Consequences of Choosing Life

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Luke 14:25-33 and Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Being a disciple of Jesus is more than a title, it's a way of life. Today, Jesus explains the sacrifice and the cost of following in his footsteps. Following in the way of the God who makes all things new means we can't keep everything the way it's always been. What sacrifice is called for in your life or in the life we share together in our community of faith to follow in the way of Jesus?

Episode 40 - Living the Word - Jesus . . . at school?

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Text: Luke 14:1, 7-17 and Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16

The pecking order of social status is not new. Jesus encountered it at a dinner party where he was an invited guest. When all the eyes "were watching him closely," Jesus takes the opportunity to look around the room and also beyond the walls to suggest a different way of living that trusts that our place is secure at God's eternal banquet table.

Wherever we encounter rigid structures -- at school, work, the gym, even church -- Jesus offers us a different way. Pastor Amy poses some questions to think about how we might we live the Jesus' way more fully.

Episode 39 - Living the Word with Pastor Amy Walter-Peterson

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Today's guest is our own Pastor Amy Walter-Peterson! Pastor Amy is serving as an internship supervisor this year and she tells us all about it!

This will be our last Living the Word podcast as we are taking a short break from these Thursday episodes. You can still hear the week's sermon every Monday, but we are regrouping for the Fall to bring new conversations to you each week. Stay tuned!

Big thanks to Jacob Parlett, who has produced this podcast since it's beginning. Today is his last episode and we are so grateful for his support and help!

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Episode 38 - Jesus sets us free...by breaking the rules

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 14:00:00 -0400

Texts: Psalm 103:1-8 and Luke 13:10-17

The law says no work on the Sabbath. But Jesus is on a mission. He sees a woman so bent over, unable to stand up straight, and doesn't hesitate. All the leader of the synagogue sees is that Jesus violated the rules of the Sabbath. He doesn’t see this act for what it is: God doing what God does, releasing God’s people from what holds us captive. How often do we miss taking part in or celebrating what God is doing – freeing, renewing, resurrecting – because we’re holding on too tightly to our own expectations for how and where and when God ought to do God’s work?

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Episode 37 - Encore - Living the Word with Kate Thon

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0400

On August 24, Learning Links of Fairport is giving away school supplies to anyone in need in the Fairport Central School District! Click here for all of the details. Bethlehem is a supporting partner of Learning Links, so we are thrilled to share this interview again this week! Pastor Amy talks with Kate Thon, co-founder and director of Learning Links of Fairport, to learn more about how she got involved and how her faith guides her work.

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Episode 36 - Heavenly Peace

Sun, 14 Aug 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Readings: Hebrews 11:29-12:2; Luke 12:49-56

As we continue following Jesus on his path to Jerusalem, the tone of Jesus' speech changes in today's gospel as he asks, "Do you think I have come to bring peace on earth?" Pastor Amy reminds us that the peace Jesus brings is not a fake peace of denial and dishonesty, but a deep, life-changing peace that kindles us to seek more of God's loving kindness for this world, even when it leads to conflict.

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Episode 35 - Living the Word With Kate Thon

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Our guest today is Kate Thon, co-founder and director of Learning Links of Fairport, an after school tutoring program. Pastor Amy talks with Kate to learn more about how she got involved in Learning LInks and how her faith guides her work.

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Episode 34 - Letting Go

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Todays reflection from Pastor Amy centers on Luke 12:32-40. As Jesus' followers continue traveling with him on the road to Jerusalem, anxiety and fear set it. In the face of the very real fears that we face in our daily life, Jesus offers some clear guidance about releasing our grip on the things we cling to and relying on God's kingdom promise.

Episode 33 - The Stuff of Life

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Texts: Psalm 49:1-12; Luke 12:13-21. In today's sermon we consider the "stuff" of life. As Jesus makes clear that life is not about stuff, we consider what it means to be rich toward God and each other.

