What would it be like to walk into a church you've never heard much about, where healing happens with prayer and illness and suffering are seen as illusion? In this episode of Branches of Faith, Kate and Ben visit the Christian Science Society in Peoria and share their honest reflections and discoveries. With warmth and curiosity, they explore the unique beliefs rooted in the teachings of Mary Baker Eddy, the power of spiritual healing, and what it was like to step into a church that felt more like “grandma’s living room” than a sanctuary.

Whether you're curious about Christian Science, intrigued by the idea of faith-based healing, or just love hearing about real people exploring unfamiliar faith traditions, this episode invites you into an enlightening and surprisingly down-to-earth conversation you won’t want to miss.

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What happens when Native American traditions and Christian faith come together in worship? How does a sacred drum become the heartbeat of a congregation? And what can we learn from a church built with deep reverence for the land it stands on?

In this episode of Branches of Faith, we take you inside Dayspring Native American United Methodist Church in East Peoria, Illinois—a hidden gem of faith, culture, and community. From a potluck welcome to a powerful water blessing and a mesmerizing drum circle, we share our firsthand experience of a worship service unlike any other.

Join us as we uncover the rich history of this church, its deep roots in both Native American and Methodist traditions, and the ways it brings people together—Native and non-Native alike. You’ll hear about the breathtaking forest setting, the significance of their Four Directions prayers, and even the story of how century-old oak trees became part of the church itself.

What does it mean to “walk the good road” in faith? Can we rediscover awe in our spiritual lives? And how can embracing different traditions deepen our understanding of God?

Tune in for a heartfelt, thought-provoking episode that just might change the way you see faith, community, and the sacred spaces around us.

🎧 Listen now and walk this journey with us!

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Episode Description:
In this heartfelt episode of Branches of Faith, we take you to Renewed Life Church in Peoria, Illinois, a small yet passionate congregation led by the energetic and inspiring Pastor Quentin Johnson—known as “Coach Q” to many.

What happens when love, faith, and service meet in one of the most underserved areas of town? Join us as we reflect on themes of reciprocity and renewal, inspired by Pastor Quentin’s powerful sermon about recognizing love, receiving grace, and returning it to others, no matter the challenges we face.

We’ll share our experience exploring this vibrant church on Peoria’s south side, including Pastor Quentin’s touching lessons from Hebrews, the warmth of the community, and how this humble church is making an extraordinary impact.

Whether you’re looking for a fresh perspective on faith or simply a story that will inspire you to pay love forward, this episode is sure to leave a lasting impression.

🎧 Don’t miss it—listen now!

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In this enlightening episode of Branches of Faith, we step into the vibrant and welcoming community of the Hindu Temple of Central Illinois. Join us as we explore the intricacies of Hindu spirituality, from the colorful deities on the altar to the profound connection between faith, cosmology, and nature.

We'll share our reflections on the temple's beautiful rituals, the Navagrahas (celestial forces tied to karma), and the deep sense of hospitality and selfless service that permeates the community. From the joy of delicious traditional food to meaningful conversations about shared values across cultures, this visit left us with a greater appreciation for the threads that connect us all.

Whether you’re curious about Hinduism or simply enjoy learning about different cultures, this episode will inspire you to see the beauty in diversity and the importance of building bridges between communities.

Tune in and join us on this journey of discovery—you may just walk away with a new perspective on faith, tradition, and the power of human connection.

https://hinduheritage.wildapricot.org/

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 The First Church of the Brethren in Peoria is part of the Church of the Brethren denomination, which emphasizes peace, simplicity, and community. The Church of the Brethren has roots in the Anabaptist movement, originating in Germany in the early 18th century. The congregation in Peoria shares these core values, focusing on service, social justice, and living out the teachings of Jesus in daily life. The church is involved in various outreach efforts in the community, aiming to make a positive impact through charitable work, peace-building initiatives, and spiritual support.

First Church of the Brethren of Peoria website
First Church of the Brethren of Peoria Facebook

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We learned about the Sabbath, Jesus bringing a man to water to heal him, Ben was wearing a strange face, and Kate wants to invite you over for dinner.  In the first week of the NFL season, Kate and Ben went to Imago Dei Church in Peoria and took notes on a plethora of "boots on the ground" kinds of activities that they're doing for their community.  The message from Pastor Melinda was that we need to do what we can with what's in front of us.

Imago Dei Church website
Imago Dei Facebook
Imago Dei Give page

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We sure learned a lot about Baha'i for this visit.  Listen and witness Ben's emotional sentiments, Kate's introduction to the Baha'i when she was 10, and her "factoid" about a house she lived in and how it connects to the Baha'i of Peoria.  Thanks to the wonderful people we met, and for a celebrity guest appearance (we pulled some Hollywood strings for this one) and come learn about what we researched as one of the fastest growing and newest world religions.   

Peoria Area Baha'i Community Facebook
Baha'is of Peoria website
What is the Baha'i Faith? An Introduction by Rainn Wilson Youtube

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Learn about Kate's Catholic background and the St. Mary's Cathedral in Peoria.  With special guest, our daughter, Genevieve, we retell our visit to a beautiful building and a message about "being hungry" for peace, community, and joy in a modern world full of all shapes and sizes of comforts and connections. 

Donate to St. Mary's Cathedral
St. Mary's Cathedral Homepage
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St. Mary's Cathedral Facebook
Catholic Diocese of Peoria Youtube

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Learn about Pastor Greg Washington, his love for music and how the Jackson 5 influenced everyone in his neighborhood to get into music.  Discover how he got into ministry, leading a church, and how his roll as a UPS driver has helped him establish relationships in the community that he serves.  He has a great "StepUp" program finding housing and work for men recently released from incarceration.  People are out there doing amazing things, and Greg Washington is one of them.

United Fellowship Ministries of Peoria, Illinois
UFM giving page
UFM Facebook

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Katie had a beautiful visit to Ephraim Moravian Church in Door County, Wisconsin and is excited to share what she experienced with you all.

Moravian Church You tube Channel

Ephraim Moravian Church Website

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We had a powerful visit to United Fellowship Ministries in Peoria, Illinois and are excited to share what we experienced with you all.

Donate to UFM click the link and send them $3, an immediate "feel good"

United Fellowship Ministries

News 25 clip of building collapse

Step Up Program

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Church website:
https://www.facebook.com/ThienTamBuddhistTemple?locale=sq_AL

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We visited the First United Methodist Church in Peoria, Illinois. Ben and Kate share their observations and reflections.

Church website:
https://fumcpeoria.org/

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We get to discuss our time at the North Parkway Assembly of God Church in Pekin with Pastor Chris and Pastor Missy. 

Church website:
https://northparkway.org/

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References and links...

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We visited the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. Ben and Kate share their observations and reflections

Church Website:
All Saints Greek Orthodox Church

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We visited the First Federated Church. Ben and Kate share their observations and reflections

Church Website:
First Federated Church of Peoria

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We visited the Unitarian Universalist Church. Ben and Katie share their observations and reflections.

Church webstie:
https://peoriauuchurch.org/

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