Together 4 Good: Making Sense of Life and Faith

In the summer of 2024, Bethany is beginning a preaching series on the importance of spiritual practices. As part of this focus, we are re-releasing podcast episodes from Lent 2021 that dive deeply into the explanation of some practices mentioned during the sermon series, and some not covered in the series. This Spiritual Practice episode begins with a little information about why spiritual practic...

Pastor Nate interviews David Gies about his career in the non-profit sector and the interesting initiatives and places this work has taken him. Listen in as David and Pastor Nate reflect on the ways that God encourages us to take the next faithful step.

It's the episode you've been waiting for! Listen in as Colleen Maki and Kevin Dragseth interview Pastor Gary about his experiences and learnings on sabbatical.

Bryan Jaster sits down with two young people and their mothers to talk about the important role Identity plays in our lives and world. Listen in to their fascinating reflections and stories of uncovering and discovering what God is doing in their lives.

Pastor Nate gives a detailed analysis of John 15:9-17, a passage of scripture that is part of Jesus' Farewell discourse. Grab your Bible and follow along as we explore some of the words of Jesus' final teaching and consider together its implications for our life today.

Pastor Nate gives a detailed analysis of Psalm 29 complete with historical and contextual information that makes the words of this Psalm come alive in new ways. Grab your Bible and follow along as we explore the fascinating message of this Psalm - a message that is still very relevant for our world today.

Bryan Jaster hosts this special episode of Together 4 Good, along with the help of 3 Confirmation students: Gioia, Michael, and Aulby. These 3 young people are from Epiphany Lutheran Church and participated in Bethany's confirmation program last year. Listen in as they reflect on the importance of belonging and how that was lived out through this unique partnership.

In this episode, Bryan Jaster interviews the Faith Formation Summer Intern, Kate Souther. The two talk about some of the Faith Formation projects for this summer and especially focus on the key aspects of the Faith Formation vision and mission statements.

Pastor Nate interviews Dave Krell about his work as a Structural Engineer. In the conversation, the two reflect on the ways that faith doesn't always have clear answers and the ways that an engineer's commitment to the common good is its own form of ministry.

Pastor Nate interviews Marie Friedemann about her career in higher education. Marie shares about the importance of caring for the whole person and the ways that we can find God in every place.

Pastor Nate interviews Rob Hanson about his career as a firefighter and the ways that this important role in our community connects with Rob's understanding of the life of faith. In their conversation, they discuss the small, subtle invitations in our life that are often the workings of the Holy Spirit, guiding us to the places we need to be.

In this episode, Pastor Nate interviews Bethany member and Jeweler, Kyra Morgan. The two discuss Kyra's story of coming to faith and the ways that her work as a Jeweler provides her a chance to live out her faith in unique ways. This is part of our ongoing Faith in Daily Life series.

Pastor Nate sits down with the Executive Director of Veteran Servant Corps and Bethany member, Vicky Daub to talk about her important and exciting work with Veterans. The two discuss the upcoming Memorial Day holiday as well as the ways that small steps of faith can make a huge difference.

As we head into the summer months, Pastor Nate shares some reflections on the importance of rest. Listen in and learn about the biblical roots of this instruction and the ways that rest is a part of God's hope for our lives.

In this episode, Pastor Nate shares a conversation with Cam Regennitter, the Director of Onsite Programming at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. The two talk about the unique philosophy that guides Rainbow Trail programs, the upcoming "Created to Be" theme for the summer, and much more.

Colleen Maki interviews Kevin Dempsey about his work over the years with Habitat for Humanity. Kevin also shares details about the future plans for Bethany's Holy Hammers group and their 25th-anniversary celebration.

Colleen Maki and Kevin Dragseth sit down with Pastor Gary to discuss his upcoming plans for Sabbatical. Listen in to hear all of Pastor Gary's plans and how he hopes his time away can impact the future of Bethany.

Pastor Nate interviews his long-time friend, Dr. Tim Snyder, about his recently published book "Lived Vocation: Stories of Faith at Work". In their discussion, the two explore the term vocation, what it means, and how we can understand our life of faith and the work we do.

This week's episode is another Poets, Preachers, Prophets, and Practitioners episode. Listen in as Pastor Nate provides a collage of voices that help us to explore miracles and the miraculous in our lives. Poem: "We're the Ones we've been waiting for" by June Jordan Prophets - Clip from "Everything is Spiritual" by Rob Bell Practitioners - Opportunity International...

Pastor Nate looks back on Holy Week at Bethany and reflects on the larger message that shone through this year that connects all the services and stories from Palm Sunday to Easter. Listen in as Pastor Nate invites you to further ponder the mystery of this sacred week.

As we conclude our journey through Holy Week, Pastor Nate shares one final poem. This longer poem is a reflection on the story of Christ's resurrection and the theological significance of Jesus' bodily resurrection.

Throughout this Holy Week, Pastor Nate shares short poems that he's written that reflect on the various themes and stories throughout the week. This episode is a poetic reflection on the day after Jesus' death but before his resurrection and the significance of the that space.

Throughout this Holy Week, Pastor Nate shares short poems that he's written that reflect on the various themes and stories throughout the week. This episode is a poetic reflection on Good Friday.

Throughout this Holy Week, Pastor Nate shares short poems that he's written that reflect on the various themes and stories throughout the week. This episode is a poetic reflection on the events of Maundy Thursday.

Throughout this Holy Week, Pastor Nate shares short poems that he's written that reflect on the various themes and stories throughout the week. This episode is a poetic reflection on Matthew 21:18-22, the story of Jesus cursing the fig tree. An event that takes place on the day after Jesus entered Jerusalem.