Look for any podcast host, guest or anyone
Showing episodes and shows of

Rev. Arik Borstad

Shows

The Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 315: Celebrating Pride MonthAs Pastor Arik prepares for the upcoming Pride celebrations this weekend, on this week's episode Pastor Arik looks at the importance of faith communities celebrating Pride month. Join him as he examines how the church can be a beacon of light in the midst of these dark times. 2025-06-1814 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 309: Our Holy WeekThis week Pastor Arik takes a personal moment to reflect upon the parallels of our Holy Week story and what is going on in the world around us. If any of his musings resonates with you, feel free to share with others. Take care of yourselves, everyone. 2025-04-1716 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 308: Kiss the WindAfter a memorable moment with his son, Leo, earlier this week, Pastor Arik reflects upon the importance of finding moments of light and love in the midst of the darkness. 2025-04-0210 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 307: Pink BootsAfter a shopping excursion earlier this week, on this episode Pastor Arik reflects upon the impact that a pair of pink cowboy boots had on his life, and the way they encourage us to live our lives fully and authentically. Listen in!   2025-03-1909 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 306: A Spring of HopeOn this week's episode, Pastor Arik looks at how the coming spring season can instill within us signs of hope. Even in the midst of these turbulent and chaotic times, hope is stirring beneath the surface. Join him as he explores the importance of hope in the midst of dark times. 2025-03-1211 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 305: Ash WednesdayAs we begin our Lenten journey today, this week Pastor Arik looks at the significance of the Ash Wednesday service and how it prepares us for the Lenten season. Listen in!2025-03-0511 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 304: SikhismThis past weekend Pastor Arik and the confirmation class visited a Sikh Gurdwara to worship alongside them. Join him as he explores the basic beliefs of the Sikh religion and the beauty that comes from their belief of the oneness of all humanity. 2025-02-1917 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 303: Joy as ResistanceOn this week's episode, Pastor Arik examines how finding moments of joy is an act of resistance. In a world that seeks to overwhelm us with bad news of troubling times, finding moments of joy is a profound way of fighting back. 2025-01-2911 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 302: The Theology of SportsWhat a year it has been, already! This week Pastor Arik gives thanks for the distraction of the NFL playoffs and how faith and sports can learn lessons from one another. 2025-01-1513 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 301: The Ritual of RoutineHappy New Year, everyone! Join Pastor Arik this week as he explores the beauty found in our mundane routines and how it opens us up to the possibility of experiencing the divine. Join him as he shifts his thinking from "routine" to one of "ritual," as we enter into this new year. 2025-01-0813 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 300: Merry Christmas!What a wonderful day! Somehow the release of episode 300 perfectly aligns with Christmas day, so join us as Pastor Arik celebrates the season with a poem from one of his favorite poets, Sh'maya. Merry Christmas, everyone!2024-12-2507 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 299: Grief During the HolidaysAfter a major loss in the congregation this week, on this week's episode Pastor Arik looks at the importance of naming our grief in the midst of the holiday season. Join him as he explores what grief looks like and why it is important to allow ourselves to grieve at Christmas. 2024-12-1816 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 298: Through Children's EyesThis week, as Pastor Arik prepares for the youth Christmas pageant on Sunday, he reflects upon how children experience this season in its pure and unfiltered form. Join him as he explores how we can reconnect with the child within us and approach this season with awe. 2024-12-1109 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 297: Winter's WisdomAs we enter into the month of December, and as the snow begins to fall in earnest, this week Pastor Arik looks at how we can take lessons from the season and apply it to our own lives. Join him as he explores the wisdom found within the winter season. 2024-12-0410 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 296: Fall: The Season of ChangeThis week Pastor Arik looks at how the season of fall can reflect the changes in our own lives, and how sometimes we need to shed the leaves that are holding us back in order to prepare for the coming winter. 2024-11-2009 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 295: Grounded in GratitudeAfter a rough couple of weeks, on this episode Pastor Arik looks at the importance of gratitude, especially during difficult times. Join him as he invites us to ground ourselves in a spirit of gratitude, as we prepare ourselves for the work ahead.2024-11-1309 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 294: It Takes a VillageIn the aftermath of a very busy week, on this week's episode Pastor Arik looks at the importance of the "village" and how it is still alive and well in our community, today. Listen in! 2024-10-2311 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 293: Exploring the Limits of A.I.After a chance encounter with AI this past week that left him stunned, in this episode Pastor Arik looks at the advancement of artificial intelligence technology and the good (and bad) that might come from it. 2024-10-0911 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 292: Troubling Texts of the Bible - Psalm 88This week, in a continuation of our mini-series examining problematic texts of the Bible, we look closer at Psalm 88 - the only psalm where the psalmist does not make a turn from sorrow to praise. Join Pastor Arik as he looks at the silence of God as an example of sacred care, and how sometimes the best way to support another in their grief is to be a listening ear. 2024-09-2516 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 291: Troubling Texts of the Bible - Genesis 22This week Pastor Arik takes a closer look at the problematic story of Genesis 22 and the story of Abraham and Isaac. Join him as he explores Abraham's faithfulness/faithlessness and how the story might resonate with us today.2024-09-1816 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 290: 9/11 First RespondersJoin Pastor Arik this week has he lifts up the stories of some of the first responders on September 11, 2001. As we look back on that fateful day, 23 years ago, let us lift up those first responders who gave so much to help those in danger. 