Elissa Bjeletich Davis, Kristina Wenger, and Ancient Faith Ministries

Tending the Garden of our Hearts

Religion EN ↓ 319 episodes

Weekly meditations for families, with stories about the saints, Scripture readings and lessons designed to open up conversation and to enrich the family Little Church.

Author

Elissa Bjeletich Davis, Kristina Wenger, and Ancient Faith Ministries

Category

Religion

Podcast website

www.ancientfaith.com

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

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Episodes

Life of the Theotokos, Part One 10.05.2021

As we begin the Dormition fast, we will spend some time learning about the Theotokos along with Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger. In this episode, we learn about the miracle of her birth, how she spent her childhood, and what prepared her to answer with the "yes" that changed the world.

St. Photini: Meeting the Samaritan Woman 10.05.2021

Join Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich as we look at the Samaritan woman whose meeting with Jesus at Jacob's well changed everything!

A Visit to the Scented Garden: Verses to Encourage Our Spirits 10.05.2021

Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich share some favorite Scripture verses and quotes to help us shake off our wintry (or summer) blues.

Stillness 10.05.2021

Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich take some time to consider how stillness allows us to hear God's still small voice, and how practicing stillness might become a part of our fast.

The Life of St. Sava 10.05.2021

Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger tell the life story of the very beloved Serbian Saint, St. Sava who was born into the life of a prince, but had other ideas....

Getting Along: The Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul 10.05.2021

What happens when we disagree with the people we love? Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich explore the story of the reconciliation of the Holy Saints Peter and Paul.

Pentecost: God's Promises 10.05.2021

Join Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich as they explore what it means for Jesus to "fulfill" Old Testament feasts and God's promises.

St. John Maximovitch of Shanghai and San Francisco 10.05.2021

lissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger tell about a beloved saint. You can send your prayers to: St. John Maximovitch c/o Holy Virgin Cathedral “Joy of All Who Sorrow” 6210 Geary Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94121

Why Tend the Garden of our Hearts? 10.05.2021

Why are we tending the garden of our hearts? What do the Saints tell us, and how can this idea help us in our own spiritual lives?

Journey's End 27.04.2021

This week, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger wrap up our Journey through the Parables with a conversation summarizing what we've learned together. You'll find more materials to make this lesson come to life for your family or classroom at tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool

Parable of the Two Debtors 27.04.2021

This week, Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich discuss The Parable of the Two Debtors, from Luke 7: 36-50. What is Jesus trying to teach us about forgiveness? You'll find more materials to make this lesson come to life for your family or classroom at tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool

The Parable of the Good Shepherd 26.04.2021

This week, Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich explore the ways in which Christ takes care of His flock, as we read the Parable of the Good Shepherd. You'll find more materials to make this lesson come to life for your family or classroom at: tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool

The Harrowing of Hades 17.04.2021

This week, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger get us ready for Pascha by asking: how exactly did Jesus trample down death by death? What does that mean? You'll find more materials to make this lesson come to life for your family or classroom at: tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool

The Parable of the Great Supper 07.04.2021

This week, Kristina and Elissa read the Parable of the Good Supper, exploring the feast God has prepared for us, whether or not we come, and what we will be wearing! You'll find more materials to make this lesson come to life for your family or classroom at: tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool.

The Parable of the Two Sons 31.03.2021

This week, Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich read the Parable of the Two Sons. Which is better? Saying you won't go to work but then going anyway, or saying you will work but not showing up? You'll find more materials to make this lesson come to life for your family or classroom at: tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool

The Parable of the Good Samaritan 25.03.2021

This week, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger discuss the Parable of the Good Samaritan. There are many ways to react when a person is struggling -- how can we react as Christ wishes? You'll find more materials to make this lesson come to life for your family or classroom at: tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool

The Parable of the Servants Waiting for their Lord 16.03.2021

This week, Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich consider the Parable of the Servants Waiting for their Lord. We'll be thinking about the Second Coming, and about how important it is for Church leaders to do a good job of watching over Jesus' house. You'll find more materials to make this lesson come to life for your family or classroom at: tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool

The Great Lent Episode 10.03.2021

This week, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger take a little side trip from the parables as we begin Great Lent. You'll find more materials to make this lesson come to life for your family or classroom at: tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool

The Parable of the Last Judgement 04.03.2021

This week, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger take a look at the Parable of the Last Judgement (or the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats) and ask how we can become sheep instead of goats. You'll find more materials to make this lesson come to life for your family or classroom at: tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool

The Parable of the Prodigal Son 14.02.2021

Lent approaches! This week, Kristina Wenger and Elissa Bjeletich take a look at the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Which brother are you? You'll find more materials to make this lesson come to life for your family or classroom at: tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool

The Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee 13.02.2021

This week as the Triodion begins, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger prepare for Lent by discussing the much beloved Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. Which of these men went home justified, and what does that mean? You'll find more materials to make this lesson come to life for your family or classroom at: tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool

Zacchaeus Sunday 12.02.2021

The Triodion period begins soon! As Zacchaeus Sunday approaches, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger take a look at the story of this small man whose encounter with Jesus changed his life. Are we ready to change our lives? You'll find more materials to make this lesson come to life for your family or classroom at: tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool

The Parable of the Rich Fool 03.02.2021

This week, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger take a look at the Parable of the Rich Fool, and ask how we can avoid being fools ourselves! You'll find more materials to make this lesson come to life for your family or classroom at: tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus 27.01.2021

This week, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger talk about the very rich man who just kept stepping over poor Lazarus, as he lay suffering at his gate. Is it that God wants to help the poor, or that He's actually using the poor to help the rich? You'll find more materials to make this lesson come to life for your family or classroom at: tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool

The Parable of the Tower Builder and the King who Would Go to War 22.01.2021

This week, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger talk about how one goes about building a tower or preparing for war. Are you prepared? You'll find more materials to make this lesson come to life for your family or classroom at: tending-the-garden.com/virtualsundayschool

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