St. Paul Podcast

Miracles are happening in this week’s episode! After last week’s scary boat ride, Jesus and Little Bird return to shore where lots of people have gathered to see Jesus. In that crowd, a very sick old woman and a man with a sick daughter seek Jesus’ help in healing them. 

Sara Olson-Smith preaches on the both divine and human Jesus. On the feast of the transfiguration, we celebrate the glory and the power of Jesus, who carries in his being the fullness of God’s goodness and strength, and yet, still present on Earth, with skin on.  The light and the glory of God is not just reserved for mountaintops. Our faith reminds us that God’s glorious light and love are breaki...

Put on your raincoats, pull up those rain boots, and get ready for a bumpy boat ride! Little Bird, Jesus, and a few of the disciples head out on the water again but this time, the weather makes things a little scary. Jesus reminds Little Bird (and us) to not be afraid, to find peace, to be still, and to trust in Jesus.  

Peter W. Marty preaches on hateful speech. To be a free person in Jesus Christ, we must let go of hate-filled words. The way we assemble and connect words makes a big difference - we can harm and disfigure or we can bless and dignify the world and other people just by the words we use. It is our words that will save us or condemn us.  Preaching text: Matthew 5: 21-26 

Little Bird and Jesus make their way to Jericho. When Little Bird lands in a sycamore tree, she finds an unlikely new friend and it’s not another bird – but a rich man! This rich man will make some big changes throughout our story today.  

Pastor Peter W. Marty preaches on wisdom and maturity in faith. Once you know the basics and you’re working to cultivate your faith, there’s a certain maturity about you that people outside of the faith don’t know in quite the same way. When you’re growing in maturity in your Christian life, you’re able to perceive some of the hidden wisdom of God that others cannot.    Preaching text: 1 Corinthia...

Jesus and his new flock, including our favorite little bird, share in a few teachings on a mountainside. 

Pastor Katy Warren preaches on being blessed. What does it mean to be blessed? God's blessings are given to us freely. It’s not something that is earned or given as a reward for working hard enough or enduring enough hardship in your life. You matter, you are loved, you are blessed even and, maybe especially, when you don’t feel like it. Blessed are you, right where you are in life.   Preachi...

This week, lots of people gather to hear what Jesus has to say. But as the day goes on, tummies start to growl. Instead of sending everyone home, Jesus says, “We’ll feed them!” But how will they feed 5000 hungry people with only five loaves of bread and two fish? 

Pastor Peter A. Pettit preaches on the big picture. All of our lives, the big picture has a strong impact. This big picture shapes what we make of the options life presents. 28,000 years ago, the prophet Isaiah already understood this. Scripture paints the big picture for people of God. In God’s big picture, we gain from challenging moments, working together for a more joyful world for the whole h...

Our story today takes place on the water at the Sea of Galilea. While Jesus helps a few fishermen catch some fish, Jesus and Little Bird catch some new friends along the way. 

Megan Eide preaches on seeing. Not only do we have a unique way of seeing things we also have a unique way of assigning meaning to them based on our own backgrounds, skills, relationships, and values. They all come together to tell a unique personal story. True faith, a relationship with God that is personal, full, and vivacious, develops through your eyes alone. We must put on our own glasses of...

Remember last week’s episode when we fast-forwarded 12 years? Well, hang on to your seats – we’re fast-forwarding even further into the future – almost 20 years! This week, Little Bird and Jesus go on an adventure to see Jesus’ cousin John at the Jordan River.   

Max Franks preaches on self-worth. When we realize our inherent human value, it allows us to see ourselves and others as God sees us. When we face unrelenting hurt, loss, or insecurity, we can boldly face what the world tosses at us with a certain assurance that, through our baptism, Christ walks with us.   Preaching text: Matthew 3: 13-17 

In this week's episode, we fast forward to when Jesus is 12 years old. Jesus and Little Bird are the best of friends but when Jesus and his family travel to Jerusalem, Little must stay behind. Just as the group is getting close to home, Little Bird flies out to meet them on the road and discovers quite the surprise - Jesus isn't with them! Where could he have gone? Find out on this week&...

On the first podcast of 2023, Peter W. Marty preaches on goodness. Good always outweighs evil. Good always has more beauty, more merit, and more presence; you just have to notice it. This year, try your best to notice all the goodness you can. Along the walks that you make, every place you go, try to create and share some goodness and some kindness too.   Preaching text: Matthew 2: 13-23 

Happy New Year! This week, we find Little Bird just where we left off - the stable in Bethlehem.  On this day, some astounding new visitors arrive, bringing with them one of the strangest creatures Little Bird has ever seen! 

Last week's episode ended with Little Bird waking up to a most peculiar sound. What could that sound have possibly been? This week, Little Bird meets a very small new friend. 

Peter W. Marty preaches on this special Christmas edition of the St. Paul audio podcast. The world is full of brokenness but in Jesus Christ, God makes gentle the life of the world. God whispers in our ear, through Jesus Christ, that we have to make this world a better place. We can allow our hearts to be our own little manger for God to live in, for God to dwell in, for God to make a home in. Fea...

Peter W. Marty preaches. Sometimes we find ourselves in a place we didn’t expect, a situation we didn’t plan. Listen closely while you pray. It may not be the life you imagined but God will be born into it. This may be what Christmas is about – the irrational, unexplainable appearance of love in the midst of the world’s toughest realities and some of our own unplanned circumstances. To do what Jos...

This week, Little Bird is off on her longest journey yet, flapping her little wings all the way to Bethlehem. Little Bird, Mary, and Joseph find comfort and support in a very unlikely place. 

Pastor Sara Olson-Smith preaches on joy and the way joy bursts forth like a spring in the desert. Joy sometimes comes in the most difficult of times, surprising us. Many of have known our own desert exiles. A season defined by sorrow, despair, longing, or grief. Times in our lives that don’t seem like we’d hoped they’d be. But Isaiah says to be strong and not to fear, the Lord will come to save yo...

This week, our brave Little Bird is off on another adventure. This time, traveling days and days to visit Mary's cousin Elizabeth. This week's episode is filled with lots of song and encouragement. 

Peter W. Marty preaches on justice. The biblical concept of justice, wherever God is involved, is about making things right for people and making things right in society. Justice is not about fair play, it’s about righteous play. It’s not about giving people what they deserve, but what they need. God’s justice is helping all people live a dignified life. Preaching text: Isaiah 11: 1-6

We're starting off our podcast at the beginning, even before Jesus was born. Today, Little Bird will meet a very special woman, and together, they'll have a remarkable encounter and learn some truly life-changing news! Original music by William Campbell Children's voices by Annie Harless, Gary Harless, Isabelle Lovel, Susannah Olson-Smith, Amos Olson-Smith