2024-09-1116 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 289: School BeginsAs the school year kicks off, this week Pastor Arik takes a look at the importance of Christian Education and having a place where our kids feel loved and supported, no matter what comes their way. 2024-09-0410 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 288: When Sickness StrikesAs Pastor Arik recovers from a nasty virus, this week he re-releases an episode from back in the day when his family was fighting off a bug, right before Sage's baptism. Listen in and stay healthy, friends!2024-08-2107 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 287: The Power of NamesThis week Pastor Arik looks at the power that language has in shaping our reality, especially when it comes to the power of names. Join him as he looks at several biblical examples of names and how there is deeper meaning found within. 2024-08-0715 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 286: To Everything There is a SeasonThis week Pastor Arik looks at those "in-between" times in our lives when we find ourselves in a place of transition. Join him and his exploration of eschatology as we discover meaning in the midst of the various seasons of our lives 2024-07-3110 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 285: Where the Soul ResidesIn this week's episode, Pastor Arik looks at the history and origins of lobotomies, and how it became known as the "surgery of the soul." Diving into the theory of the collective unconscious, join Pastor Arik as he explores a theory of where the soul resides. 2024-07-2413 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 284: Radical NonviolenceIn the aftermath of this past weekend's events, Pastor Arik takes a few minutes to reflect upon the radically nonviolent nature of our faith. Take care of yourselves, everyone. 2024-07-1708 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 283: Civil ReligionWith the 4th of July being celebrated this week, Pastor Arik uses the opportunity to examine the dangers of civil religion and why we need to be intentional about what becomes an object of our worship.2024-07-0311 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 282: A Spirit of GratitudeAs Pastor Arik reflects upon a busy weekend, he lifts up those that made the many church events a resounding success. Join him as he embraces a spirit of gratitude for all those who gave of their time and energy this week. 2024-06-2608 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 281: JuneteenthAs we celebrate Juneteenth today, this week Pastor Arik takes a look at the history of the holiday and why we need to hold the celebration of the day in tension with the sorrow of slavery. 2024-06-1913 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 280: PRIDEAs PRIDE month begins, this week Pastor Arik looks at why this is such an important month to celebrate as a faith community. Join him as he looks at how far we have come and how much further we have left to go. 2024-06-0509 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 279: Planting SeedsThis week, as Pastor Arik prepares for our first outdoor worship service of the year, he does a bit of reflecting on why he loves gardening and the process of watching things grow. Join him as he explores the parallels between growing a garden and tending to the garden of our soul. 2024-05-2908 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 278: The Book of JobIn preparation for the first meeting of our church book club later this week, on this episode Pastor Arik takes a look at the book of Job and the reason what it still remains relevant to us in our world, today. 2024-05-2219 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 277: Mother's DayWith Mother's Day approaching this weekend, this week Pastor Arik looks at why he uses the holiday as an opportunity to celebrate the women in our lives as a whole, and offers up two poems from incredible poets that speak to the power of women in the world. 2024-05-0808 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 276: SonderAs Pastor Arik worked from a coffee shop to try to get past his writer's block, he experienced an interesting phenomenon. Join him as he explores what "sonder" is and how it is something that can help us be more mindful in our lives. 2024-05-0108 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 275: Installation ServiceThis 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. 2024-04-2409 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 274: The Importance of DoubtWith 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. 2024-04-0310 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 273: A Poem for Holy Week With Holy Week upon us, this week Pastor Arik shares one of his favorite poems by the poet Sh'maya, titled, "The Shattered Grave" 2024-03-2708 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 272: The Journey Series Revisited: Ronald GibsonWith 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 music2024-03-2039 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 271: St. Patrick's DayWith 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. 2024-03-1308 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 270: MetamorphasisAs 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. 2024-03-0608 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 269: The Journey Series Revisited: Dr. Michael SinklierThis 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.2024-02-2850 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 268: Ruts of RoutineThis 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. 2024-02-2107 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 267: Ashes and ValentinesToday 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. 2024-02-1409 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 266: A Guided MeditationAs 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!2024-02-0712 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 265: The Symbol of the CrossIn 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.2024-01-3111 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 264: The Power of PlanningThis 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 lives2024-01-2414 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 263: SnowpocalypseWith 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!2024-01-1709 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 262: Reflections on PerryTW: 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. 