ALL THAT'S HOLY BLUE COLLAR PODCAST
Episode 30: Conversations with Angela Denker and Doug Pagitt
A year ago I don’t think I would have guessed that Minnesota would be the epicenter of a political movement that has extended globally. The murder of George Floyd may have shattered the image of “Minnesota nice.” In this episode, I combine two conversations with Minnesotan’s Angela Denker and Doug Pagitt. These are older recordings, so the social political unrest of today were not a part of the conversation.
Red State Christians and Vote Common Good
A year ago I don’t think I would have guessed that Minnesota would be the epicenter of a political movement that has extended globally. The murder of George Floyd may have shattered the image of “Minnesota nice.” In this episode, I combine two conversations with Minnesotan’s Angela Denker and Doug Pagitt. These are older recordings, so the social political unrest of today were not a part of the conversation at the time of these recordings.
These two interviews have been sitting on my computer. They are enjoyable conversations. But time and focus moved on and these interviews began to gather dust. However, looking back, they remain as timely as ever.
Angela Denker and Red State Christians
Angela Denker is a journalist and Lutheran pastor. Before realizing she was a pastor, I followed her work as a writer after she had published an article on Colin Kaepernick some years ago.
Doug Pagitt and Vote Common Good
Doug has been a community innovator for quite awhile. Early in the 2000s he was influential in the “emerging” church movement. After leaving the pastorate, Doug has been invested in generating a political movement of love. You can read, and participate in, the “Love-in-Politics Pledge”. Additionally, Vote Common Good has regular shows/conversations on Facebook and Zoom in which you can participate. They even have a cooking show!
Learn more about Vote Common Good here
And head over to their Facebook page and join in the conversation.
Episode 29: An Interview with Melanie Springer Mock
In this episode we can wax rhapsodic about the gentle breezy days of the Spring of 2019. That’s when the interview with Melanie Springer Mock was actually recorded.
Over a Whole Month Later…
I know I had said I would try to get more of these backlogged interviews posted. But the wheels move slowly. In the past month, so many crises have converged. The demonstrations and protests following the murder of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breona Taylor are of historic import.
The turmoil of the coronavirus pandemic and the politicization of prevention continues.
Athletics are making attempts to resume. USATF and the IOC are releasing new protocols for track and field. The NFL is reconsidering its view of Colin Kaepernick and kneeling. The MLB players union cannot come to an agreement about playing baseball. And the NCAA has announced that a number of college athletes have test positive for the Covid-19 virus.
A Simpler Time
In this episode we can wax rhapsodic about the gentle breezy days of the Spring of 2019. That’s when the interview with Melanie Springer Mock was actually recorded.
Episode 28: Mark Karris and Religious Refugees
Mark Gregory Karris is one of those deconstructionists that like to help people put things back together again. We wanted to learn about his recent book, Religious Refugees: (De)constructing Toward Spiritual and Emotional Healing.
Mark Gregory Karris is one of those deconstructionists that like to help people put things back together again. We wanted to learn about his recent book, Religious Refugees: (De)constructing Toward Spiritual and Emotional Healing after our church, Emmaus Christian Fellowship, had read his earlier book, Divine Echoes: Reconciling Prayer with the Uncontrolling Love of God., and I thought his latest book would be good for our congregation to learn about.
One of the things we’ve tried to do in the past is to refrain from editing. This time of year, my office is on the back porch so you can hear finches, sparrows, doves as well as cars, and lawnmowers. All the talking, interviews, and conversations are rough-cut. Mainly because we never wanted to take the time to get overly precise and picky. Rather, we try to have great ideas, simply presented. Please be patient with the sound quality and some of the Zoom technical difficulties we were having during the interview.
Start following, commenting, and sending us ideas on the All That’s Holy: Blue Collar Podcast by following us on Facebook. Just search for the All That’s Holy Blue Collar Podcast. Also, you can go to Themissionplace.org, go to the media tab, and you can find The All That’s Holy: Blue Collar Podcast there.
As we’re closing out, I want to give a big shout out to At The Speed of Darkness for the music intro and outro. You can follow At The Speed of Darkness, and support his music, at Bandcamp.
Yawn...Stretch...Opening the Eyes
Hibernation is Over, almost
The All That’s Holy: Blue Collar Podcast has been in an extended hibernation. Maybe even a vegetative state, or a coma. Anyway, it is waking up. Finally.
But like anything that wakes up, it’s a bit groggy and disoriented for awhile. So is this podcast.
Faith and Politics Mix
There’s no production on this interview with Doug Pagitt of Vote Common Good. I spoke with Doug earlier this week and wanted to have this interview available to listeners. There’s no intro, no transitions, not conclusion. But the content is good and was an enjoyable conversation.
In coming weeks, The All That’s Holy Blue Collar Podcast will be gathering up more interviews and working to pull together a new team of co-hosts. See you soon!
episode 3.12 in which our host agree Peter was not a dolt & interview with Preston Pouteaux
Spring. Lent. Peter and tents. Preston and bees. And more
Episode 3.12 episode 3.12 in which our host agree Peter was not a dolt
Topics: Fasting; Time management; Lent; Country music; return of the sun and gardening; and Hockey, or soccer, or badminton. And an interview with Preston Pouteaux, a missionally minded beekeeper in Alberta Canada.
Check out the links below, or go to https://www.themissionplace.org/allthatsholybluecollar/ to review the lists of books, articles, music, movies, and other resources. Some of these might be great to worship resources, but more likely, ways to expand our imaginations.
Special co-host, Marty Solomon a.k.a. the rebbi, co-pastor at the church on the Palouse, President Impact Campus Ministries, here to fulfill the millennial quota, reluctantly; and, he’s a wiz with scriptures.
Check out the links below, or go to https://www.themissionplace.org/allthatsholybluecollar/ to review the lists of books,articles, music, movies, and other resources. Some of these might be great as worship resources, but more likely, ways to expand our imaginations.
Getting Ready for Spring - Ready for Bees
The interview this week is with Preston Pouteaux, author of The Bees of Rainbow Falls: Finding Faith, Imagination, and Delight in Your Neighborhood You can learn more about Preston and his work at https://www.intotheneighbourhood.ca/
Is it spring yet?
Home for a Bunny, by Margaret Wise Brown http://readmeastorynow.blogspot.com/2012/04/home-for-bunny.html is one of my favorite book of all time! Margaret Wise Brown also wrote the classic, Goodnight Moon. Margaret Wise Brown’s life is worthy of a movie about heartbreak and an untapped legacy.
"Spring, Spring, Spring!" sang the frog.
"Spring!" said the groundhog. . .
In the Spring a bunny came down the road.
He was going to find a home of his own.
A home for a bunny,
A home of his own,
Under a rock,
Under a stone,
Under a log,
Or under the ground.
Where would a bunny find a home
New Revised Lectionary
March 10, 2019 Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Romans 10:8b-13 Luke 4:1-13
March 17, 2019 Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 Psalm 27 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)
March 24, 2019 Isaiah 55:1-9 Psalm 63:1-8 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Luke 13:1-9
March 25, 2019 Isaiah 7:10-14 Psalm 45Psalm 40:5-10 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38
Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 31, 2019 Joshua 5:9-12 Psalm 32 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Fifth Sunday in Lent
April 7, 2019 Isaiah 43:16-21 Psalm 126 Philippians 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8
Liturgy of the Palms
April 14, 2019
Sixth Sunday in Lent Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 Luke 19:28-40
Liturgy of the Passion
April 14, 2019
Sixth Sunday in Lent Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 22:14-23:56; Luke 23:1-49
Resources:
Mission of St Claire at http://tinyurl.com/y683ehtk
“The Online Daily Office is a ministry of The Mission of St. Clare. The Mission's goal is to introduce prayer and meditation to people who have never experienced them, and to support people who enjoy the benefits of prayer and meditation but who find difficulty in putting aside time for this practice.”
This is a great resource for prayers of the daily office and divine hours. Available in formats for reading as well as resources for audio formats. Craig has been using forever. Also on Facebook
Resources on Lent and Fasting
Trump, Prayer, and Fasting, on the Ron Sider Blog https://ronsiderblog.substack.com/p/trump-prayer-and-fasting-ron-sider
“When those who issued RECLAIMING JESUS met this January, we agreed with New York Times columnist David Brooks that a major constitutional crisis is likely sometime this year. So we felt led to issue a new letter calling Christians all across the country to gather together for prayer as a way of preparing for a potential future emergency. Lent, a traditional time for prayer and fasting, is an ideal time for this prayerful, spiritual preparation.”
Regular, Partial, Full, and Sexy fasts https://www.allaboutprayer.org/types-of-fasting-faq.htm
What are the different types of fasting? https://www.gotquestions.org/types-of-fasting.html
“The purpose of fasting is not to get God to respond as a genie in a bottle to grant our every wish. Fasting, whether it is regular, partial, absolute, or sexual, is a seeking after God’s heart, all other blessings and benefits being secondary to God Himself. This is what sets apart biblical fasting from other religious and cultural practices around the world.”
Why Even the Non-Religious Should Try Religious Fasting, The Huffington Post https://www.huffingtonpost.com/nikhil-bumb/why-even-the-nonreligious_b_3897268.html
“Fasting, as a religious practice, has been a part of human tradition for many, many centuries. It is mentioned in the Bible, in the Old and New Testament, the Qur’an, and the Bhagavad Gita, amongst other religious texts. Many religions require fasting as an act of faith or penance - often as a means of purification. In today’s increasingly materialistic and gluttonous world, regardless of our individual faith or non-faith traditions, we can all benefit from fasting from time to time. “
NOT FASTING RELATED:
Sam Baker: Finding Grace in the Face of Destruction
https://www.npr.org/2018/01/26/580781202/sam-baker-finding-grace-in-the-wake-of-destruction
In 1986, a bomb planted by a Peruvian terrorist group exploded in the luggage rack above Baker. During his recovery, songs about empathy started coming to him.
Reclaiming Lent
https://matthewdg.blog/2011/03/03/reclaiming-lent/
Books:
The Broken Way: A Daring Path into the Abundant Life
Fasting: The Ancient Practices by Scot McKnight
Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices, by Brian McLaren
https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/finding-our-way-again-the-return-of-the-ancient-practices-the-ancient-practices-_brian-d-mclaren/318311/#isbn=0849946026&idiq=7474273
The Brothers Karamazov, by Fyodor Dostoevsky
https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-brothers-karamazov-by-fyodor-dostoyevsky/253134/#isbn=1566195683&idiq=5832352
Children:
Home for a Bunny, by Margaret Wise Brown
Movies/TV/Streaming
My Name is Earl
Music:
Garth Brooks, Outside the Fire https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x10rrw
Steve Earle, Jerusalem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU278yFdvgQ
Well maybe I'm only dreamin' and maybe I'm just a fool
But I don't remember learnin' how to hate in Sunday school
Larkin Poe, Preachin’ Blues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEWiJR9qeoc
Clint Black, State of Mind
Kenny Chesney, That’s Why I’m Here
The Brilliance, Welcome to the Darkness https://youtu.be/5wIwFHL0Gpw
episode 3.11 in which our hosts discuss dust & ashes
Episode 3.11
Check out the links below, or go to https://www.themissionplace.org/allthatsholybluecollar/ to review the lists of books, articles, music, movies, and other resources. Some of these might be great as worship resources, but more likely, ways to expand our imaginations.
Twitter: @allthatsholy Check out All That's Holy (@allthatsholy): https://twitter.com/allthatsholy?s=09
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/allthatsholy/?ref=bookmarks
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/craigdanm/playlist/4MSLCTYyVIEP7wnQqaNeuV?si=636SBNhWSNW1wXmjtk9cSQ
Liturgical Seasons
Transfiguration
Why is this the “entry point”/transition in to Lent?
Divinity gazing at humanity gazing at divinity (Mutual gaze of humanity and divinity)
Was Peter an idiot? OR a genius?
Ash Wednesday
Why ashes? Why the forehead? Why is it an “imposition of ashes”? Who does it?
What is said?
Focused on sin or focused on humility and mortality?
Lent
Many associations, which to focus on?
40-days in the wilderness or 40-years in the exodus?
Fasting as refraining from, or clearing time and appetite to be able to engage with?
Lectionary Passages/Themes
Transfiguration Sunday - March 3, 2019
Exodus 34:29-35 Psalm 99 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)
Ash Wednesday - March 6, 2019
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12 Psalm 51:1-17 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
First Sunday in Lent - March 10, 2019
Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Romans 10:8b-13 Luke 4:1-13
Second Sunday in Lent - March 17, 2019
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 Psalm 27 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 13:31-35 or Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)
Third Sunday in Lent - March 24, 2019
Isaiah 55:1-9 Psalm 63:1-8 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Luke 13:1-9
Resources for Ash Wednesday and Transfiguration
Art
The Transfiguration (13th c. Byzantine Gospel book, unknown artist)
Luke 9:28-34 (Spiritual Paintings of Chris Cook, a Southern Artist)
http://chriscookartist.com/images/luke.jpg
Prayer
Resistance Prays
https://www.patreon.com/theresistanceprays
“TeenVogue reports the Resistance Prays is "on a mission to reclaim religion from political conservatives who so often use it as a cover for their restrictive laws... Each installment includes news of the day, related scripture, interpretation, prayer, and an action item."
Prayer and Politiks
http://www.prayerandpolitiks.org/what-is-politiks
What is “Politiks”? We know about prayer, right? But politiks?
The term is excerpted from the German word Realpolitik, coined in the nineteenth century to refer to the merging of enlightened political ideals with pragmatic realities. Real: realistic, based on actual history and material facts. Politik: politics.
Articles
AOC, It’s time to pay serious attention to TikTok
https://techcrunch.com/2019/01/29/its-time-to-pay-serious-attention-to-tiktok/
Users today are engaged in the culture wars on Twitter (ban the Nazis! protect free speech!), while YouTubers are gaming the algorithm with hateful, exploitive, dangerous and otherwise questionable content that freaks out advertisers. And Facebook is, well, contributing to war crimes and the toppling of democracy….Meanwhile, TikTok often presents an alternative version of online sharing. Simple, goofy, irreverent — and frankly, it’s a much needed reset.
If You're Often Angry Or Irritable, You May Be Depressed
“Many people — including physicians — associate depression with feelings of hopelessness, sadness and a lack of motivation or concentration, but not anger. Some researchers say that's a problem, given that there appears to be a strong link between irritability and depression.”
Books
Transfiguration: A Meditation on Transforming Ourselves and Our World, by John Dear
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/38238/transfiguration-by-john-dear/9780385510080/
Spiritual leader and peace activist John Dear guides readers on the path to finding peace within, and bringing harmony to a world torn by hatred and violence, through following in the footsteps of Jesus. John Dear’s efforts on behalf of social justice and world peace have won him international admiration and spurred features in the New York Times, the Washington Post, NPR’s All Things Considered, USA TODAY, and the National Catholic Reporter. Seen by many to be the spiritual heir to the Berrigan brothers, Dear believes that the key to the spiritual life is not just finding inner peace, but also bringing that peace to bear on the outside world. In this work, Dear uses the Gospel account of the Transfiguration, inviting readers to shape their lives along the story of Jesus and to continue his mission of love and peace.
Hunchback of Notre Dame, by Victor Hugo at Amazon
Kids
Pray to God!: A Book about Prayer, written by Kristen McCurry & illustrated by Jennifer Hilton
Pete the Cat: Snow Daze, by James Dean
Movies
As a theme for Ash Wednesday, often introspection, repentance, or mortality are often highlighted. Yet another theme is humility. Recognizing we are made of dust and ash. What are some movies about humility or gentle strength.
Hoosiers
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091217/
Based on the true story of a small-town Indiana team that made the state finals in 1954, this movie chronicles the attempts of a coach with a spotty past, and the town's basketball-loving drunk to lead their high school team to victory.
The Way
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1441912/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
"The Way" is a powerful and inspirational story about family, friends and the challenges we face while navigating this ever-changing and complicated world. Tom, an American doctor who comes to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to collect the remains of his adult son, killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking the Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James. Rather than return home, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage to honor his son's desire to finish the journey. What Tom doesn't plan on is the profound impact the journey will have on him and his "California Bubble Life".
To Kill a Mockingbird - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056592/characters/nm0676349?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t6
Humble Scout and Atticus Finch seek to save Boo Radley and Tom Robinson
Forrest Gump - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109830/?ref_=ttls_li_tt
Watching history unfold from the active influence and perspective of a man with an IQ of 75.
Music (check the podcast playlist at Spotify: ATHBCP: Lent)
Sufjan Stevens, The Transfiguration
Gerard Ray, Hazy Shade of Winter
The Brilliance, Dust we are and shall return
Episode 3.11
Check out the links below, or go to https://www.themissionplace.org/allthatsholybluecollar/ to review the lists of books, articles, music, movies, and other resources. Some of these might be great as worship resources, but more likely, ways to expand our imaginations.
Twitter: @allthatsholy Check out All That's Holy (@allthatsholy): https://twitter.com/allthatsholy?s=09
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/allthatsholy/?ref=bookmarks
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/craigdanm/playlist/4MSLCTYyVIEP7wnQqaNeuV?si=636SBNhWSNW1wXmjtk9cSQ
Liturgical Seasons
Transfiguration
Why is this the “entry point”/transition in to Lent?
Divinity gazing at humanity gazing at divinity (Mutual gaze of humanity and divinity)
Was Peter an idiot? OR a genius?
Ash Wednesday
Why ashes? Why the forehead? Why is it an “imposition of ashes”? Who does it?
What is said?
Focused on sin or focused on humility and mortality?
Lent
Many associations, which to focus on?
40-days in the wilderness or 40-years in the exodus?
Fasting as refraining from, or clearing time and appetite to be able to engage with?
Lectionary Passages/Themes
Transfiguration Sunday - March 3, 2019
Exodus 34:29-35 Psalm 99 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)
Ash Wednesday - March 6, 2019
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12 Psalm 51:1-17 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
First Sunday in Lent - March 10, 2019
Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Romans 10:8b-13 Luke 4:1-13
Second Sunday in Lent - March 17, 2019
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 Psalm 27 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 13:31-35 or Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)
Third Sunday in Lent - March 24, 2019
Isaiah 55:1-9 Psalm 63:1-8 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Luke 13:1-9
Resources for Ash Wednesday and Transfiguration
Art
The Transfiguration (13th c. Byzantine Gospel book, unknown artist)
Luke 9:28-34 (Spiritual Paintings of Chris Cook, a Southern Artist)
http://chriscookartist.com/images/luke.jpg
Prayer
Resistance Prays
https://www.patreon.com/theresistanceprays
“TeenVogue reports the Resistance Prays is "on a mission to reclaim religion from political conservatives who so often use it as a cover for their restrictive laws... Each installment includes news of the day, related scripture, interpretation, prayer, and an action item."
Prayer and Politiks
http://www.prayerandpolitiks.org/what-is-politiks
What is “Politiks”? We know about prayer, right? But politiks?
The term is excerpted from the German word Realpolitik, coined in the nineteenth century to refer to the merging of enlightened political ideals with pragmatic realities. Real: realistic, based on actual history and material facts. Politik: politics.
Articles
AOC, It’s time to pay serious attention to TikTok
https://techcrunch.com/2019/01/29/its-time-to-pay-serious-attention-to-tiktok/
Users today are engaged in the culture wars on Twitter (ban the Nazis! protect free speech!), while YouTubers are gaming the algorithm with hateful, exploitive, dangerous and otherwise questionable content that freaks out advertisers. And Facebook is, well, contributing to war crimes and the toppling of democracy….Meanwhile, TikTok often presents an alternative version of online sharing. Simple, goofy, irreverent — and frankly, it’s a much needed reset.
If You're Often Angry Or Irritable, You May Be Depressed
“Many people — including physicians — associate depression with feelings of hopelessness, sadness and a lack of motivation or concentration, but not anger. Some researchers say that's a problem, given that there appears to be a strong link between irritability and depression.”
Books
Transfiguration: A Meditation on Transforming Ourselves and Our World, by John Dear
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/38238/transfiguration-by-john-dear/9780385510080/
Spiritual leader and peace activist John Dear guides readers on the path to finding peace within, and bringing harmony to a world torn by hatred and violence, through following in the footsteps of Jesus. John Dear’s efforts on behalf of social justice and world peace have won him international admiration and spurred features in the New York Times, the Washington Post, NPR’s All Things Considered, USA TODAY, and the National Catholic Reporter. Seen by many to be the spiritual heir to the Berrigan brothers, Dear believes that the key to the spiritual life is not just finding inner peace, but also bringing that peace to bear on the outside world. In this work, Dear uses the Gospel account of the Transfiguration, inviting readers to shape their lives along the story of Jesus and to continue his mission of love and peace.
Hunchback of Notre Dame, by Victor Hugo at Amazon
Kids
Pray to God!: A Book about Prayer, written by Kristen McCurry & illustrated by Jennifer Hilton
Pete the Cat: Snow Daze, by James Dean
Movies
As a theme for Ash Wednesday, often introspection, repentance, or mortality are often highlighted. Yet another theme is humility. Recognizing we are made of dust and ash. What are some movies about humility or gentle strength.
Hoosiers
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091217/
Based on the true story of a small-town Indiana team that made the state finals in 1954, this movie chronicles the attempts of a coach with a spotty past, and the town's basketball-loving drunk to lead their high school team to victory.
