First Houston United Methodist Church

A follow-up question about the New Jim Crow podcast series asks if the conversation about black imprisonment is perhaps too one-sided. The group… does not agree! Ask us a question! Fmhouston.com/ama.

Chapter Five brings us to a fitting bookend for our series, as the whole book has called us to a life of action. The verses remind Donyale of a Twitter hashtag: #nomorethoughtsandprayers - a call to people to bring about concrete action, not vague feelings. James was also bringing a similar mindset against those who said “go in peace,” yet did nothing to stop the problems of the day. But James als...

As we wrap up our discussion on Michelle Alexander’s “The New Jim Crow” with Trinity United Methodist Church, Kenneth Jackson returns to the conversation to address the problems of trying to address a system built to consistently, repetitively keep people down. It leads to a discussion about what the church – and what we, as individuals – are required to do by our love of Jesus and willingness to...

A strange experience on Houston light rail reminded Andy how we need to show grace and love in this time of recovery. “This is a great time for the church to be a pastor to one another." We are mist, James says. So why do our actions matter? Because time IS short. We need to make the most of these moments. “Yes you are mist. But you’re here now. And that MATTERS.” fmhouston.com

In the middle chapters of “The New Jim Crow,” Michelle Alexander breaks down racism baked into the justice system, and the group talks about being raised with different expectations, and passing those lessons along to their children. Plus, the exhaustion that comes with constantly being teachers, but the responsibilities we have to educate the people that we talk to. Got a question or a response?...

Andy’s mom warned him early that his tongue could get him into a lot of trouble - and boy, has it. The third chapter has a very profound idea about how small things can take us drastic directions. A person who proclaims the gospel is someone who must have their words under control. The way we can bring heaven upon this earth can be just as simple as paying attention to the words that we are saying...

On our first podcast discussing “The New Jim Crow,” Andy and Donyale are joined by Trinity United Methodist’s Deirdre Barrett. The group discusses what stands out in the early chapters of Michelle Alexander’s book, including her statement that “colorblindness is not the answer, it’s the problem.” The discussion fans out into the call each member felt like the book put on them, including learning t...

While studying the life of Ernest Hemingway via the new Ken Burns documentary, Andy is inspired about the importance of action, and urges the congregation to concentrate on positive, God-honoring actions and see where that leads them. "In our actions, in what we’re doing... let’s see what God can do." fmhouston.com

A pretty straightforward question leads to a surprisingly fun and revealing conversation as the group each talks about their favorite sections of the Bible. Got a question? Ask us at fmhouston.com/ama!

Andy digs into the first chapter of James as we start our walk through the book. fmhouston.com

The group considers the people God chose to destroy in the story of Noah’s ark, and point out the flaws inherent in comparing ourselves to people in the past, both for good and for bad. Ask us a question! Fmhouston.com/ama This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

It has been a very hard year, and there has been much to be afraid of. But we cannot let fear, death, and oppression write our story. It's on us to write another one. fmhouston.com

During a very tough recording session, the group fights through to talk about metaphor and reality in the Bible, how to approach the gospels, and dealing with matters of faith and the heart. Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama

Genesis 15:9-12; 17-18 Andy explores the passage where Abram makes a covenant with God. We may wander, we may sin, but God always brings us home. No matter how far we may stray, our Lord embraces us when we repent and return to Him. Where do you spiritually feel at home? It's not the structure that brings significance, but the realization of the holiness and goodness of the Lord. fmhouston.com

Today’s question covers a wide span – starting with John Wesley’s abolitionist stance, to the division of the United Methodist church in the run up to the Civil War, to its history within Houston and the Civil Rights movement. Plus, a long look at the ways Scripture has been used to maintain white supremacy in America, and an acknowledgement that this conversation can only be had when we recognize...

Joshua 22 During the pandemic, we’ve learned something we should have learned long ago: how to as a church to be a church united with the churches around us. It doesn’t matter who we are, it doesn’t matter where we come from. The Lord is the Lord of all. We celebrate that through the altars we build. fmhouston.com

Genesis 12:11-19 Encountering the living God is awe-inspiring, and it’s something we don’t want to miss. The question is: “do we expect God in expected places?” When we come together for worship or Bible study, are we expecting to encounter God? fmhouston.com

Andy, Ken, and Ben debate whether the church has a role in talking about personal health, what our role is when your actions affect the health of the whole community, and how best to talk to friends and family about the vaccine. —— Ask us a question! Fmhouston.com/ama

The direction of the gospel always moves forward. God wants us to see not only the direction our faith goes, but the impact it can have. As this pandemic ends, who is the person that God is calling you to reach? fmhouston.com

A questioner wants to know how you’re supposed to treat other people with compassion when it’s difficult for you to treat yourself the same way. The gang talks about mental health, how God’s goodness affects how you interact with the world, and get honest about some of their own struggles. —— Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama

Learning to not lean on his own understanding is not something that comes easy to Andy. Andy is trying to become more fluent in the conversation about race around this country. It’s something that’s not come easy to him. And it’s shown him the ways that his own understanding is just such a small drop in a bucket. fmhouston.com

A member who remembers growing up with separate schools and water fountains wonders about how long the process will take before full racial healing is reached. The group talks about the process of doing work on yourself, what it means to try and become someone who brings about change, and how we need to pass things on to the next generation after us. A new podcast series on “The New Jim Crow” is c...

In the midst of a difficult week, Andy finds hope. God has a plan, even though we may not. Crisis can be beautiful and humbling. In moments of need, lean on scripture and faith. HE will make your path straight. fmhouston.com

As we move into Lent, this week’s spiritual encourages us to “be more like Jesus in my heart.” So this Sunday, Andy looks at the heart - and encourages everyone to spend this Lenten season becoming the kind of disciple who gives Jesus the best they’ve got. fmhouston.com

A listener confides that the way the Bible pushes “the fear of God” terrifies them – is that supposed to be the point? The group discusses some of the roots of the term in the Bible, how Jesus fits into all this, and the way we need to be aware of people’s experience when talking about the Bible. Ask us a question! Fmhouston.com/ama