In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone welcome our guest, the newly installed Bishop Melissa Stoller, from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, to discuss her new role as bishop, expectations for the future of the synod and the ELCA and much more!
This episode sounds scary! The wrath of God! Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone share what this 'wrath' truly means and why it is so prevalent within the biblical narrative. Further, what is this 'wrath' intended to create in us and our behavior? In this episode, myths are dispelled, and the true understanding of the wrath of God is discussed.
In this episode, special guest Pastor Erin Evans shares her experience and insight on the topic of Children in Church with Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone. Discussion surrounds integrating and engaging children within the church, whether they are very young or nearly adults, through teaching, explaining, and becoming a part of the church body. There are insights and some tips on how to find the joy of having "Children in Church"!
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone share what makes Lutheranism distinctive! Discussions of these distinctions include a brief history, Luther's perspective that we are saved by grace through faith alone, and why we are called to "Sin Boldly" because we trust in God's grace, as well as other related topics. Bonus: A behind-the-scenes clip of our prerecording banter! Resources: Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland H. Bainton &n...
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone welcome Chaplain Gaea Thompson, who serves as Manager of Pastoral Care at UPMC Presbyterian/Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh. Chaplain Gaea guides us through the work and important care of the hospital chaplain as a "Physician of the Soul." The discussion is rich in guiding us toward understanding the role of serving in a hospital setting and serving those who may be at their most vulnerable moment.
Guest Lynn Holden, Spiritual Director, joins Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone to discuss spiritual direction as the building of a relationship through which one person, the spiritual director, guides another toward the presence and call of God in all of life. Lynn shares the difference between counseling and spiritual direction, how one becomes a spiritual director, and the importance of gaining a deeper connection through the understanding of one's place in the world. Find a spiritual...
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone discuss a central doctrine of the Lutheran Church. There are a lot of 'churchy' words in just the episode title! Not to worry, we make it easy to understand! Justification by faith is a divine act by which God declares us righteous or in right relationship by offering us grace. Being in right relationship doesn't mean that we are just 'good people' or that we do 'good things' (and we should do both), but that through grace we are forgiv...
Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone are thrilled to transition our podcast to a new brand format under the Title Understanding Church. In this episode, discussion surrounds memories and experiences from the beginning of Bethlehem Backchat to present day intentions for a reimagined approach. Come laugh with us as we review where we have been and the future curiosities we plan to explore and understand.
Just in time for Lent and Easter! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone discuss the psychological, physical, and spiritual impact of carrying guilt and shame. Do we understand the difference between guilt and shame? They are often used interchangeably but there is truly a difference. Why are we unable to let some things go? We will identify the difference and discuss the avenue through Christ can guide us through the sinner and saint side of being a Christian and, in partic...
The Advent of the birth of Christ begins a new church (liturgical) year! Throughout the church year, we experience a rhythm and structure that guide our learning, praise, and thanksgiving through Christ's birth, death, and resurrection and the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit. This podcast walks through the church year from Advent to Christmas, Epiphany to Lent and Easter to Pentecost and what all of that means so that we can gain even greater relationship with our Lord through w...
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone, review what healing is all about as it relates to Jesus. It is a bit complex, and it surely requires a little contemplation and understanding. Discussion involves the difference between curing and healing. Further, sharing is offered on Jesus' teaching and healing focusing on common questions around this topic. What does 'healing' actually mean? If we ask for healing, why don't we get it sometimes? How do we contend with long-term stru...
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone discuss the two types of doubt including self-doubt and a doubt in God. We have all experienced doubt in one or both of these types as it relates to discernment and hope in being the best we can be. Discussion surrounds how to view doubt so that it can be a learning and blessing opportunity in spiritual growth and faithfulness.
We suffer in many ways. We can gain comfort in knowing that there is hope in Christ and that our community can offer support in such times. When we are struggling, we are never alone. What does the scripture say about how to handle such emotions and situations. In this episode, Pastor Dan and Vicar Wendy Farone offer insight and consideration as we "make our light so shine" in the world. Are you an Eeyore, a Pooh, or a Tigger? Great perspectives and insights offered as we think about our live...
In this episode, Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone discuss the offerings available through Lutheran Senior Life with our guest, fellow Lutheran, Vice-President of Development and President of Lutheran Senior Life Foundation, Jane Bittcher. You will be amazed at how much is offered whether you are a senior at 50 or 90-years old, you love a senior, or are interested in making plans for when you will be a senior. They also offer support for those who are interested in adoption or becoming a Fost...
In this episode, Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone discuss the promise that "Christ Has Died." [We know that from Good Friday]; "Christ Has Risen." [Yes! Risen Indeed!] and "Christ Will Come Again." OK, when? What does all that mean? We also talk about why the Easter season lasts for several weeks. You may want to listen twice as there are some very important points made about the resurrection and the Easter season. Thanks for listening!!
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss how to engage in the Psalms. They are unique and need to be approached in a way different from other scriptures. Are the Psalms poetry, songs, or prayers? How do we read them to get the most understanding? Why do we read them responsively in worship? Understanding the way to read the Psalms is the best way to understand the writer of the Psalms' intention.
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone speak with Josh Kenst, who is serving as a missionary/volunteer in Senegal, West Africa. Josh is part of the YAGM (Young Adults in Global Mission) initiative through the ELCA. His mission is for one year and he shares his experience in building relationships. As part of his welcome there, he was able to choose fabric for his clothing...a nod to his hometown colors! See the picture! Enjoy this discussion as we find out about this global mission.
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the common phrase, "I'm spiritual but not religious." What does that actually mean? Discussion surrounds the cultural meaning of 'spiritual' compared to the Christian meaning of 'spiritual.' In addition, there is some interesting insight into what it means to be religious...it's not all about going to church! Listen to determine if you are Spiritual AND Religious after all!
Listening for specific things within a sermon can help you get the most out of the sermon message! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone offer suggestions that may plant a seed that helps your understanding grow. We will discuss the purpose and intention of the sermon, how long a sermon should be, and how best to listen utilizing the acronym 'SEA'--Scripture, Engagement, and Action into our lives. Intro/Outro Music by Myson Robles-Bruce
Life is stressful and we all need help getting through difficult times! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the importance of reaching out for guidance and support when needed. Our special guest, Mark Heinbockel of Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry, offers services available such as counseling, tutoring, groups and workshops. Further, the importance of faith and spirituality in healing the whole person and family system is discussed. Not in Pittsburgh ar...