The Way
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1441912/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
"The Way" is a powerful and inspirational story about family, friends and the challenges we face while navigating this ever-changing and complicated world. Tom, an American doctor who comes to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to collect the remains of his adult son, killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking the Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James. Rather than return home, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage to honor his son's desire to finish the journey. What Tom doesn't plan on is the profound impact the journey will have on him and his "California Bubble Life".
To Kill a Mockingbird - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056592/characters/nm0676349?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t6
Humble Scout and Atticus Finch seek to save Boo Radley and Tom Robinson
Forrest Gump - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109830/?ref_=ttls_li_tt
Watching history unfold from the active influence and perspective of a man with an IQ of 75.
Music (check the podcast playlist at Spotify: ATHBCP: Lent)
Sufjan Stevens, The Transfiguration
Gerard Ray, Hazy Shade of Winter
The Brilliance, Dust we are and shall return
episode 3.10 in which our hosts discover their signature sound
Episode 3.10 IN WHICH OUR HOSTS DISCOVER THEIR SIGNATURE SOUND
We’re still in one of the longest seasons after Epiphany, but it is not too soon to think about Ash Wednesday coming up, and the season of Lent. There’s all kinds of symbolism and tradition mixed in with this season.
Also, baseball begins (https://www.springtrainingonline.com/reporting-dates/).
Baseball is coming, pitchers and catcher report in a couple of weeks. Time to remember why baseball is better than football with George Carlin’s: Baseball vs Football https://youtu.be/aIkqNiBASfI
Craig’s pretty happy with the two new tunes being sung in his congregation for worship. Walls, by Tommy Emmanuel https://youtu.be/MLhXnquvH6I; and God is not a white man, by Gungor https://youtu.be/-WybvhRu9KU
Twitter: @allthatsholy check out All That's Holy (@allthatsholy): https://twitter.com/allthatsholy?s=09
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/allthatsholy/?ref=bookmarks
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/craigdanm/playlist/4MSLCTYyVIEP7wnQqaNeuV?si=636SBNhWSNW1wXmjtk9cSQ
Episode 3.10 IN WHICH OUR HOSTS DISCOVER THEIR SIGNATURE SOUND
We’re still in one of the longest seasons after Epiphany, but it is not too soon to think about Ash Wednesday coming up, and the season of Lent. There’s all kinds of symbolism and tradition mixed in with this season.
Also, baseball begins (https://www.springtrainingonline.com/reporting-dates/).
Baseball is coming, pitchers and catcher report in a couple of weeks. Time to remember why baseball is better than football with George Carlin’s: Baseball vs Football https://youtu.be/aIkqNiBASfI
Craig’s pretty happy with the two new tunes being sung in his congregation for worship. Walls, by Tommy Emmanuel https://youtu.be/MLhXnquvH6I; and God is not a white man, by Gungor https://youtu.be/-WybvhRu9KU
Twitter: @allthatsholy check out All That's Holy (@allthatsholy): https://twitter.com/allthatsholy?s=09
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/allthatsholy/?ref=bookmarks
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/craigdanm/playlist/4MSLCTYyVIEP7wnQqaNeuV?si=636SBNhWSNW1wXmjtk9cSQ
Looking at themes in the Lectionary
Remembering that the Season after Epiphany is actually not the “season of epiphany”, but is actually numbered as “ordinary time,” Luke’s chronological reading of the life of Jesus will be interrupted by Lent and Easter seasons. We will pick up the chronological reading of Luke again when we return to ordinary time in the season after Pentecost.
As the Sundays move into Lent, the chronological passages of Luke, give way to more thematic gospel readings. But the Lukan passages will come around again in sequence. One of the the things churches can be thinking about in their proclamation is “who is Jesus?”, not so much as a declarative proposition, but more in terms of a probing question. Alan Culpepper (New Interpreter's Bible, vol IX) notes the structure of Luke uses Jesus Galilean ministry, previous to his turn toward Jerusalem (Luke 4.14-9.50,
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=415945039) as a period to ask questions.
Luke 5.21 Who is this speaking blasphemies?
Luke 7.20 Are you the one who is to come?
Luke 8.25 Who is this who even forgives sins?
Luke 9.9 John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?
Luke 9.18 Who do the crowds say that I am?
This section concludes with Luke 9.20 and 9.35, answering with “the messiah of God”, and “this is my son, my chosen.”
Questions for congregational life and mission
What are the ways the questions about Jesus’ identity are invitations to share in an exploration, rather than an attempt to prove his identity?
How can questions invite and expand the welcome of God’s community?
What do the “answers” in Luke 9 lead toward in orthopraxy, not just orthodoxy?
Moving from Season after Epiphany into Lent
The Hebrew Bible themes could be an interesting point of departure if you are not looking to preach through the Gospel of Luke for Year C. The Hebrew Bible texts look at key texts in God’s creation of a people. There are some challenges, but with the Isaiah passages leading toward the final week, there’s a great tie-in to Advent with promise of Immanuel. Or, stay with Luke and move through Lenten themes of in the life of Jesus.
March 3, 2019
Exodus 34:29-35 Psalm 99 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)
March 6, 2019
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 Isaiah 58:1-12 Psalm 51:1-17 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
March 10, 2019
Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Romans 10:8b-13 Luke 4:1-13
March 17, 2019
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 Psalm 27 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 13:31-35 Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)
Resources:
Worthy, by Melanie Springer Mock is a book we are both reading. We’ll be talking with Melanie Springer Mock in the coming weeks and having a give-away contest for her book, Worthy. Stay tuned.
Articles:
The Verge: Take this test to figure out how tone-deaf you are: And then take a quiz to see if you can tell what different songs are used for
Over at Harvard University, the department of psychology has opened a new lab to study the science of music. While this is sure to lead to plenty of interesting research in the future, the important takeaway from this news is that the Music Lab has created a citizen science platform where the general public can take various music quizzes and contribute to research. Currently, the site has four tests, which we can all take to figure out how well we truly understand music. (Right now, the tests are only available on desktop.)
This is an opportunity to become involved with citizen science research. Go over to the Citizen Science Alliance to learn about other projects: https://www.citizensciencealliance.org/
Stop Trusting Viral Videos
“A controversial video of Catholic students clashing with American Indians appeared to tell a simple truth. A second video called that story into question. But neither shows what truly happened.….it might be better to stop and look at how film footage constructs rather than reflects the truths of a debate like this one. Despite the widespread creation and dissemination of video online, people still seem to believe that cameras depict the world as it really is; the truth comes from finding the right material from the right camera. That idea is mistaken, and it’s bringing forth just as much animosity as the polarization that is thought to produce the conflicts cameras record.”
Have Aliens Found Us? A Harvard Astronomer on the Mysterious Interstellar Object ‘Oumuamu
And…
Mysterious radio signals from deep space detected
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46811618
These two articles should have received more press than they did, but we were all side-tracked following the exploits of the nincompoop occupying the people’s house. These and related stories remind us that there is a lot going on in the not-so-quiet depths of space.
Why Ex-Churchgoers Flocked to Trump
https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/why-ex-churchgoers-flocked-to-trump/
This is a challenging study, due in large part to the circumstantial evidence (correlational evidence), is pretty convincing. Where church adherence is low (and churches are closing), the American Dream feels dead, there is where the highest percentages of Trump voters are found.
“The most Mormon county in the U.S., however, is not in Utah, but is Madison County, Idaho, home to BYU Idaho. Trump’s share of the primary vote there: 7.6 percent, making the most religious county in America Trump’s worst county in the primaries. The more people worshipping and studying with neighbors with whom they shared a higher cause, the less belief that the American Dream was dead.”
A Dutch Church’s 24/7 Vigil to Protect Refugees Ended With a Government Deal
http://time.com/5517327/netherlands-bethel-church-24-7-service-refugees/
“The church service began Oct. 26 to protect the Tamrazyan family — including the parents, their two daughters and a son. Dutch law prohibits authorities from entering a church building while a service is underway.”
Books:
The Last Temptation of Christ
Movies:
John Q.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0251160/
John Quincy Archibald’s son Michael collapses while playing baseball as a result of heart failure. John rushes Michael to a hospital emergency room where he is informed that Michael's only hope is a transplant. Unfortunately, John's insurance won't cover his son's transplant. Out of options, John Q. takes the emergency room staff and patients hostage until hospital doctors agree to do the transplant.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
The War
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111667/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Vietnam War vet Stephen Simmons must deal with a war of a different sort between his son and
their friends, and a rival group of children. He also must deal with his own personal and
employment problems that have resulted from his Vietnam experiences.
For Children:
Amazing Grace, by Mary Hoffman, Illustrated by Caroling Binch
https://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Grace-Mary-Hoffman/dp/1845077490
When Grace learns of her class’s production of Peter Pan, she immediately dreams of taking on the lead role. But her classmates don’t think she is right for the part because she is a girl and because she is black. Grace tells her family about her classmates’ comments. Her mother and grandmother encourage her and take her to a performance by a ballet dancer from Trinidad. When the time comes for auditions, Grace shines and leaves behind the hurt she experienced a few days earlier.
Rufus and His Angry Tail, by Elias Carr, Illustrated by Mike Garton
https://www.amazon.com/Rufus-His-Angry-Tail-Frolic/dp/1506410499
In the story of Rufus and His Angry Tail, Rufus quickly becomes agitated by Ava and her mud pies. Ava doesn’t mean to upset Rufus although it happens. Ava continues to get into Rufus’ space and Rufus becomes more and more upset. When Ava pushes him too far, Rufus escapes to collect himself and says a prayer about feeling angry. Upon his return to Ava, they apologize and forgive one another, returning to their friendly relationship.
Inside Out
Music
I couldn’t find the Gungor song to put onto our Spotify playlist https://open.spotify.com/user/craigdanm/playlist/4MSLCTYyVIEP7wnQqaNeuV?si=kCAveeUjSv-tl9MuLuu0Cg . So there is a YouTube link below.
Tommy Emmanuel and Christine Lenee, Walls, https://youtu.be/MLhXnquvH6I
Some walls are build on pride
Some keep the child inside
Some walls are build in fear that
Love let go will disappear
If there is any hope for love at all
Some walls must fall
Gungor, God is not a White Man, https://youtu.be/-WybvhRu9KU
Atheists and Charlatans and
Communists and Lesbians
And even old Pat Robertson
Oh God He loves us all
Catholic or Protestant
Terrorist or President
Everybody, everybody
Love, love, love, love, love, oh
Yeah, I say God is love
God is love
And He loves everyone
Stop the hating
Please just stop the hating now
'Cause God is love
SWEET WEBSITE FINDS
Prayer & Politiks
http://www.prayerandpolitiks.org/
At the intersection of spiritual formation and prophetic action.
“Practicing prayer-and-politiks is not the pursuit of an impossible ideal, or the fantasy of
woolly-headed day dreamers, lost in the fog of sentiment and segregated from the
blood-smeared face of history. The care we extend to the broken, battered and bruised parts of
creation is a form of prayer before it is an act of ethics. For it is from the margins, where life is
coming unraveled, that our hearts are most open to the beat of God’s promised future. ‘It is
from the ash heap God is seen.’ (Archibald MacLeish in J.B.)”
episode 3.9 in which our hosts demonstrate that they don't edit their podcast
Episode 3.9 in which our hosts demonstrate that they don’t edit
Cody and Craig try to figure out the deep mysteries of life (including the sound recording feature on Zoom) but give up and talk about music, God, food, sports, and life. And the extended Holy Season which continues through the Super Bowl.
Check out the links on the episode page, or go to https://www.themissionplace.org/allthatsholybluecollar/ to review the lists of books, articles, music, movies, and other resources. Some of these might be great to worship resources, but more likely, ways to expand our imaginations.
You might think we talk about God and the bible to help preachers find something to talk about.
Reality is, most preachers don’t need help finding something to talk about.
Sometimes we need less to talk about. But, the scriptures are not just for preachers and teachers to talk about. Rather, how does the bible affect family life, business and consumer choices, and how we lead our institutions and organizations. Really, we’re trying to pull the bible out of the preacher’s hands and get the wisdom of church seasons, cycles of scripture readings, and the stories and rituals of faith in to all our hands.
episode 3.9 in which our hosts demonstrate that they don't edit their podcast
Cody and Craig try to figure out the deep mysteries of life (including the sound recording feature on Zoom) but give up and talk about music, God, food, sports, and life. And the extended Holy Season which continues through the Super Bowl.
Check out the links below, or go to https://www.themissionplace.org/allthatsholybluecollar/ to review the lists of books, articles, music, movies, and other resources mentioned (or we didn’t get around to mentioning) in the podcast. Some of these might be great to worship resources, but more likely, ways to expand our imaginations.
You might think we talk about God and the bible to help preachers find something to talk about. Reality is, most preachers don’t need help finding something to talk about.
Sometimes we need less to talk about. But, the scriptures are not just for preachers and teachers to talk about. Rather, how does the bible affect family life, business and consumer choices, and how we lead our institutions and organizations. Really, we’re trying to pull the bible out of the preacher’s hands and get the wisdom of church seasons, cycles of scripture readings, and the stories and rituals of faith in to all our hands.
Twitter: @allthatsholy Check out All That's Holy (@allthatsholy): https://twitter.com/allthatsholy?s=09
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/allthatsholy/?ref=bookmarks
Looking Ahead
List of Holy Days (Protestant and Catholic) https://www.calendarlabs.com/holidays/christian/2019
Listing of Orthodox and Catholic Saint Days http://saintsresource.com/saints-of-the-month/saints-month-listing
US National Days https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/social-media-holiday-calendar-2017
All Holidays, Commemorative, and National days http://www.holidayscalendar.com/months/
Epiphany 4-6C for January 27 through February 17
Many of the themes from Luke in the Season after Epiphany are meant to open up Jesus’ followers to the outsiders and the alien. Alan Culpepper in The New Interpreter's Bible notes that Luke is written with a context of invitation and inclusion: sinners are those over whom God rejoices when found; Samaritans are called ‘good’; women from the beginning with Elizabeth and Mary embrace the radical message and other women join in central roles (Joanna, Anna, Susanna, Mary the Magdalene, Mary and Martha); and the importance of ‘table fellowship’. Jesus does more eating, drinking, and partying in this gospel with sinners than other gospels.
Cody applies a fresh insight on the excisement of Jesus as a symbolic death as he is being rejected from the synagogue. Luke 4 describes a series of events that can be viewed with fresh consideration.
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Jeremiah 1:4-10 Psalm 71:1-6 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Luke 4:21-30
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13) Psalm 138 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Luke 5:1-11
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany Jeremiah 17:5-10 Psalm 1 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Luke 6:17-26
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany Genesis 45:3-11, 15 Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 Luke 6:27-38
Resources:
Clothing - Well...soccer scarfs. In Craig’s tradition, pastors don’t wear stoles. But if Craig did, he’s looking to get one of the Portland Timber’s scarves supporting kids and refugees.
The Timbers came to Boise in 2018 not just to market the team and expand the fan base, but to send a message of inclusion after a local youth soccer team received a hate-filled racist letter.
Portland Timbers visit Idaho's Juniors Futbol Club, “The Portland Timbers soccer team paid young soccer players a visit Monday in Meridian to promote inclusion after the club received a racist letter in January.” https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/portland-timbers-visit-idahos-juniors-futbol-club/277-552107508
Articles:
How to Download the Books That Just Entered the Public Domain
Starting at midnight on January 1, tens of thousands of books (as well as movies, songs, and cartoons) entered the public domain, meaning that people can download, share, or repurpose these works for free and without retribution under US copyright law.
What Happened When I Made My Students Turn Off Their Phones
I used to make students sing or dance if their phones interrupted class, and although this led to some memorable moments, it also turned inappropriate tech use into a joke. Given the myriad deleterious effects of phones – addiction, decline of face-to-face socialisation, deskilling, and endless distraction, for starters – I want students to think carefully about their phone habits, rather than to mindlessly follow (or not follow) a rule.
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/what-happened-when-i-made-my-students-turn-off-their-phones
Here’s What “Millennial Burnout” Is Like For 16 Different People
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/annehelenpetersen/millennial-burnout-perspectives
I do believe that burnout is a shared, defining generational experience, but that doesn’t mean it works or feels the same way for all millennials — or that it’s limited to people our age. My own experience (as a white, upper-middle-class, college-educated woman) provided the backbone of this particular essay, but it was just the beginning of a conversation — not the end.
“God - Funny” from Comedy Central
Not many of these are any good in a sermon, so good luck: Stand-up comics one-liners, punch-lines, and short stories about religion. From Comedy Central
Techcrunch.com: This clever AI hid data from its creators to cheat at its appointed task
“Depending on how paranoid you are, this research from Stanford and Google will be either terrifying or fascinating. A machine learning agent intended to transform aerial images into street maps and back was found to be cheating by hiding information it would need later in “a nearly imperceptible, high-frequency signal.” Clever girl!...the computer is so good at slipping these details into the street maps that it had learned to encode any aerial map into any street map! It doesn’t even have to pay attention to the “real” street map…”
Seattle Times, ‘Seattle-ization’? American cities fear what’s happened here
When a city succeeds economically it may mean the development of an exclusive city. Economic gain and social and cultural loss. As well as a rise in economically disadvantaged and homelessness. Be careful what you wish for.
Biblical Waters: Can the Jordan River Be Saved? And The Dead River? How the waters of the Jordan run foul
Two articles providing information on the the current status of the biblical site of Jesus’ baptism, and the location may contemporary pilgrims seek for their own baptisms.
“If Jesus were to plunge into the Jordan River today, he might well injure himself.”
“Those wishing to follow in Jesus’s footsteps and be soaked in the Jordan’s waters have to go to specially designated – and relatively pollution free - baptism areas.”
Books:
The Politics of Jesus, by John Howard Yoder
Analysis of the political and economic issues within the context of the Luke’s gospel. Essential reading for understanding the radical call of nonviolence of Jesus as well as in depth historical criticism.
“The believer's cross is no longer any and every kind of suffering, sickness, or tension, the bearing of which is demanded. The believer's cross must be, like his Lord's, the price of his social nonconformity. It is not, like sickness or catastrophe, an inexplicable, unpredictable suffering; it is the end of the path freely chosen after counting the cost. It is not, like Luther's or Thomas Muntzer's or Zinzendorf's or Kierkegaard's cross, an inward wrestling of the sensitive soul with self and sin; it is the social reality of representing in an unwilling world the Order to come.”
The Araboolies of Liberty Street, by Sam Swope
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/864497.The_Araboolies_of_Liberty_Street
Since the Gospel of Luke loves to include the different and the excluded. One of my favorite stories seems to fit the theme.
Music:
Craig has been listening to four albums lately. These are in the Spotify Playlist ATHBCP: Epiphany: Everyday Apocalypse https://tinyurl.com/y7fh68sg Next week, Craig’s planning to spend more time with the newest Guster album just released today (1/18/2019)
It’s Just So Weird, Receiver: Juliana Hatfield on Weird
Light On, Past Life, Back in My Body: Maggie Rogers on Light On
The Trap, Of Course, I have a Dream: Derek Minor on The Trap
The Hardest Art, Native Tongue: Switchfoot on Native Tongue
(See the fanvideo of Native Tongue https://youtu.be/Fa5o-_QsCfs)
Twitter: @allthatsholy Check out All That's Holy (@allthatsholy): https://twitter.com/allthatsholy?s=09
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/allthatsholy/?ref=bookmarks
Here are some extended notes about some of the previously added songs on the ATHBCP playlist
I Know How to Speak, Manchester Orchestra
https://open.spotify.com/track/4G9aoDV0KAsAYqTEKY53BF?si=LzhoU98TRGaLG49baK40Iw
A song is about a “beautiful impending weight”, as Andy Hull, of Manchester Orchestra describes the song: “This song was originally and roughly formed a few years ago, about the impending weight of the future….We spent some solid time this year revisiting and reworking and recording the song into its final state. I found it inspiring to work on this song right before the birth of my son, which was and is beautiful impending weight.”
Blood, 21 Pilots
https://open.spotify.com/track/5HeKOKc4phmLn8e4I7EkzD?si=l5wEsT4WRPG15D13Vw8jtA
A perfect song to sing while fleeing to Egypt:
When everyone you thought you knew
Deserts your fight, I'll go with you
You're facin' down a dark hall
I'll grab my light
And go with you, I'll go with you
I'll go with you, I'll go with you
I'll go with you, I'll go with you
I'll go with you, I'll go with you
Bicycle Rider, Starflyer 59
https://open.spotify.com/track/3ti9HYwU9i9MAJR269yY1x?si=YvZSggF1TrGGy2YkiGjKuA
Some of us got married, went to seminary
Or found a job where the people are
And then we're asked to carry, loads that are too heavy for
And it makes us crazy, it makes me crazy
It makes us crazy, it makes me crazy…
I'll change my mind and I'll be true
'Cause blessings come by the black and blue
I'll rest my head 'cause God is good
I'll rest my head 'cause God is good
Outside, Foo Fighters
https://open.spotify.com/track/5BfbdJLRp9gUyyxeGJUECL?si=G8eVHKQ-TWq8iSHwbugl8Q
Oh, I found the space between the spaces
Standing in the nothing, and time will cling to
And as the wind will beat you down
And the wind the only sound
There's something out there
There's a long straight road, out of the cold
And we can leave it all behind
I wanna get outside, baby, let's get outside
I wanna get outside, outside, of me
episode 3.8 in which our hosts learn about volleyball and hospitality
With episode co-host and interviewee, Sarah Jackson of Casa De Paz, Denver, Colorado.