2024-01-1010 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 261: New Year, New YouWith 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. 2024-01-0307 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 260: Christmas ApproachesWith 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"2023-12-2010 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 259: The Leaders of Today and TomorrowWith 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 now2023-12-1308 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 258: Tis the SeasonPastor 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 year2023-12-0609 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 257: So Long for NowWith 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."2023-10-2508 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 256: UprootedAs 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. 2023-10-1807 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 255: Liminal SpacesAs 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.2023-10-1107 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 254: The Present MomentIn 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. 2023-10-0407 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 253: The Blame GameWhen 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 done2023-09-2709 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 252: PatiencePatience 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.2023-09-2012 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 251: 9/11On 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 2023-09-1314 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 250: The Parable of the SowerAs Pastor Arik prepares to transition out of his role as pastor at Community of Faith, he encourages the church to look at the upcoming change as an opportunity. Which soil will we choose to become?2023-09-0609 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 249: Prayer vs. WorryReflecting upon some wisdom his wife shared recently, this week Pastor Arik takes a look at the power of reframing the worries we experience and the importance of spreading more love and light into the world.2023-08-3009 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 248: Back to SchoolTW: School Shootings As Pastor Arik prepares to send his eldest son off to first grade this week, there is a thought that will linger in the back of his mind as he watches him board the bus each morning... "Will this be the last time I get to see my son?" Join Pastor Arik as he prays for our students, teachers, parents and administrators as they face the challenges of the new school year2023-08-2310 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 247: Blessing of the AnimalsThis upcoming Sunday we take time during worship to bless the many pets in our lives. Join Pastor Arik as this week he explores what makes this service so special, and how important pets are in our lives2023-08-1606 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 246: Funeral ReflectionsAs Pastor Arik grieves the loss of a friend earlier this week and prepares to officiate a funeral later this week, he takes time to reflect on funerals and his approach to helping families in their time of need. 2023-08-0208 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 245: The Calm Before the StormAs August approaches, this week Pastor Arik reflects on just how much is going on in the coming month and finds himself embracing this quiet before the storm.2023-07-2607 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 244: Knowing Your WorthAs the heat of the summer continues, this week Pastor Arik uses a metaphor of bottled water to explore how we need to advocate and know our own value and worth2023-07-1908 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 243: At Our LowestBack from Indianapolis and recovering from the flu, this week Pastor Arik offers a short reflection on what it means to hold grace for ourselves and others and to not judge one another for who we were at our worst. 2023-07-1207 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 242: General Synod Update #3After a long day of church business, Pastor Arik gives his final update from the General Synod2023-07-0418 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 241: General Synod Update #2Pastor Arik gives another update from General Synod, filling us in with what happened on Saturday and Sunday! Listen in!2023-07-0316 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 240: General Synod Update #1Pastor Arik gives his first update from the General Synod! Listen in!2023-06-3006 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 239: Synod Begins (Committee 5 Overview)General Synod kicks off this week! Pastor Arik will be doing periodic updates from General Synod, but to start things off he takes time to explore the committee he is part of and the resolution the committee is in charge of bringing before the general assembly. If you are interested in the various resolutions that will be discussed and voted on, you can read them all at https://generalsynod.org/proposed-resolutions You can listen or subscribe on iTunes here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-clergy-corner/id1076603330 You can listen or subscribe on Spotify here:2023-06-2718 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 237: Honor WalkAfter a heartbreaking loss last week, Pastor Arik reflects upon a moment he experienced that will remain with him forever.  2023-05-2410 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 236: Food and FellowshipAfter getting to spend some quality time with members of the church for food and fellowship, this week Pastor Arik reflects on why sharing food with one another is the fastest way to grow closer together as a church. 