Episode 32 - Living the Word with Pastor Abigail Zang Hoffman

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Pastor Amy interviews our own Pastor Abigail Zang Hoffman, co-pastor at Bethlehem! Pastor Hoffman talks about the next step in her ministry journey, which includes a plan to begin a PhD program at the University of Rochester this fall (in addition to her part-time pastoral responsibilities at BLC). Pastor Hoffman shares how this journey is part of a long-term interest in exploring community and talks about how it fits with her sense of call.

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Episode 31 - Searching for the Black Gorillas

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Texts: Genesis 18:20-32; Luke 11:1-13

In today's sermon, Pastor Amy refers to a surprising experiment involving a black gorilla, which suggests that what we focus on or what we are looking for determines what we see. She invites us to consider if prayer is not about speaking, but seeing God active in our world.

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Episode 30 - Living the Word with Ryan Gantner

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Our guest today is Ryan Gantner, a member of the Bethlehem community, who recently completed a bike trip from Bozeman, Montana to St. Paul, Minnesota. Ryan shares his experience of solo biking through the vast terrain of the American Midwest and the clarity of mind this endeavor requires.

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Episode 29 - Paying attention when Jesus shows up

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Texts: Genesis 18:1-10a and Luke 10:38-42

Jesus draws near to us in the faces of one another. When Jesus shows up, are we “worried and distracted by many things” like Martha or are we ready to “sit at Jesus’ feet and listen” like Mary? When we choose to pay attention to the people in front of us, in the voices and stories of one another, we take the risk of being drawn to love and serve God in new ways.

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Episode 28 - Living the Word with Rev. Imani Olear

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Our guest today is the Rev. Imani Olear, who serves as Director for Evangelical Mission in the Upstate New York Synod since January 2022. In conversation with Pastor Amy and Pastor Hoffman, she reflects on her role and her ministry and how she brings her full self into the ministry she is called to lead among us.

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Episode 27 - Being Neighborly

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 15:00:00 -0400

Readings: Deuteronomy 30:9-14 and Luke 10:25-37

In this week's text, Jesus answers a question that is never asked -- what is a neighbor? -- a gives an answer that surprises, even as it instructs. In her sermon, Pastor Amy reminds us that all neighborliness starts first with God who is a neighbor to us through Jesus. She also shares a prayer to carry in the week ahead: O Lord God, your mercy delights us, and the world longs for your loving care. Hear the cries of everyone in need, and turn our hearts to love our neighbors with the love of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen

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Episode 26 - Living the Word with Mark Finke

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Mark Finke joins Pastor Amy and Pastor Hoffman to talk about the ways that he lives his faith, including through his work with Bethlehem's Second Sunday Dinner Ministry.

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Episode 25 - Sent Ones

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 13:00:00 -0400

Texts: 2 Kings 5:1-14; Galatians 6:1-16; Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

As Jesus prepares to enter the places where God's restoration, welcome, and healing are longed for, he sends ordinary folk to prepare his way. In her sermon, Pastor Amy reminds us, Jesus doesn't send them with a list of expected outcomes or accomplishments to work toward, only the instruction to go empty handed and to seek others who share peace; to eat with them, to work them, and to offer whatever healing presence they have to give. Jesus' instructions are intended for us as well!

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Episode 24 - Living the Word with Bob Stolze

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Pastor Amy and Pastor Hoffman talk with Bob Stolze about his work as a Red Cross emergency volunteer and the opportunity this work provides to respond out of gratitude to all that he has received.

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Episode 23 - Where's the Chicken Exit?

Sun, 26 Jun 2022 15:00:00 -0400

Scripture: Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62

Pastor Hoffman compares Jesus' determination to fulfill his mission and go to Jerusalem with the thrill ride of life in this world. While we would rather take the "chicken exit" and look for the easy way out, we are guided by the Spirit to face our fears, take some risks, and endure some scary, gut-wrenching moments to fulfill Jesus' commandment and our mission to love our neighbors as ourselves.