We blathered and yacked (verb, past tense: trivial or unduly persistent conversation) about some of the following topics and ideas in the podcast. But for the most part, we got to know Sarah Jackson and life at Casa De Paz. Please look at the following links to learn about Casa de Paz and support the compassionate work of hospitality are hope.
episode 3.8 in which our hosts learn about volleyball and hospitality
We have an episode co-host and interviewee, Sarah Jackson of Casa De Paz, Denver, Colorado on this episode.
(Note: take a look at the photo, by Anthony Camera on the podcast page, I love the netting on the volleyball net and the ball that looks like a globe - cool!)
We blathered and yacked (verb, past tense: trivial or unduly persistent conversation) about some of the following topics and ideas in the podcast. But for the most part, we got to know Sarah Jackson and life at Casa De Paz. Please look at the following links to learn about Casa de Paz and support the compassionate work of hospitality are hope.
Others are talking about Casa de Paz
David Byrne of Talking Heads discovered Casa de Paz and encouraged his fans to be supportive from his Twitter account (@DBtodomundo ) “Sarah Jackson founded Casa de Paz—a short term home for immigrant detainees and their families—in Aurora, Colorado that is funded through a volleyball league she runs. Read more at https://www.reasonstobecheerful.world “ Here’s what Sarah wrote: Start Something Slow Start Now
The Guardian: 'Mi casa es su casa': the American welcoming migrants into her home
“Sarah Jackson built a space for newly released detainees to get back on their feet after witnessing their struggles at the border “
Colorado Public Radio: When Detained Immigrants Are Released, Casa De Paz Is Waiting To Lend A Hand
“Before many people arrive at the federal detention facility Aurora, they could have been arrested in places as far flung as the U.S.-Mexico border or New York City. Some detainees end up far from anyone or anywhere they know. When they're released, they may not have money, a phone or a place to go. Sarah Jackson founded Casa de Paz six years ago to help those newly released immigrants. Casa de Paz’s original mission was to be a place where far-flung family members of detainees could stay and visit a loved one, not unlike how a Ronald McDonald House serves a hospital.”
Don’t just learn about Casa de Paz, support Casa de Paz
About Casa de Paz https://www.casadepazcolorado.org/
Casa de Paz began in 2012 as a small, one-bedroom apartment offering hospitality to families separated by immigrant detention. Our work has always been to host families whose loved ones are being detained and individuals who have been recently released. In 2017 we moved into a larger, rented house with more space so that we would not have to turn people away. Today, Casa de Paz provides visits and emotional support, shelter and meals, access to phones, WiFi, computers and transportation. Detention is a difficult time that tears families apart and creates a financial burden, so we have always offered our services free of cost. Since we first opened our doors we’ve hosted over 1,600 immigrants and the need only continues to grow.
Volleyball Internacional https://www.casadepazcolorado.org/volleyball/
Volleyball Internacional is a diverse welcoming, family-friendly league where playing volleyball supports something bigger. Players join Volleyball Internacional because we love the game. We alove spending time on the court with our friends and family, getting some exercise, competing and having fun. We also join because Volleyball Internacional helps put families back together again. Volleyball Internacional is where sport meets compassion. 100% of the league's profit is donated directly to Casa de Paz, a local nonprofit with the mission to ease the isolating experience of immigrant detention, one simple act of love at a time.
Donate https://www.casadepazcolorado.org/donate/
Donate online through PayPal
Donate by phone - Text the word Casa to 50555 and set up a one time or recurring donation
Donate by check - Checks can be written to Casa de Paz and sent to PO Box 111351, Aurora, CO, 80042
Donate household items - click here to see our home wish list
Follow Casa De Paz on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CasaDePazCo/
And follow the All That’s Holy: Blue Collar Podcast on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/allthatsholy/
And Twitter: @allthatsholy https://twitter.com/allthatsholy
episode 3.7 in which our hosts seek a daily apocalypse
As we get ready to jump into Epiphany, we look at the key themes of the season and grab onto an idea that helps us frame our conversations around the season.
Of the many themes that arise in the lectionary texts for this year in the lectionary, the epiphany theme of “revealing” and of “unveiling” emerge. That which is being revealed is the light of God in Jesus of Nazareth. With each week, a new story unveils a previously unseen aspect of God-with-us.
EVERYDAY APOCALYPSE: an epiphany overview
Epiphany 1C begins January 6 2019
This week’s episode photo is from Photo by Nowshad Arefin on Unsplash
As we get ready to jump into Epiphany, we look at the key themes of the season and grab onto an idea that helps us frame our conversations around the season.
Of the many themes that arise in the lectionary texts for this year in the lectionary, the epiphany theme of “revealing” and of “unveiling” emerge. That which is being revealed is the light of God in Jesus of Nazareth. With each week, a new story unveils a previously unseen aspect of God-with-us.
For Craig, this is one of the most “missional” seasons in the church year. Not only is Luke, as well as the other texts, announcing the good news of God’s reign and realm, there is also a new community emerging. God is creating around Jesus a new people. People who would have been excluded otherwise, are find in Jesus, God’s radically welcoming hospitality.
But as this is being discovered, it is unexpected. It is being revealed. Cody picks up the term “apocalypse” or literally, the unveiling. Every day with Jesus in Luke’s gospel, an opportunity arises to be surprised by how the light of God shows up.
We also talk about our opening clip
We’ve got a great deal of respect for John Steinbeck. We talk about our intro clip from the Grapes of Wrath. Linking the writing of Steinbeck to the story line of the Gospel of Luke. Luke picks up themes of welcoming outsiders, the marginalized. There is a derisive perspective toward wealth and privilege in the gospel, and a prophetic preferential treat of the poor. Luke is filled with Tom Joad and his people.
Epiphany resources
The Gaelic and Celtic tradition of “chalking”: Chalking and Blessing of houses http://www.crivoice.org/cyepiph.html +c+m+b Christus mansionem benedicat
How to redesign cities to fight loneliness https://www.fastcompany.com/90276423/how-to-redesign-cities-to-fight-loneliness Chronic Loneliness and Urban planning
Studying Luke:
The gospel of Luke and Social Justice, by Angelo Lopez
https://angelolopez.wordpress.com/2015/01/06/the-gospel-of-luke-and-social-justice/
“In doing some research, I find that Luke is often referred to as the social justice gospel. Deacon Paul Carlson wrote an article titled Luke, the Gospel of Social Justice. He stated: “No other NT writer except the author of the Epistle of James emphasizes the social justice aspect of Christian living to the depth that Luke does. He preserves the many sayings of Jesus warning that those with material possessions have a responsibility to the poor and disadvantaged. He attacks the racism and discrimination against the untouchables that existed.”
To release the oppressed, by John Coffey
“While the New Testament extends and deepens Old Testament teaching, it does not exchange a social message for a spiritual one. God’s ‘passionate priorities’ – his hatred of social and political oppression, corruption, callousness and bloodshed – are inscribed throughout the Law, the Prophets, the Psalms and the Wisdom Literature, and they are not forgotten in the New Testament”
Articles
Oscar-Nominated Film Tells True Story of Muslims Protecting Christians
A film based on the true story of how a group of Muslims in Kenya stood between Christians and the guns of Islamic terrorists has been nominated for an Oscar. In December 2015, just before Christmas, a bus with 100 people was traveling near the border with Somalia and Ethiopia. The route is known to be dangerous, and buses usually have a police escort, but the escort vehicle broke down, and the bus was traveling alone. It was ambushed by Al-Shabaab terrorists, who told the Muslim and Christian passengers to separate themselves so they could kill the Christians.
“Since Epiphany is about Christ being revealed as the Son of God, its interesting to consider how the Patronus is part of what reveals that Harry is James’ son in the sense of being like him, being as great as him, etc. Most notably, Harry’s Patronus is a stag just like James’ Patronus. It’s for this reason, among others, that I am convinced by John Granger regarding the possible meaning of Harry’s name symbolically. He argues that “Harry Potter” was probably chosen as the name for the orphan protagonist of the series due in part to a play on words pointing to the fact that he is the heir of his father (Heir-y Pater; “Pater” being Latin for father). This play on words as the symbolism behind Harry’s name, gains further support from this Epiphany-Patronus connection.”
United States Added to List of Most Dangerous Countries for Journalists
GoFundMe Campaign to Buy “Ladders” Created to Counter One for Trump’s Border Wall
Books
Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others, by Barbara Brown Taylor
You Say You Want a Revolution?, by Dr. Dan Boone
Meet Jesus—the original revolutionary, who turned the world upside down with his countercultural ways. Join Dr. Dan Boone for 40 days in the Gospel of Luke exploring Jesus's radical commitment to justice and compassion as he embraces the marginalized and introduces a new kingdom on earth.
Children
Home By Another Way: A Christmas Story, by Barbara Brown Taylor
Movies
Bridge to Terabithia: Jesse Aarons trained all summer to become the fastest runner in school, so he's very upset when newcomer Leslie Burke outruns him and everyone else. Despite this and other differences, including that she's rich, he's poor, and she's a city girl, he's a country boy, the two become fast friends. Together, they create Terabithia, a land of monsters, trolls, ogres, and giants and rule as king and queen. This friendship helps Jess deal with the tragedy that makes him realize what Leslie taught him.
Watu Wote (All of Us): For almost a decade Kenya has been targeted by terrorist attacks of the Al-Shabaab. Especially the border region between Kenya and Somalia is considered highly dangerous. An atmosphere of anxiety and mistrust between Muslims and Christians is growing. Until in December 2015, Muslim bus passengers showed that solidarity can prevail.
Music:
Spotify : We will be developing a list for the season as the season progresses.
Episode 3.6 in which Christmas is almost here!
If you are not ready by now, well, I have news for you. It’s going to happen anyway. Christmas, once again, is sneaking up and ready to start. Yes. I said start. For many, Christmas Day feels like a finish line. For some, the finish line feels like relief that all the plans, purchases, and demands will now fade so that normal life may again resume.
Please, don’t leave Christmas so soon. We have twelve days to let the idea of hope, peace, joy, and love sink in a bit. For some, there are days of from work. For others, there are days off from school. And for some, there are no days off at all. So lengthen out the season, so that when Epiphany comes along on January 6th, Christmas can lift you into a season of seeing God show up in the simple and the subtle.
Episode 3.6 in which Christmas is almost here!
DISCLAIMER: Do to technical problems, editing did not go too well this past week.
If you are not ready by now, well, I have news for you. It’s going to happen anyway. Christmas, once again, is sneaking up and ready to start. Yes. I said start. For many, Christmas Day feels like a finish line. For some, the finish line feels like relief that all the plans, purchases, and demands will now fade so that normal life may again resume.
Please, don’t leave Christmas so soon. We have twelve days to let the idea of hope, peace, joy, and love sink in a bit. For some, there are days of from work. For others, there are days off from school. And for some, there are no days off at all. So lengthen out the season, so that when Epiphany comes along on January 6th, Christmas can lift you into a season of seeing God show up in the simple and the subtle.
Revised Common Lectionary
Three proper formats to chose from. What is the difference? For an overview of all the texts for three different propers, Find John Shearman’s lectionary page.
Nativity of the Lord - Proper I - Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus; 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14, (15-20)
Nativity of the Lord - Proper II - Isaiah 62:6-12; Psalm 97; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:(1-7), 8-20
Nativity of the Lord - Proper III - Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12); John 1:1-14
For singing the psalms: http://www.psalmimmersion.com/
“Richard's musical versions of the Psalms are grounded in careful, sensitive, and faithful interpretation of the Book of Psalms. His translations and poetic paraphrases consistently capture and highlight what is important…”
Lessons and Carols
Traditional - http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/events/chapel-services/nine-lessons.html
Process Faith - https://processandfaith.org/a-ceremony-of-lessons-and-carols/
A Ceremony of Lessons and Carols | Real Spirituality For Real Life
Contributed by Jeanyne Slettom This service of lessons and carols is based on the traditional set of readings with some changes. It retains lessons 3-9, but shifts the message of lessons 1 and 2 away from original sin toward original blessing. The first reading is God’s creation and blessing of hu...
A Post-Patriarchal Christmas - Brian McLaren - https://www.trcnyc.org/bsag-2-8/
Articles and Stories:
Seedbed – Table in the Stable - https://www.seedbed.com/table-stable-celebrating-holy-communion-christmas/
“But if Holy Communion has not been part of our congregation’s Christmas practice, how can we introduce it appropriately? I faced this question a few years ago. On the one hand, Holy Communion may not resonate with a congregation’s Christmas piety; if the congregation views Communion as a solemn, somber fixation on our Lord’s sacrificial death, they may be reluctant to impose the sacrament on their Christmas joy. I happen to disagree with both this view of Communion and this view of Christmas”
NPR - John Henry Faulk's Christmas Story –
The gifted storyteller and former radio broadcaster John Henry Faulk recorded his Christmas story in 1974 for the program Voices in the Wind.
On Being – Advent Manifesto: Does My Soul Still Sing? by John Paul Lederach
“Some good friends in the world of Mennonite publications asked if I might write a few Advent reflections on hope in times of despair, inspired in part by my practice of haiku poetry… Being awake is an Advent thing: To notice the mystery that keeps us human, grounded, grateful, and grace filled. In this minute. In this conversation. In this day. In this century. It’s why I practice the small 5-7-5 syllable tapping of haiku poetry. It provokes me to notice. Where I am. Now.”
The Atlantic - The Joy of No-Gift Christmas
Many families who opt out of buying stuff are coming up with creative alternatives and new traditions.
CNN – Foul-mouthed Santa horrifies parents
“While parents and children were already evacuating, Santa Claus tore into the room and started causing havoc, a customer said on Facebook. He came changing (sic) in, ripped his hat and beard off in front of 50 odd kids and started shouting and swearing at people to leave," the post said.
US Catholic - More Days Merrier: Celebrating 12 Days of Christmas
In an earlier time Christmas lasted for 12 days—a tradition from which we get the famous Christmas song. The customs of the larger society have clearly shifted, and there is no way we are ever going to restore the ancient balance of having our Christmas merry-making take place during the 12 days after December 25. Still, there are many ways we can mark the Christmas season (the one that starts with Christmas), and deepen our Catholic identity. Here are 12 suggestions.
Like Mother Like Daughter - Celebrate All 12 Days
I have hesitated to write about this because often people think, “Celebrate all twelve days of Christmas! Sounds like too much.” And I’m no expert, nor would I set myself up as an example. On the other hand, we really did this, all those years, learning as we went, so maybe you’d like to know…
Books:
The Vigil: Keeping Watch in the Season of Christs Coming, by Wendy Wright
This reviewer mentions one of the miraculous effects of this book, it’s calming effect. “Very calming and motivational book. Each morning I looked forward to starting my day with the insights from Wendy Wright. Clearly, she is both highly intelligent as well as moved by an inner spirit. Everyone will learn from this book.” (from Amazon reviews)
Music:
As we find songs, we are making public playlists available on Spotify. Not every song is available that way, but a lot are. When possible, we will also have a YouTube link.
Old 97s - https://noisetrade.com/old97s/love-the-holidays-saint-nicks-picks
Bonnie McMaken, Johannah Swank, and Marissa Cunningham – Lo, How a Rose
"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear":
Caedmon’s Call – It Came Upon a Midnight - https://youtu.be/k2NeW7CF_AA
https://noisetrade.com/escapetothelake/follow-the-star-15-christmas
Season 3.5 in which we talk to The Outlaw Theologian of Love, Advent 4
We go to the school of love with our special co-host, The Outlaw Theologian of Love, a.k.a. Dr Thomas Jay Oord. Tom helps us understand the broader theological themes of love and the different types of love described in the Bible. As we go through the lectionary texts for Advent Week 4, Tom helps us see themes of love in selected texts.
Season 3.5 in which we talk to The Outlaw Theologian of Love, Advent 4
We go to the school of love with our special co-host, The Outlaw Theologian of Love, a.k.a. Dr Thomas Jay Oord. Tom helps us understand the broader theological themes of love and the different types of love described in the Bible. As we go through the lectionary texts for Advent Week 4, Tom helps us see themes of love in selected texts.
Tom discusses these as a “full-orbed love”. You can read more about the full-orbed love by Tom going here.
Connect with Tom and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also find Tom’s collection of photos.
Lectionary Overview
5:4 And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth;
5:5 and he shall be the one of peace.
80:3 Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
80:4 O LORD God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people's prayers?
10:8 When he said above, "You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law),
10:9 then he added, "See, I have come to do your will." He abolishes the first in order to establish the second.
10:10 And it is by God's will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
1:46 And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord,
1:47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
1:48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;1:52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly….
1:53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.
1:54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
1:55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."
Resources:
Stuffing shoe boxes for the world’s poor? Maybe you should reconsider
“Being generous requires us to dedicate profound thought to what the person receiving our generosity actually needs,” McNamara says. “So often, the church makes generosity synonymous with the free giving of stuff, but it’s not.”
They actually have a whole series of these word videos-- one on hope, one on peace, one on joy, and one on love-- that they collected into a special "package" for Advent. Surprised I didn't think of it until now! https://thebibleproject.com/explore/the-advent-series/
Carl McColman – The Heart of Celtic Spirituality is Hospitality
“Hospitality does not erase religious (or any other) differences. But within the gracious gesture of hospitality, our tribal identities cease to become the defining factor of who we are.”
Texas Church Offers ‘Free Mom Hugs’ At Pride Parade To Those Who Need Them
“Mom and blogger Jen Hatmaker, shared emotional images from the parade on her Instagram account, sharing that her ‘beloved little church’ showed up to the parade, arms at the ready. They offered everything from ‘Free Mom Hugs, Free Dad Hugs, Free Grana Hugs, and Free Pastor Hugs like it was our paying job.’”
Wendell Berry’s “Room of Love”
“To live, we must daily break the body and shed the blood of Creation. When we do this knowingly, lovingly, skillfully, reverently, it is a sacrament. When we do it ignorantly, greedily, clumsily, destructively, it is a desecration. In such desecration we condemn ourselves to spiritual and moral loneliness, and others to want…as Berry’s phrasing suggests, reverent breaking is not just about discrete actions, but about the kind of people we are. Most of us who exploit the world, after all, are not so vicious that we willingly do things to desecrate God’s creation. Rather, we do it through our carelessness, laziness, or ignorance, failing to recognize the connection between our actions and the health of creation. And so, the real question with Berry isn’t so much how we can break creation reverently, but how we can become the sort of people capable of breaking creation reverently.
Poetry:
Wendell Berry – The Country of Marriage
Books:
Get the books from Thomas Jay Oord. You can find them at Tom’s website. While you are there, please register on Tom’s website to receive updates, newsletters, and news about publications of essays, lecture schedules, book.
Sign up for Tom’s newsletter while here.
Movies:
In this comedy, Lars Lindstrom is an awkwardly shy young man in a small northern town who finally brings home the girl of his dreams to his brother and sister-in-law's home. The only problem is that she's not real - she's a sex doll Lars ordered off the Internet. But sex is not what Lars has in mind, but rather a deep, meaningful relationship. His sister-in-law is worried for him, his brother thinks he's nuts, but eventually the entire town goes along with his delusion in support of this sweet natured boy that they've always loved.
When Edward Bloom (Albert Finney) becomes ill, his son, William (Billy Crudup), travels to be with him. William has a strained relationship with Edward because his father has always told exaggerated stories about his life, and William thinks he's never really told the truth. Even on his deathbed, Edward recounts fantastical anecdotes. When William, who is a journalist, starts to investigate his father's tales, he begins to understand the man and his penchant for storytelling.
Music:
Link to the All That’s Holy Blue Collar Podcast music on Spotify
Kathleen Lundquist - Of the Father’s Love Begotten
(Sorry about the skips on the recording. The actual track sounds much better!)
Emerson, Lake, and Palmer - I Believe in Father Christmas
One the first anti-war songs that stuck with me. Wikipedia adds about this song what I remembered staying with me the first time I saw the video: The video for the record was shot on the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, and in the Dead Sea Scrolls caves in the West Bank, and includes footage from the Vietnam War.
Children’s Resource idea:
Subscribe to the All That’s Holy Blue Collar Podcast on iTunes or you favorite podcast app.
Season 3.4 in which Christmas takes on a blue-ish shade
Not everyone, all the time, experiences the season of Advent and Christmas with the same feelings of joy and celebration. Some days may be better, some days may be difficult.
Advent 3.4 in which Christmas takes on a blue-ish shade
Not everyone, all the time, experiences the season of Advent and Christmas with the same feelings of joy and celebration. Some days may be better, some days may be difficult. There might be gaps in the family circles where strained relationships, distance, or death have broken bonds. Disappointment, regret, and sorrow are often magnified. Feelings of inadequacy, of “not measuring up”, or just not meeting our own expectations of where we thought we’d be eleven months ago when the year was fresh and new, all come to bear on the Advent and Christmas season. Blue Christmas addresses these feelings.
Rather than putting on a facade, Blue Christmas and Longest Night services provide the opportunity for honesty and healing. I don’t always want to smile and “fake till I make it”, in fact that only deepens the disappointment and anxiety. Entering into psalms of lament, prayers of release, and rituals of remembering provide a feeling of safe-harbor and shelter from the glitter and lights and laughter.
We’ve collected a variety of resources that we are posting here. We have a few sample services. We have articles on grief. Links to images of the masters of Western art depicting images to help the grieving find expression for that which is beyond words. And, of course, music. For the music, we have begun a playlist at Spotify. We will also be adding to the All That’s Holy Blue Collar Playlist from time to time. And on specially themed occasions like this, we’ve developed an All That’s Holy Blue Collar Blue Christmas Playlist. Find the link below.
Note: The cover illustration, Monk by the Seas, German Romantic artist, Caspar David Friedrich, 1808. German romantics believed the divine could illustrate themes of the divine. Read more here.
Worship and Liturgical Resources:
United Church of Canada – A Blue Christmas Service
United Methodist - Blue Christmas: A Service of Reflection for the Longest Night
A reflective candle ceremony at the heart of the liturgy.
Steve Taylor – Alternative Blue Christmas Service
A Baptist pastor in New Zealand (where Blue Christmas is on the longest day, not the longest night).
Articles:
Time Magazine - ‘The World Moves On And You Don’t.’ Parents Who Lost Children in School Shootings Find Comfort in a Group No One Wants to Join
Religion News Service - Getting through a Christmas of grief
Psychology Today - How to Deal with Grief During the Holidays
Relevant Magazine - How Do I Deal With My Dysfunctional Family During the Holidays?
Whatsyourgrief.com - Types of Grief: Yes, there’s more than one
Resources:
Wounded in the Spirit: Advent Art and Meditations, by David Bannon
In twenty-five illustrated daily readings we commune with Scripture and the wounded artists that gave the world masterpieces of hope: Gauguin, Tissot, Caravaggio, Tanner, Delacroix, van Gogh, Dürer. We’ve heard the names. We recognize the paintings. But do we know the artists? They were flawed and often troubled people: a widower that saw a vision of Christ; a murderer who painted himself as Peter; a grieving father that drew his sons as Jesus and John; an orphan who saw his salvation in the Holy Family. Despite their wounds—perhaps because of them—these artists achieved the sublime. Their humanity inspires us.
Grief Connection – The Metropolitan Museum of Art
A four-minute video illustrating depictions of grief on canvas
Down syndrome diagnosis at the Adoration of the Christ Child
For many parents, the birth of a child with a life-long syndrome or disorder is a loss of a sense of the expected and ordinary. But an anonymous artist (“Follower of Jan Joest of Kalkar”) in 1515 sought to bring divinity and light to those who may miss the hidden gifts.
David Sedaris – Crumpet the Elf
“It’s not about the child, or Santa, or Christmas, or anything , but the parents and the world they cannot make work for them.”
Music:
A Blue Christmas Soundtrack on Spotify
Sleeping At Last – Someone to Watch Over Me
Reflective, a bit of mourning, and hope, in this cover version of the Gershwin classic from 1926.
Sleeping at Last – I’m Gonna Be 500 Miles
Covering the romping 80’s pop song and making it a beautiful testament of devotion and commitment. Originally aired as a Super Bowl commercial about a puppy and Clydesdale.
Bing Crosby - I’ll be home for Christmas
“I’ll be home for Christmas, you can plan on me, please have snow and mistletoe and presents on the tree…Christmas eve will find me, where the love light gleams, I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.”
Dan Fogelburg – Same Auld Lang Sine
Merle Haggard - If We Make It Through December
LCD Soundsystem - Christmas Will Break Your Heart
“Believing in the line/That your heart would melt with time/And though you're out with them again/Your thick and fickle friends/They might replace the love that ends/But still I'm coming home to you”
Alison Krauss & Natalie MacMaster - Get Me Through December
Reminds me that this season for some is an endurance contest, just wanting to get through it: Just get me through December/A promise I'll remember/Get me through December/So I can start again
The Pogues Featuring Kirsty MacColl - Fairytale Of New York (Official Video)
"I could have been someone"/"Well, so could anyone/You took my dreams from me/When I first found you"/"I kept them with me, babe/I put them with my own/Can't make it all alone/I've built my dreams around you"
Elvis Presley - Blue Christmas (Audio)
“And when those blue snowflakes start falling/That's when those blue memories start calling/You'll be doin' all right, with your Christmas of white/But I'll have a blue, blue blue blue Christmas”
Dropkick Murphy’s – The Season’s Upon Us
“The table's set, we raise a toast/The Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost/I'm so glad this day only comes once a year/You can keep your opinions, your presents, your 'Happy New Year'/They call this Christmas where I'm from/They call this Christmas where I'm from”
May your Christmas be as blue as you need this year!
Season 3.3 in which our hosts talk about joy - Advent 3
is there really a difference between happiness and joy? Cody says kind of, Craig says kind of not
In which we talk about Joy – Advent 3
This week we keep talking about Advent and providing resources to get into the themes of the season. This week: Joy!
Lectionary Overview
Staying with the Revised Common Lectionary, we see the obvious calls to celebration, rejoicing, and joy. Yet, there is an underlying awareness of hardship, suffering, and release from oppressors.
"Sing aloud...rejoice…with joy you will draw water... I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you.” Zephaniah 3:14-20
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4-7
And John the Baptist has a different approach: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?" Luke 3:7-18
Cody Interviews Gavin Rogers
Associate Pastor at Travis Park United Methodist Church and Host at Pub Theology, in San Antonio, TX.
Cody discusses Gavin’s ongoing deep-dive into understanding the lives of the migrants walking through Mexico to the USA border. Breaking down the stereotypes with truth and dismantling fears, Gavin describes the loving welcome he received from the migrant caravan.
Listen to the entire podcast here:
Resources:
Cody and Craig have put together a bunch of resources for you to peruse and get more background on the topic of joy and happiness. Articles, research, books, movies, and music are here for you to dive into to bring all the joy you can muster. These are not bible studies, commentaries, or history on the bible. Just stuff about happiness, well-being, and music that makes us happy.
From Psychology Today
From the brainiacs at Harvard:
Research:
Institute for Place and Wellbeing at the University of Arizona
The Pursuit of Happiness: Well-being and the science of smiles
Books:
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World; by Dalai Lama XIV, Desmond Tutu
In The Spirit of Happiness: A Book of Spiritual Wisdom, by Monks of New Skete
Movies:
After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness - conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.
Seventy-eight year old Carl Fredricksen travels to Paradise Falls in his home equipped with balloons, inadvertently taking a young stowaway.
Babette’s Feast, During the late 19th century, a strict religious community in a Danish village takes in a French refugee from the Franco-Prussian War as a servant to the late pastor's daughters.
Music:
Joy Formidable:
Sufjan Stevens:
Did I Make You Cry at Christmas?
Relent K:
Season 3.2 in which our hosts begin a two week streak
We talk more about Advent, focusing on the readings and themes of Week Two. The second week of Advent often chooses peace as the theme around which to interpret the scripture. But, we note, these are cries of the underdogs who seek justice. Though peace sounds peaceful, this kind of peace may be unsettling. We also discuss two movies and three songs to help expand you Advent imagination. And soccer.
Cody and Craig are getting things on schedule. We have two recordings in a row, two weeks in a row. That may be a record streak. Again, we are using our rough edit (no edit) style, so that these podcasts are certified fresh. But like fresh organic apples, might not be the prettiest thing, but its good for you.
In this episode
We talk more about Advent, focusing on the readings and themes of Week Two. The second week of Advent builds around the theme of peace to interpret the scripture. But, we note, these are cries of the underdogs who seek justice. Though peace sounds peaceful, this kind of peace may be unsettling. We also discuss two movies and three songs to help expand your Advent imagination. And soccer.
Oh yeah, MLS soccer gets a brief mention. The mention of refugees and welcoming strangers fit right into talking about the Portland Timbers. See the news story Craig briefly mentioned here: https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/portland-timbers-visit-idahos-juniors-futbol-club/277-552107508
Resources for Advent Imagination: Two Movies and Three Songs
While not quite qualifying as real movie critics, we discuss the issues related to wandering underdogs and aliens (real intergalactic aliens), and refugees at our borders. The contemporary news bears witness to the relevance of the Advent themes.
Two Movies
The Visitor: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0857191/
A college professor travels to New York City to attend a conference and finds a young couple living in his apartment.
District 9: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1136608/?ref_=nv_sr_1
An extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth in post-Apartheid Johannesburg.
Three Songs
Craig kind of monopolized the music choices for the second week of Advent with two of his favorite performers, The Brilliance and John Mark McMillan. As well as little dip into country music with Ryan Culwell. You can listen to full versions of these songs on YouTube. For the adventurous types, both John Mark McMillan and The Brilliance offer lyric videos so you can sing these with your friends!
John Mark McMillan – Baby Son: https://youtu.be/-xy6s1BSD_4
Ryan Culwell – The Last American:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_bAXTehhrI
Also, you can learn more about Ryan Culwell from his interview on NPR’s Weekend Edition with Jennifer Ludden: https://www.npr.org/2018/08/18/639822987/musician-and-landscaper-ryan-culwell-on-making-ends-meet
The Brilliance – Welcome to the Darkness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wIwFHL0Gpw . Possibly a good fit for Blue Christmas ( December 21st, also St Thomas Day).
See you next time!
Season 3.1 ...in which our hosts try to remember how to
Codemaster Cody and Crash-test Craig decided to record their conversation.
After about two years of talking about podcasting and planning podcast episodes, we just decided to record.
So here it is.
What is different this time around:
It is just us on this recording. If we can get Christina to join us, or Justin, we’d be thrilled.
We are planning interviews, but there are not any on this episode.
Editing is a slow process and a pain in the neck. So we are playing around with technology that will shorten the time from recording to posting. The edits will be rough, or non-existent.
We will be talking about the themes and rhythms of the church year beginning with Advent this December.
Also, Craig introduces a new podcast he is developing based on stories about the church which may leave us flummoxed. If you have a story, happy or sad, funny or serious, humbling or heroic, send it to craig@themissionplace.org as an audio file. Use the recording app on your phone, Apple VoiceMemo, on Andriod Voice Recorder, or whatever you have.
See you next week.
…in which our hosts try to remember how to podcast
Codemaster Cody and Crash-test Craig decided to record their conversation.
After about two years of talking about podcasting and planning podcast episodes, we just decided to record.
So here it is.
What is different this time around:
It is just us on this recording. If we can get Christina to join us, or Justin, we’d be thrilled.
We are planning interviews, but there are not any on this episode.
Editing is a slow process and a pain in the neck. So we are playing around with technology that will shorten the time from recording to posting. The edits will be rough, or non-existent.
We will be talking about the themes and rhythms of the church year beginning with Advent this December.
Also, Craig introduces a new podcast he is developing based on stories about the church which may leave us flummoxed. If you have a story, happy or sad, funny or serious, humbling or heroic, send it to craig@themissionplace.org as an audio file. Use the recording app on your phone, Apple VoiceMemo, on Andriod Voice Recorder, or whatever you have.
See you next week.
season 2.6 episode 013: Liza Long and Re-Thinking the Unthinkable
season 2.6 episode 013: Liza Long and Re-Thinking the Unthinkable
Episode 12: The All That's Holy: Blue Collar Podcast Interview with Liza Long
Craig's got an incredibly talented friend. Liza is an accomplished pianist, can read both Greek and Latin with equal ease, and knows more than anyone should have to about how to find mental health care for kids.
