Rhythms of Humanity

As fireworks fill the sky and the pledge echoes across parades and backyards, we pause to reflect on the final words: “for all.” What does that promise really mean? Who has been left out? And what would it look like to live into the best ideas this country claims to stand for – not just for ourselves, but for each other? On this special Independence Day episode, Pastor Joanne Engquist joins us to...

Cynicism sounds a lot like wisdom these days. It protects, deflects, and keeps expectations nice and low. But what happens when that rhythm becomes the default? When it stops being smart, and starts being a shield against hope, trust, and even each other? In this episode, we explore the pull of cynicism, why it’s not all bad, and what it might be costing us. Pastor Joanne joins to reflect on how o...

In a world unraveling with war, displacement, and rising global violence, even grief feels risky. Lament – real, raw, untamed lament – is often treated like a political act. But what if it’s simply what keeps us human? In this episode, we explore the power of lament to name what’s broken, honor the stories too easily erased, and resist the demand to pick a side before we feel the ache. Pastor Joan...

This week, we reflect on the power of story — not as entertainment, but as evidence. We explore how personal stories disrupt assumptions, humanize statistics, and call us into something deeper than outrage: compassion, courage, and action. What does faithful courage look like in a moment like this? And how do we respond when basic human decency starts to feel rare? Resources & Links: * Northwest I...

As loneliness rises and old structures fade, what kind of community are we being called to build? This isn't a lament for what was, it's a hopeful reckoning with what could be. Because maybe the real question isn’t how to get people to return, but how to show up differently now. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

In a time when rights are being rolled back and fear feels louder than compassion, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed–like nothing we do can make a real difference. But what if hope isn’t a feeling? What if it’s something we practice ? In this episode, we revisit the urgent issue of hunger–but through a new lens: connection, dignity, and justice. Pastor Joanne Engquist joins us to talk about feeding fa...

In a world where hunger persists even in seemingly prosperous communities, we’re digging deeper into the realities of food insecurity and what it means for our neighbors. Join us as we discuss the stories behind the statistics and the power of collective action. Want to make a difference? Volunteer for the next Give. Share. Eat. meal packing event on May 30-31 . Visit GiveShareEat.com to sign up a...

One rhythm we all deal with is being stuck in a routine—a kind of predictable monotony that, at first, feels comfortable or even necessary. Just like life, sometimes faith feels vibrant, and other times, it’s stuck on repeat. In this episode, we’re exploring what it means to keep showing up when faith feels more like muscle memory than conviction. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelut...

As church attendance declines and familiar patterns fade, many faith communities are asking hard questions—about purpose, connection, and what it means to still be here. In this episode, we explore the tension of measuring the invisible —the quiet faithfulness of the remnant, the shifting metrics of effectiveness, and the stubborn hope that something meaningful is still happening, even if we can’t...

What does it mean to live as a citizen shaped by faith—not fear or empire? In this reflection, we wrestle with exhaustion, neighborliness, and the stubborn hope that real change starts from the ground up. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

We love Easter’s joy, but what about the part of the story we’d rather skip? This Good Friday, we lean into the tension, the silence, and the strange kind of honesty that still speaks. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

In this final episode of our Manna and Mercy series, we revisit the idea of God’s dream—not as a far-off destination, but as something we’re called to live into here and now. I reflect on how my own thinking has shifted over the course of this journey, from waiting for the dream to arrive to realizing it shows up when we make it real. We also return to a moment from an earlier conversation with Pa...

We’re continuing our journey through Manna and Mercy —unpacking its deceptively simple but deeply radical message. As we explore the rise and fall of rulers, the voices of prophets, and the arrival of Jesus, one thing becomes clear: we keep learning the same lessons… and we keep failing to act. A people cry out for a leader to save them. A promise of power and order. A system that starts with hope...

Sabbath isn’t just a personal break—it’s a declaration of freedom . Think about where the Israelites had just come from—Egypt. Under Pharaoh, they were human machines —valued only for what they could produce. No rest, no margin, just endless quotas. But in the wilderness, God gives them a gift: A day to stop. A reminder that they are more than their labor. Get full access to The Expedition at geth...

We're spending the next 6 weeks at Gethsemane Lutheran Church exploring Manna and Mercy by Dan Erlander—a brief history of God's promise to heal the universe—as part of our Lenten devotion. This week, we started with "Beginnings." Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Faith is often called a journey, perhaps because it’s less about reaching a destination and more like a hike—winding and uncertain, full of uphill struggles and unexpected vistas. In the wilderness that is life, every step is a lesson in trust, every dry spell a reminder of our dependence on God’s provision. The path leads us away from what is familiar and safe, stripping us of the comforts and il...

Much of what we see happening in the world today—political turmoil, economic inequality, migration crises, environmental destruction, and deep social divisions—has striking parallels in the Bible. Scripture is filled with stories of people struggling with oppression, injustice, and the challenge of living faithfully in a broken world. From Pharaoh’s enslavement of the Israelites to the prophets’ c...

Over these first few weeks of Trump’s presidency, the relentless flood of headlines and notifications has made it nearly impossible to process one crisis before the next one hits. Perhaps it’s a deliberate strategy—designed to wear people down until exhaustion sets in. When every update feels like an emergency, the temptation is to stay plugged in, constantly refreshing, constantly reacting. But w...

The use of lies to achieve desired outcomes exposes how society processes conflict, power, and accountability—often prioritizing short-term gains or ideological victories over long-term integrity. When deception is normalized, truth becomes negotiable, bent to fit personal or political agendas. This reflects a deeper societal tendency to seek comforting narratives rather than confront difficult tr...

This week, we’re exploring moral courage. As harmful policies and rhetoric target marginalized communities, silence enables oppression. Defending those at risk takes more than good intentions—it requires tough, uncomfortable conversations. It means confronting harmful beliefs, even when it risks tension with friends, family, and leaders. But in a society that values politeness and shies away from...

In times of uncertainty, when the future feels like shifting sand, how do we navigate the delicate balance between self-care and caring for others? How do we make space for our own well-being while remaining present for those who need us? These questions invite us to reflect on the ways we show up for ourselves and others, challenging us to find a balance that feels authentic and sustainable in an...

 This week, we're diving into the role of faith in times of crisis. While the typical answer might highlight faith as a source of hope and peace, I can’t help but wonder: is its true power found in driving action, building connection, and demanding justice? As firefighting efforts continue, Lutheran Disaster Response is on the ground, working with the Southwest California Synod, Pacifica Synod, an...

Resolutions and intentions are different in how they focus and how flexible they are. A resolution is usually a specific goal, like "I’m going to volunteer x hours" or "read x books of the Bible." It’s all about the outcome and whether you hit the target. Intentions, on the other hand, are more about your mindset and values, like "be more engaged in my community." They focus on the journey, not ju...

This week, we're exploring hope—a quiet yet powerful belief that better things are possible, even in the face of uncertainty or hardship. During the holiday season, hope takes on a special glow, reminding us of renewal, connection, and the promise of new beginnings. It’s not about denying life’s struggles but about finding light amid the darkness—like the twinkle of holiday lights on the longest n...

While the world seems to hum with merriment, some of us find ourselves longing for space to pause, reflect, and simply sit with the complexities of life. Today, we’re going to explore a practice that meets us in those moments, offering quiet comfort and a flicker of hope in the darkest nights. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe