Rhythms of Humanity

The holiday season is finally here, kicking off this week with Thanksgiving! As you gather with loved ones to celebrate and give thanks, don’t forget to take a moment to honor the Indigenous peoples who have cared for this land for generations. For many Indigenous communities, Thanksgiving carries a deep and complex history of loss and resilience. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelut...

CLICK HERE to join our newsletter and stay connected with the latest updates as we work together to stand with our immigrant neighbors.. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Many people feel deep disappointment over the results of the presidential election, particularly concerning civil rights, democracy, and the environment. These completely understandable emotions prompt us to consider important questions about our response. In this episode, we discussed a variety of topics, including the song “Sanctuary” by Carrie Newcomer. You can listen to the song here. Get full...

The clustering of Halloween, Día de los Muertos, and All Saints’ Day suggests that across cultures and religions, humans share deep, common questions and fascinations about death, the afterlife, and remembrance. These holidays reveal that societies throughout history have grappled with similar existential themes: What happens after we die? How should we remember and honor those who have passed? Ho...

Rest is an essential part of life, often overlooked in our fast-paced world. It allows the body and mind to recharge, heal, and prepare for the demands of daily life. By prioritizing rest, we give ourselves the opportunity to be more present, creative, and resilient in all aspects of life. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Today, financial uncertainty is driven by inflation, rising interest rates, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Compounding this, climate change is causing more frequent and intense disasters, leading to widespread devastation and increasing the need for relief. In times of economic uncertainty, how can people of faith best respond to these challenges? Click here to make a donation through Lutheran...

Whether in our faith communities or daily life, modern living often involves learning to navigate adversity. Financial struggles, uncertainty, and shifting priorities can often feel overwhelming. Despite these challenges, how can we find resilience and support through faith and community? Here to help us explore this question is Pastor Joanne Engquiste. For additional resources, you can visit the...

In a society as deeply divided as ours, it's common for people to lose sight of each other's humanity, viewing those with opposing views as adversaries instead of fellow human beings. Political, religious, and social conflicts can create barriers that make it difficult to extend love and compassion. As people of faith, What is our responsibility in such a context? Joining us to explore this questi...

With campaign ads everywhere, and social media feeds flooded with political posts, this season can quickly become overwhelming—and if you're already exhausted by all the political noise, it can be tempting to just tune out and ignore the whole process. But as people of faith, do we have a responsibility to stay engaged in the process? Helping us explore this question, is Pastor Joanne Engquiste. E...

During the pandemic, we saw a lot of people move away from urban centers in search of more space and affordability. Of course, that’s not the only issue that urban churches like ours face, but it does bring up a question… Who is our neighbor? Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Food is deeply intertwined with culture. It carries the stories, memories, and identity of communities. It fosters social connections, and provides a sense of belonging and emotional well-being. Food also provides the essential nutrients that our bodies need to function properly. Visit www. GiveShareEat.com to learn more about Give. Share. Eat. For more information on the "Why is the Farm Bill Imp...

In the past week, protests regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on college campuses have dominated the headlines. Regardless of one's stance on the issue, the statistics are alarming: Since October 7, over 34,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, with 77,000 more sustaining injuries in Israeli attacks on Gaza. In this episode, we delve into the question of where God is amidst this tragedy...

Parenting is a dynamic process that evolves as children grow and develop. Just when you have one stage figured out, your child enters a new phase with its own set of challenges and demands. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

The Easter story, at its heart, is a tale of hope, sacrifice, and renewal, celebrated by Christians around the world. It begins with Jesus Christ's arrival in Jerusalem, where he was welcomed by crowds praising him as a king. However, not long after, the story takes a hard turn. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

This week, we're exploring how rules and regulations fit into faith. For some, it's tempting to think of faith as just a list of things we should or shouldn't do. However, turning faith into a checklist of actions to embrace or avoid quickly turns problematic, especially with so many different opinions and interpretations. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/...

Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

This week, we’re exploring Christian nationalism — an ideology that combines Christian beliefs and national identity, asserting that a particular nation is defined by Christianity and that the government should take active steps to keep it that way. This ideology often emphasizes the idea that a nation's character and policies should reflect Christian values and beliefs, often to the exclusion or...

In this episode, we delve into the profound realm of the end of life—a pivotal aspect of our human journey. This exploration brings to the forefront fundamental questions about the meaning of life, and the essence of what it means to be human.  A couple of days ago, the lenten season began with Ash Wednesday. The most recognizable ritual of Ash Wednesday is the imposition of ashes on the forehead...

In this episode, we’re exploring Lent — a pivotal tradition in the Christian faith. Lent is a 40-day period in  the Christian calendar, commemorating the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert. The practices and observances surrounding Lent reflect the broader history of Christianity, illustrating how traditions adapt and change over time. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchu...

In this episode, we’re exploring self-compassion. Many faith traditions emphasize values like love, forgiveness, and kindness. However, we forget that these values are not only directed towards others but also yourself.  Jesus' commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" implies a level of self-love and care that is foundational to loving others. Self-love in this context is not about selfishn...

Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Advent’s influence reaches far beyond the walls of churches and into the fabric of our culture.  Think about it – those Advent calendars filled with chocolates, the twinkling candles, and the array of activities that lead up to Christmas Day. It's not just a countdown; it's a journey of reflection, hope, and joy as we gear up for the holiday season. From a faith perspective, Advent isn't just abou...