In this episode, Crash-test catches up with….oops, we're having trouble getting the episode edited...
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES…..
PLEASE STAND BY….
We (Craig!) have been running into trouble with audio levels in our (Craig's) recordings. Fortunately, we (Cody) try to use technology to fix it all up.
So we're back on track...maybe...for awhile at least.
As we were saying, Crash-test Craig catches up with one of his friends in this episode, Liza Long. Liza is a bit hard to categorize. Her influences run deep and her interests are about as wide as the horizon. Shaped by her Mormon background, educated as a Classics scholar, practicing Roman Catholic who attends a Unitarian church, skilled pianist, poet, and accidental political activist.
Liza’s political activism arose from her own experience as a mother of a child with a severe mental illness. Shortly after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, she wrote an essay on her blog The AnarchistSoccerMom, entitled Thinking the Unthinkable. Immediately going viral, the essay was picked up published by Huffington Post. Soon, millions had read I Am Adam Lanza’s Mother’: A Mom’s Perspective On The Mental Illness Conversation In America, read the essay here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/16/i-am-adam-lanzas-mother-mental-illness-conversation_n_2311009.html. Before long, Liza was on Dr. Phil, the Diane Rehm Show, Oprah, PBS Frontline, TED Talks and many other media outlets.
Liza tells her story, and the story of other families, in The Price of Silence: A Mom’s Perspective on Mental Illness.
Follow Liza from multiple online locations: On Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
And, The Anarchist Soccer Mom and at lizalong.com
Christ & Cascadia: An brief interview with Matthew Kaemingk
Christ & Cascadia’s mission is to serve Christian leaders and communities serving in this unique cultural space. Matthew is the Editor-In-Chief of Christ & Cascadia and the Executive Director of the Fuller Institute of Theology and Northwest Culture. He lives in Shoreline, Washington with his wife Heather and their three sons Calvin, Kees, and Caedmon. He grew up sailing in the Puget Sound, camping in the Cascades, and cheering for the Seattle Seahawks.
We will be having more conversations with Matthew as the next Christ &Cascadia Conference get closer.
Learn more about Christ & Cascadia and the annual Cascadia Conference, this year hosting a conference on creation care, November 11th, 2017 in Seattle, WA.
Music in this episode
The Strumbellas – Spirit: You can check out their website at and pick their merch and music there, or at iTunes.
Lady Gaga - The Cure: Available at iTunes and find out more at: Find out more from her site: https://www.ladygaga.com/
Eminem ft. Rihanna - The Monster: on YouTube on iTunes
Hanson - I Was Born: Remember those little kids back in 1992 (I do, I may be the only one only enough)? Well, they grew up and are still making music. Check out their story at hanson.net and pick up their song on iTunes.
season 2.5, episode 012: Sherry Japhet
Episode 12: The All That's Holy: Blue Collar Podcast Interview with Sherry Japhet
Episode 12: The All That's Holy: Blue Collar Podcast Interview with Sherry Japhet
In this episode, recorded shortly after the death of Don Rickles, we discuss comedy. Crash-test-Craig reveals his lack of comedy awareness while CodeMaster Cody and Christina Without-a-Nickname (yet) reveal an insightful perspective on comics and comedy. We even try to understand political correctness.
The interview this week is with Boise comedian, Sherry Japhet. Our conversation ranges from serious, to serious and funny, to plain funny. Sherry reveals her perspectives on Eastern Idaho; being bi-racial and raised by her dad, a white man (that's how she describes him); mental health; and what humor is good for. Rather than an interview, this is really just a free-flowing conversation showing Sherry’s depth and how diverse life experiences flow into comedy.
You can watch and listen to Sherry’s standup and learn more about her at:
https://www.pandora.com/artist/sherry-japhet
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoWviVlCXV1oSBIZuQ9Vmxg
In the Two Minute Warning toward the end of the podcast, taking on the notion of political correctness, we try to tackle (in 45 seconds each) whether or not there are topics off-limits to humor.
Also, we hear how much Christina really appreciates Amy Schumer.
Rather than musical transitions, this episode, Cody has chosen more appropriate interludes:
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler Roast Don Rickles: https://youtu.be/CwJEWJqvNuk
Aziz Ansari: Wasting Time on the Internet: https://youtu.be/LHJOZNvBQF0
Louis C.K. from his recent SNL monologue: https://youtu.be/4Lsa7N7LHJk
season 2.4: episode 011: the outlaw theologian of love, part 2
season 2.4: episode 011: the outlaw theologian of love, part 2
Episode 2.4 Episode 11: The All That's Holy Blue Collar Podcast
We’ve got another voice. Christina Marfice, writer at sheknows.com, world-traveler, and tennis commentator. Getting to know Christina as a journalist, comedy writer, and the possessor of “person” (“I have a person” she says, we should talk about this). Christina can be followed at SheKnows.com. And coming up will be Christina’s participation in Remote Year, while she lives as a digital nomad travelling the world, joining us for podcasts with us from remote locations, beginning with Croatia.
We have a few confessions and there’s always something to be grateful for: for engaged citizens; for relationships of welcome when we need a new home; and the new work of the New Sanctuary Movement and their new training. Read or listen to their story from National Public Radio, broadcast February, 24, 2017.
The Interview: The Outlaw Theologian of Love, Part Two
Part 2 with Dr. Thomas J. Oord. We pick up the conversation with Cody and Tom discussion the wooing of God as one who seeks our response. They pick up on themes of nature, creation (do not forget to check out his photo album on Facebook!), and evolution. Tom brings up an expanded sense of God’s partnership with creation. Including ideas about God’s memory, life after death, and some of the concepts which have bothered others and created push back. In this context, Tom states, “I care about the biggest and most difficult questions we face as humans, I’m not afraid to ask those questions, and I’m not afraid to look for answers, even if they’re unconventional.” Tom speaks more openly about his experience with his layoff from Northwest Nazarene University. Including his experience and his hopes for his colleagues. And his conviction that he may not qualify as a heretic.
Thomas Jay Oord Photo Sample
Tom’s nature photography book, Through Both Creations Shine, is available at iTunes.
Follow Tom at Thomasjayoord.com. Remember to register at his page so you up to date on his activities, and receive occasional freebies.
Stay in Touch:
We’re assembling our email list so we can keep you posted on things we’re doing, reading, and experiencing between episodes through the ATH: Blue Collar Review. Sign up and you’ll get a free gift – an email from our MailChimp server asking if you really want to do this (which of course you do).
We’ll keep thinking about other freebies in the future, such as the audio book from Thomas Oord we provided in Episode 10, you can find it here.
Music this Episode
Depeche Mode: Where’s the Revolution. Yes, they are still around. Follow on Twitter: @depechemode and visit their band page at: http://www.depechemode.com/ . Check out the video for Where’s the Revolution on Rolling Stone, or from their restrained yet smoldering performance on Fallon. The album, Spirit, comes out on March 17, but you can get Where's the Revolution at iTunes.
The Shins: Painting a Hole, which, if you think about it, would be hard thing to accomplish. Follow The Shins on Twitter at @TheShins , and on Facebook. Get their music and more at: https://www.facebook.com/theshins. Available soon on iTunes.
Andra Day: What the World Needs Now, and it really, really does. Day brings a timely and passionate cover of the 1966 Dionne Warwick plea. Find out more about Andra day at http://andraday.com/?page=news , Twitter @AndraDayMusic, and Facebook. Day’s rendition has been produced by the Hyatt corporation for their appeal to use travel as a mean of fostering listening and understanding across culture. You can watch the video and read about on Billboard Magazine.
Cold War Kids: Can We Hang On?, is coming on next month on the album La Divine. Find out more about Cold War Kids at: http://www.coldwarkids.com/ , Twitter @ColdWarKids, and iTunes.
Minus the Bear: Last Kiss, is on Voids. Follow Minus the Bear on Twitter @minusthebear and Facebook. Find more about Minus the Bear at: https://www.minusthebear.com/ and pick up their music at iTunes.
Stay in touch
Find The All That's Holy Blue Collar Podcast on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. And as you are able, help us out by clicking on the donate button below. And join our email distribution list.
season 2.3: episode 010: the outlaw theologian of love
season 2.3: the outlaw theologian of love, part one
Episode 2.3 The All That's Holy Blue Collar Podcast
We jump into this episode sans Justin. Picking up on topics from safe driving while listening to the Superbowl to the great opportunities for the church in this cultural moment. Cody sings a little bit about a clown with big red shoes.
The Interview: The Outlaw Theologian of Love, Part One
We present one of our long-anticipated interviews. Cody interviews Dr. Thomas J. Oord, a.k.a. The Outlaw Theologian of Love (a.k.a. to us at least, I don't think anyone else calls him that).
Tom Oord covers topics from creation, miracles, and even talks about the stuff God doesn’t know about. And that’s been a bit of controversy for some (you can read about the controversy here). Tune in, listen up, put on your best Armenian thinking-cap and tell John Calvin to take a break for awhile.
We'll have more from Tom in the next episode. Make sure to find out what's next....
You can follow Thomas Jay Oord at his blog: http://thomasjayoord.com/
On Twitter at:@ThomasJayOord and on Facebook. While you looking into Dr. Oord's writings, don't skip his incredible collection of photos from his numerous hikes across Idaho.
Dr. Oord has provided a gift for listeners coming to the podcast; an audio version of The Uncontrolling Love of God. Follow the link for the audio book. The form is coded for sales, but we're giving this away, so when it asks for a credit card number, I don't think you will need to enter that. If there's any problem, email us at: information@themissionplace.org
Music this episode
Ronald McDonald and Friends - Do You Believe in Magic: Cody tried singing it during the recording of the podcast, but I didn't remember it. You hear it on Youtube at: https://youtu.be/9Bc_v7uk-uY This must have come out during my vegetarian phase and I blocked out ideas about hamburgers.
The Brilliance - See the Love: This band is totally brilliant. Profound songs capable to blending sensitive compassion and a prophetic edge. Their latest collection, All is Not Lost blends sensitivity about the brokenness in our midst, and the opportunity for compassion and hope. So needed these days! Check out their media and music at their website: http://thebrilliancemusic.com/, like them on Facebook, follow on Twitter, go to their Youtube channel to subscribe their videos, and purchase their music at iTunes.
Maggie Rogers - The Color Song: Cody says, "she made Pharrell Wiliams cry". Is that a good thing? Take a listen yourself. find out more about Maggie Rogers at her website http://www.maggierogers.com/, follow on Twitter, like on Facebook, and purchase on iTunes.
Stay in touch: Find The All That's Holy Blue Collar Podcast on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. And as you are able, help us out by clicking on the donate button below.