The Clergy Corner

This upcoming Sunday afternoon, Ankeny UCC will be hosting the Central Association's Spring Meeting, followed by the installation service for Pastor Arik. Join him this week as he looks at what an installation service is all about, and why he finds it so special. 

With Easter now behind us, this upcoming Sunday we will hear the story of doubting Thomas. Join Pastor Arik this week as he explores a different approach to the story, and why doubt is so important to us as people of faith. 

With Holy Week upon us, this week Pastor Arik shares one of his favorite poems by the poet Sh'maya, titled, "The Shattered Grave"

With the upcoming Holy Week events taking much of Pastor Arik's time and focus, this week he releases an old interview from years ago when he sat down with a dear friend and coworker. Join us this week as Pastor Arik sits down with Ronald Gibson, an incredibly intelligent man and a talented organist, as they discuss Ron's life journey and his passion for music

With St. Patrick's Day approaching on Sunday, this week Pastor Arik looks at the origins of the holiday and how it has transformed into the celebration we have here, today. 

As new life returns to our world, this week Pastor Arik examines the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Join him as he explores how painful moments of deconstruction can create fertile ground for the new life that is coming next. 

This week Pastor Arik revisits an old interview he did with his best friend, Dr. Michael Sinklier, from eight years ago. Listen in to this old episode where they discussed Michael's faith journey, his passions, and some of his more memorable medical stories.

This week Pastor Arik examines how our routines can sometimes leave us feeling in a rut. As he explores an example in his own life, he encourages us to find ways to live intentionally in the present moment, and to live every day to the fullest. 

Today is Ash Wednesday AND Valentine's Day! This week Pastor Arik looks at how these seemingly opposite holidays actually work well when brought together. Join him as he explores how embracing our mortality makes those relationships in our lives, even better. 

As Lent approaches next week, this week Pastor Arik centers himself (and hopefully the listeners!) by leading a guided meditation. Find some time and a place to get comfortable before listening in to this week's episode!

In the midst of revamping the website and updating the church's logo, this week Pastor Arik looks at how the cross became the symbol of the Christian faith, and why the church's new logo will step away from this imagery.

This past weekend Pastor Arik attended a planning session with the church council. Coming away from the experience, he was impressed and hopeful for what the year will bring. Join him as he reflects upon what made this planning session different, and how we can apply these same lessons to our own lives

With the recent snow storms, this week Pastor Arik takes a look back on a fond memory he shared with an older member who traveled to church in the midst of a blizzard. Stay safe and warm!

TW: School Shootings In the aftermath of the tragedy in Perry last week, this week Pastor Arik reflects upon the impact of these events in our lives and the lives of our children. Let us work toward and build a world where violence will be a distant memory. 

With the New Year before us, this week Pastor Arik looks at how we can choose to make this year the best year of our lives. In a year where there will be tension and uncertainty, let us choose to be beacons of light and love in the lives of others. 

With Christmas eve just around the corner, this week Pastor Arik reflects on what this season is truly about, and ends with a powerful reading titled "Silence and Fury"

With the Christmas Pageant approaching this Sunday, this week Pastor Arik looks at why the children of our faith are not just the future leaders of the church, but are vital to the church here and now

Pastor Arik is back at it as Advent kicks off! Join him as he explores the highs and lows of the season, and reflects on why it is so important to show grace to one another this time of year

With the big moving day coming next week, this episode marks the last episode for Pastor Arik as Pastor of Community of Faith. Instead of saying goodbye, we will say, "so long for now," and "until we meet again."

As of this week, Pastor Arik no longer owns a home! Join him as he explores the strange feeling of uprootedness as he prepares for the big changes coming in his life. 

As Pastor Arik prepares for a big move, he finds himself living in between two worlds. What is it like to live with one foot in the past, and one foot in the future? Where does our mind go? How can we center ourselves in gratitude, as we give thanks for the difficult changes taking place? Join Pastor Arik as he reflects on these liminal spaces that come from big changes.

In the midst of all the changes in his life, this week Pastor Arik's youngest son decided he wanted a big boy bed. Join Pastor Arik as he explores a lesson he learned from the process and why it is so important for us to live in the present moment. 

When faced with challenges or problems, it is human nature for us to want to assign blame. This week Pastor Arik looks at why we should resist the urge to pass blame on others, as he explores how it gets in the way of the important work that needs to be done

Patience is a virtue for a reason. It is immensely difficult to practice, and in our day and age, it grows harder to be patient with each passing day. Join Pastor Arik as he explores the importance of patience in our lives and how patience is a spiritual practice.

On this week's episode, Pastor Arik lifts up some stories from the first responders on the scene on 9/11. Let us give thanks for our first responders and commit ourselves to supporting them and thanking them for their bravery