The Caring Congregation

While in the middle of one crisis, COVID-19, another crisis came to a church and its pastor. Rev. Kennon Pickett shares with us what care looks like during arson and how hope can be proclaimed while healing occurs. thecaringcongregation.com @thecaringcongregation

Sometimes the birth of a child turns into an unexpected crisis situation; Helen Thomas shares her experience working in a neonatal intensive care unit, helping parents and caretakers process the unimaginable. thecaringcongregation.com @thecaringcongregation https://soundcloud.com/thecaringcongregation

The conversation continues in part two with Rev. Beth Evers in the aftermath of gun violence. She shares how the church provided a space for the community to grieve at a vigil and the importance of self-care amid such a crisis. thecaringcongregation.com @thecaringcongregation

Gun violence outside a fast-food restaurant impacted several communities; Rev. Beth Evers, the church pastor across from the shooting, shares her story of care in crisis. This is part one of a two-part episode. thecaringcongregation.com @thecaringcongregation

Every night on the news, we see much death and despair, which can be overwhelming. Similar to a vision Ezekiel had in the vally of the dry bones. So how do we hold on to hope and share hope with others, especially young people? Rev. Joy converses with Rev. Marcus Jones of the UTA Wesley Foundation, a college campus ministry. utawesley.org @utawesley thecaringcongregation.com

Moses invites the Israelites to recall God’s presence with them in their wilderness experience. How do we recognize the wilderness experiences in our lives? How does God’s presence and care offer grace and peace? Maybe these times are preparing us to care for others during their wilderness experiences. thecaringcongregation.com

Inspired by a moment with her grandson asking, “Where is God?” Author, Glenys Nellist writes a beautiful children’s book about God being in all places: in the joyful and ordinary times, and the moments that are sad and lonely, God is there. This beautifully written and illustrated book speaks to the heart of God’s character of care. thecaringcongregation.com For more information about Glenys Nelli...

The season of Lent is a wilderness time, reminding us, as articulated in Genesis 3 that we came from dust, and we return to dust. It’s a time we repent, reflect, and redirect our earthly desires. Lent invites us to slow down, sit in the pondering, and lean into the suffering of our world. In the midst we find that God cares so deeply for us that we are not alone. thecaringcongregation.com

The Bible Through the Lens of Care: 1 Corinthians 13 - Season 6, Episode 11 by The Caring Congregation

Jesus meets people where they are, listens, ask good questions, and shows compassion. Our God cares about our stories and heavy burdens. How are we invited to show that same care along our journey of life? thecaringcongregation.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Fl8qz1FzT553r4u2FRzk6 SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/2mDGf Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-caring-congre...

Reading the journey of the Magi invites us to consider our own journey. How do we pay attention and notice the mystery of God all around us? How does our journey lead us to deeper levels of care? thecaringcongregation.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Fl8qz1FzT553r4u2FRzk6 SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/2mDGf Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-caring-congregation/id1...

Why did God come to be with us, and what does it mean for us? The Gospel of Matthew says, Jesus came to “save his people from our sins.” Why does God care about sin, and what is sin? How do help others we care for see God's grace for themselves? thecaringcongregation.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Fl8qz1FzT553r4u2FRzk6 SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/2mDGf Apple: https://podcast...

The Gospel of John synthesizes the meaning of God coming to be with us in the form of Jesus the Christ. John says from God’s fullness we have all received “grace upon grace.” How do we care for ourselves and others with this same grace? https://soundcloud.com/thecaringcongregation https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-caring-congregation/id1568949603 thecaringcongregation.com

Time and time again, God reminds us not to fear, so when the angel Gabriel visits Mary with the news that she will carry the savior of the world, she is reminded, “Do not be afraid.” God cares that we don’t lean into a spirit of fear, but rather the mystery of God where all things are possible. thecaringcongregation.com

In the genealogy of Jesus, all relatives listed have some kind of imperfections that perhaps society would deem questionable. And yet, their stories matter, just like your story matters, the good, bad, and ugly. God cares for and loves all persons including them and you. How does that inform how we care for others? thecaringcongregation.com

The Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone, but how do we continue with the attitude of thanksgiving and gratitude? Jesus cares about giving thanks as demonstrated in the Last Supper. His care for his followers includes giving thanks. How do we continue with that same practice? https://soundcloud.com/thecaringcongregation https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-caring-congregation/id1568949603 t...

Jesus meets the woman at the well, and treats her with great care. God invites us to meet others with care, to meet physical and spiritual needs. How do we follow in the footsteps of Jesus? https://soundcloud.com/thecaringcongregation https://podcasts.apple.com/.../the-caring.../id1568949603... thecaringcongregation.com For additional reading on the Gospel of John: Reading John for Dear Life: A Sp...

At the end of the first creation story, God rested. Why? What does this mean for us, and why does God care about rest? https://soundcloud.com/thecaringcongregation https://podcasts.apple.com/.../the-caring.../id1568949603... thecaringcongregation.com Show Notes: Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight In Our Busy Lives by Wayne Muller Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore...

Scripture is the living, breathing, inspired word of God. How do we understand these holy stories through the lens of care? Join Rev. Karen Lampe and Rev. Joy Dister-Dominguez as they examine Genesis 1, a creation story. How does God show God’s care in and to creation, and invite us to care for creation? https://soundcloud.com/thecaringcongregation https://podcasts.apple.com/.../the-caring.../id15...

Join the National Team of TCC as they reflect on the season about care and social justice. What are they up to? What did they learn from the guests? What will they carry forward in the work of care? https://soundcloud.com/thecaringcongregation https://podcasts.apple.com/.../the-caring.../id1568949603... thecaringcongregation.com #CultureOfCare

Indigenous People’s Day began in 1992 to call attention to the losses suffered by Indigenous people in North America by Europeans. We grieve and mourn the losses they suffered and seek to learn about the cultures and the ways we can care well for Indigenous people. Join Rev. Joy as she talks with Rev. Dr. David Wilson of the Oklahoma Missionary Conference in The United Methodist Church. https://so...

We are linked to one another, especially in our health and wellness. Health equity elevates all of society, so how do we as the church care in our community about the healthcare of all? Rev. Evey McKellar, Registered Nurse, shares what it looks like to care and work for justice in the arena of healthcare. https://soundcloud.com/thecaringcongregation https://podcasts.apple.com/.../the-caring.../id1...

Rev. Erin Sloan Jackson, a deacon in The United Methodist Church, shares with us why we should care about social justice. She gives practical ways we can make a difference and what keeps her going on difficult days. Rev. Erin shares her vision for the church where leaders are spiritually healthy and empowered to do the work of God, caring for all. This is part two of a two part series. https://sou...

A “deacon” is an ordained clergy person who is called to serve all people, particularly the poor, the sick, and the oppressed, and to equip and lead the laity in ministries of compassion, justice and service in the world. Rev. Joy talks with Rev. Erin Sloan Jackson about her call as a deacon and the good work she is doing being a bridge builder. This is part one of a two part episode.

Society easily disregards and ignores persons who are unhoused; but we called to love all persons, showing honor, and include in the life of the church. Rev. Rachel Baughman, senior pastor at Oak Lawn UMC in Dallas, Texas, talks with Rev. Joy about how she and her church throw open the doors to all persons, especially those who are unhoused. This is part two of a two part series. https://soundclou...