PCOM Podcast

Walking and praying, praying and walking. What prayer labyrinths can teach us about the long and winding journey of faith, suggestions on how to engage in this practice, Scriptures for meditation, and an exciting announcement about Lent at PCOM. Episode three in our surprising spiritual practices series.

On this episode Dan van Voorhis tells the story of Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier- two unlikely college roommates whose spiritual practices would change the world 

Praying for a bird from the Lord as we ponder how surprising spiritual practices can draw our gazes heavenward and help us love our neighbors right here and now. The Holy Spirit as a wind, a fire, and a dove. Plus: Psalm 102 and an invitation to stillness. Episode one in our new Surprising Spiritual Practices series.

Elizabeth Prentiss wrote the words to the hymn, "More Love to Thee, O Christ" in 1856.  They're still ringing true:  Let sorrow do its work come grief and pain;  Sweet are thy messengers sweet their refrain When they can sing with me:  More love, O Christ to Thee!

Jonah is not a fan of the Ninevites. Yet God is a God of compassion. What's a grumpy prophet to do? Lessons on tenderness amidst turmoil from Jonah 4.

Pastor Courtney shares a hockey story of just surviving. Plus, 1 Kings 19 on the beauty of a God who ministers to us in our physical needs. How are you surviving these days? 

A celebration of surviving - even if we're not always thriving.  For more on Moses reading his end, and how God met him with compassion, check out Numbers 11:4-35.

It's a New Year! What is something we can delight in this season?

Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and theology. What was your favorite read of 2021? Books mentioned: The Road by Cormac McCarthy On Reading Well by Karen Swallow Prior This Day by Wendell Berry Abuelita Faith by Kat Armas Journal of a Novel by John Steinbeck Art & Faith by Makoto Fujimura Invitations to Abundance by Alicia Akins The Nature of Small Birds by Susie Finkbeiner Thou Shalt Not Be a Jer...

The Great Silence in a season of great busyness. 

Dr. Dan van Voorhis joins us again as guest host to chat Christmas carols, why we sing at Christmastime, and other historical Advent-y goodness. 

Habanero peppers and air mattresses - what could go wrong? Just about everything. Can we discover laughter and joy even amidst embarrassment and shame?

Our final episode of our gratitude series! Pastor Courtney shares the story of how YOU helped buy her a house (really!), the gratitude of being on mission in a neighborhood, the joys of Thanksgiving, and a word from Paul in 1 Corinthians.

Pastor Courtney on how holding two big emotions together can help deepen our thanksgiving. 

Why's that turtle on the fencepost? Plus, a reminder that someone else planted the apple tree, and why that knowledge can deepen our gratitude. A warning against grumbling, Psalm 107, and a new sign off. Want to share your story of gratitude for the podcast? Pastor Courtney would love to hear from you! Call the church and leave her a voicemail, or email her at courtney.ellis@mypcom.com 

What's the difference between biblical gratitude and toxic positivity? What are the people of PCOM thankful for these days? Hear from David Schramm, Dianne Lam, Dwight Woodruff, and Carol Marleau on what they are grateful for today.  Plus, pastor Courtney on the biblical basis for gratitude and why we're starting Advent ridiculously early this year.

What do the gospel of Matthew and the Pirates of the Caribbean have in common? Well, not much. But maybe one can shine a light of truth and beauty on the other. Maybe. 

Join professor and professional podcaster Dr. Dan van Voorhis in a witty and wonderful journey into the history of our late-October holidays within and outside of the church. Plus: his story of how God called him and his family to PCOM (it involved a hiking trail!).  You won't want to miss this special episode of the PCOM Podcast.

All Saints part two, with Pastor Courtney, Isaiah 43, and a reminder to be extra kind.

Pastor Courtney shares stories from her heart of three fellow ministers who died unexpectedly this year. Hebrews 12:1-3, the history and church tradition behind All Saints Day, and a reminder that grief is A-Okay, even (especially!) for the people of God. TW: Suicide.

Continuing in our series on Philippians, what might it mean to "do all things through Christ who strengthens us"? 

Pastor Courtney on Philippians 2, the humility of Jesus, and the Poseidon adventure. Plus: The New City Catechism and why you really should try Asian Box.

Pastor Courtney on Philippians 1 and an invitation to insight, understanding, knowledge, and love from Paul. Plus: Alfred Lansing's Endurance (yes, Pastor Courtney can't get enough) and recommendations on surfing documentaries, macabre novels, and a birding board game.

Philippians, Paul's letters, church in context, and an embarrassing story about Pastor Courtney and dating at a Christian college. Plus: Why taking verses out of context is (almost) always a disaster, and how to soak in the richness of Scripture.

In Matthew's gospel, Jesus says to those who will hear "You are the salt of the earth." So let's explore salt together to see what all the fuss is about.  Also, another kitchen catastrophe (Marmalade Hands), and some culinary wisdom picked up along the way.  SEE JEFF'S FAVORITE KITCHEN TOOLS HERE:  https://imgur.com/a/jkfNsa8