2023-05-1709 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 235: Funeral FrenzyPastor Arik has had a slew of funerals recently for members of the surrounding area, so this week he takes a look at why funerals are so important, even to our growing secular society2023-05-1009 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 234: The Serenity PrayerThis week Pastor Arik takes a closer look at one of his favorite prayers, "The Serenity Prayer"2023-05-0310 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 233: The Advent of AIRecently Pastor Arik has been toying around with ChatGPT and other AI assistants, and what he has discovered has changed the way he looks at the world and the future before us. Join him as he explores the advent of AI and as he issues a special challenge to his listeners in the coming months. 2023-04-2612 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 232: Facing Challenges with GraceIn the midst of navigating some challenges and frustrations at work, this week Pastor Arik looks at the importance of navigating hard times with integrity and grace. Listen in as he explores the importance of overcoming challenging times with grace. 2023-04-1913 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 231: See the GoodAs Pastor Arik recovers from a post-Easter illness, he takes a look at a message he kept ruminating on this week. Join him as he explores why it is so important to see the good in people, even those who have hurt us before.2023-04-1209 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 230: GolgathaHoly Week is upon us, so this week Pastor Arik takes a look at the importance of sitting in the midst of the discomfort of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, rather than rushing to the good news of Easter morning. Join him as he lifts up a poem for reflection from Sh'maya, titled, "Golgatha"2023-04-0512 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 229: Lenten LessonsWith our Lenten journey drawing to a close, this week Pastor Arik looks back on our Lenten season and lifts up some lessons he has learned along the way2023-03-2909 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 228: Seeking BalancePastor Arik's wife is away traveling, so this week he takes a look at how important balance is in a relationship, and how we should always be honest and ask our loved ones for what we need.2023-03-2209 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 227: Reflections on LifeWith sickness in his home and the loss of a family member fresh in his mind, this week Pastor Arik looks at some life lessons we could all benefit from learning2023-03-1510 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 226: QuestionsPastor Arik is back with a repaired computer! Join him this week as he explores the importance and power of questions in our faith2023-03-0808 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 225: Ash WednesdayToday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Join Pastor Arik as he explores Ash Wednesday and the importance of repentance and renewal. 2023-02-2210 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 224: One Pastor, Three FuneralsWith three funerals in two days, this week Pastor Arik reflects upon the death and dying process, and how it can help us have more appreciate for life2023-02-0813 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 223: Imposter SyndromeThis week Pastor Arik examines the phenomenon known as "Imposter Syndrome" and how it can impact all aspects of our lives. 2023-02-0111 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 222: Five Points of ReflectionWith Pastor Arik preparing for the Lenten season, he takes time this week to lift up five points of reflection for us to consider. If you find yourself in the mood for some self-examination, then listen in!2023-01-2516 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 221: Outside the BoxThe world around us has changed, so the church must change as well. Join Pastor Arik as he considers the importance of becoming a church that thinks "outside the box" 2023-01-1810 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 220: Two WolvesWe may not be able to control what happens to us in this life, but we can control how we choose to respond. Join Pastor Arik as he explores how our outlook and attitude can improve our lives in a tangible way.2023-01-1108 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 219: New Year GoalsWith the start of a new year, this week Pastor Arik reflects on why it is a good time to set goals for the upcoming year, and how it can keep us focused as we move forward into the coming months2023-01-0408 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 218: A Pandemic Christmas CarolThis week, to celebrate the approach of Christmas, Pastor Arik dives into the past to release a special audio version of a short movie he wrote and produced for his church back in 2020. Enjoy his riff on the Dickens' classic, as he presents "A Pandemic Christmas Carol"2022-12-2124 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 217: Blue ChristmasAs the days get shorter and the nights grow longer, this week Pastor Arik reflects on the need for a space and time to let our walls come down. Join him as he reads prayers and poetry that acknowledge that this season can be hard for many of us.2022-12-1415 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 216: Silence and FuryPastor Arik is feeling under the weather this week, so on this week's episode he shares one of his favorite Christmas poems by one of his favorite poets, Sh'maya.2022-12-0706 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 215: The Most Liminal Time of the YearAs we transition into the month of December, Pastor Arik reflects on why this time of the year is particularly unique 2022-11-3008 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 214: A Magical Morning RoutineWith Thanksgiving just a few days away, this week Pastor Arik lifts up a series of journal prompts to help us practice the art of gratitude.2022-11-2214 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 213: What is a Pastor?After a frustrating few weeks, in this episode Pastor Arik reflects upon the different approaches to what a pastor is, and how he envisions his role in the congregation2022-11-1613 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 212: The Day AfterYesterday was election day, so this week Pastor Arik looks at ways we can change our world for the better at the local level, one life at a time2022-11-0909 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 211: A Year in ReviewWith this week marking a year since Pastor Arik joined in ministry with Community of Faith, he takes time this week to reflect upon what he has learned and where we can go from here.2022-11-0213 minThe Clergy CornerThe Clergy CornerEpisode 210: HalloweenAs Halloween approaches, this week Pastor Arik takes a closer look at the origin of the beloved holiday2022-10-2614 min