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Episode 22 - Living the Word with Rick Walker

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Pastor Amy and Pastor Hoffman share conversation with Rick Walker. He tells us about ministry with the Pines of Perinton and how you can become a Hunger Activist in our community!

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Episode 21 - Encore - Building Lasting Community that follows Jesus

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Scripture: Acts 11:1-18 and John 13:31-35

In this encore episode that was originally released last month, Pastor Amy and Pastor Hoffman share the Word through conversation about how we love one another as Jesus commanded. Recalling stories from our anniversary guests and reflecting on our current circumstances as church living through a pandemic, they call us to Building Lasting Community (BLC) that follows Jesus.

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Episode 20 - Living the Word with Ruth Sleeman

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Pastor Amy and Pastor Hoffman talk with Ruth Sleeman about her work as an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves and the importance of being the voice and hands of Christ for others.

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Episode 19 - The Spirit puts arms and legs on our faith!

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 21:00:00 -0400

Texts: Romans 5:1-5 and John 16:12-15

Pastor Julie Bergdahl is this week's guest preacher as part of our 100th anniversary celebrations. Pastor Bergdahl served as Bethlehem's first female Associate Pastor from 1991-1994 and Bethlehem was Pastor Bergdahl's first congregational call! On the festival of the Holy Trinity, she reminds us that we are activated by the Spirit, who puts arms and legs on our faith.

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Episode 18 - Living the Word with Bishop Lee Miller

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Our guest today is Bishop Lee Miller, who has served as Bishop of the Upstate NY Synod since September 2021. In conversation with Pastor Amy and Pastor Hoffman, he reflects on his role as Bishop, how he stays grounded in his faith, and his conviction that we are one church with 160 campuses across Upstate NY.

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Episode 17 - The Spirit moves us forward - with Bishop Craig Satterlee

Sun, 05 Jun 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Readings: Acts 2:1-21 and John 14:8-27

Bishop Craig Satterlee is this week's guest preacher as part of our 100th anniversary celebrations. Bishop Satterlee served as Bethlehem's first Assistant Pastor from 1987-1990 and Bethlehem was Bishop Satterlee's first congregational call! (Learn more about what he's been up to since leaving BLC at www.craigasatterlee.com) On the festival of Pentecost, he reminds us that the Holy Spirit who moved God's people at Bethlehem forward in our first 100 years is moving us forward still.

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Episode 16 - Introducing "Living the Word"

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Pastor Amy and Pastor Hoffman share conversation about a new podcast series called "Living the Word." As we seek to Build Lasting Community, we learn what living our faith looks like from a special guest each week. Meet others from within the BLC community and beyond who are following Jesus.

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Episode 15 - Prayed For

Sun, 29 May 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Romans 8:14-17 and John 17:20-26

Pastor Amy reminds us that Jesus prays for each of us, and the communities in which we find ourselves. Jesus' prayer for us is that as we are united in community - just as the Father and Son are one - and that our unity would point to God's love in the world.

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Episode 14 - Led by the Spirit

Mon, 23 May 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Texts: Acts 16:9-15; John 14:23-39

We welcome Rev. Wayne Shipman as part of Bethlehem's 100th anniversary celebration. Pr. Wayne did not serve as a pastor at Bethlehem, but rather responded to a life-long call to ministry while at Bethlehem. We listen as Pr. Wayne proclaims that word, guided by God's ever-present Spirit!

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Episode 13 - Building Lasting Community that follows Jesus

Sun, 15 May 2022 21:00:00 -0400

Scripture: Acts 11:1-18 and John 13:31-35

Pastor Amy and Pastor Hoffman share the Word through conversation about how we love one another as Jesus commanded. Recalling stories from our anniversary guests and reflecting on our current circumstances as church living through a pandemic, they call us to Building Lasting Community (BLC) that follows Jesus.

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Episode 12 - The Shepherd's Voice

Sun, 08 May 2022 15:00:00 -0400

Gospel reading: John 10:22-30

As part of Bethlehem's ongoing 100th Anniversary celebration, we welcome The Rev. Jane Floy Nicholson who served as Associate in Ministry from 1996 - 2003. Pr. Nicholson now serves as Pastor of First Lutheran Church in Chambersburg, PA.

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Episode 11 - Do you love me?

Sun, 01 May 2022 14:00:00 -0400

Readings: Acts 9:1-20 and John 21:1-19

As part of Bethlehem's 100th anniversary celebrations, today we welcome Pastor Richard Hembrock to share the Word. He brings 90 years of experience as a child of God, Pastor, and chaplain! He became part of the Bethlehem community at his baptism when he was 4 years old and visited often over the years even after he moved away as an adult. Do you love me? Jesus' question to Peter is for us too.

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Episode 10 - Easter, too!

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Readings: Acts 5:27-32 and John 20:19-31

In today's message, Pastor Amy talks about the ways that the risen Christ comes to a mixed community and offers them all life, regardless of their experiences, their needs, and their longings; and also asks us to consider who is missing from our communities, our lives, and even from the church.

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Episode 9 - Where Easter Begins

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 19:00:00 -0400

Scripture: Acts 10:34-43; Luke 24:1-12

Easter begins in the imagination and action of God who raised Jesus from the dead, but even God needs an assist in order for Easter to take root in the world today.

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Episode 8 - Holy Mystery

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Texts: Luke 19:28-30 and Luke 22:14-23:56

Sunday marked the start of Holy Week in the Western Christian Church. We've included the texts that we used in worship on Sunday for your reflection this week. In addition, Pastor Amy refers to a writing the Rev. Katie Murchison Ross. The entire article was printed in the April 6, 2022 Christian Century.

https://www.christiancentury.org/article/first-person/bleeding-pulpit

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Episode 7 - Place, People, Purpose

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 15:00:00 -0400

Gospel: John 12:1-8

As part of Bethlehem Lutheran's 100th Anniversary celebration, the congregation welcomed the Rev. Dr. Kent Garner as our preacher on this day. Pastor Garner served as Senior Pastor at Bethlehem between 1977 and 2008 and today's message recalls many memories from his time.

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Episode 6 - Holy Inheritance

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

One of Jesus' most familiar and beloved parables invites us to think about God's abundance and how we respond to that abundance.

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Episode 5 - Be the Gardener

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-9 and Luke 13:1-9

Jesus tells a parable about an unproducing fig tree, inviting us to imagine what repentance looks like and how God gives us the rest and nourishment we need to produce the fruit of the Spirit.

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Episode 4 - Holy Wings

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 and Luke 13:31-35

The season of Lent continues with Jesus receiving a warning to leave Jerusalem in order to save himself. Jesus steps into the fray and laments the world around him, even as he offers a place of protection.

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Episode 3 - Lent Begins, Jesus is Tempted in the Wilderness

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0500

The Scripture readings for this week are Romans 10:8b-13 and Luke 4:1-13.

Our season of Lent begins with hearing about Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. He resisted the devil's empty promises by returning to the Word. We ground our Lenten practice by returning to God's promises, in Scripture and through honoring the Sabbath.

This episode refers to a glitter jar. If you'd like to make your own to provide a focal point for a practice of stillness, here are the simple instructions:

1. Find a glass jar with a screw top lid (mason jar, repurpose a jar from spaghetti sauce or similar).

2. Fill it up to 1/3 with glue (Elmer's clear school glue works well). More glue means longer for the glitter to settle.

3. Add glitter (about 1 ounce, more or less to your liking)

4. Fill the balance of the jar with water.

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Episode 2 - Introducing The Word from Bethlehem - Part 2

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 13:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we share how we came up with our podcast name and talk about Psalm 1 and why the Word is essential for our life of faith.

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Episode 1 - Introducing The Word from Bethlehem

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 13:00:00 -0500

In this episode co-Pastors Abigail Zang Hoffman and Amy Walter-Peterson share a brief intro to our new podcast.

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