Shows
A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastViolent Biblical Texts w/ Eric SeibertSend us a textLee and Simon continue their conversation about Israel-Palestine. Question for the Week:Why do people latch on to celebrity gossip such as Taylor Swift dating Travis Kelce, but not take issues of faith seriously?Special Guest: (21:43)Eric Seibert, Author, Redeeming Violent Verses: A Guide for Using Troublesome Texts in Church and Ministry Guest Question:What do we do when a scripture is challenging, uncomfortable, or we disagree with it? Redeeming Violent Verses: A Guide...
2023-10-191h 01A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEnding the Death Penalty w/ Joia Erin ThorntonSend us a textThis week, Simon and Lee talk about the violence happening in Israel-Palestine and how we should work to hold multiple truths up at the same time. We stand against bigotry, anti-Semitism, the occupation of Palestinian land, and the murder against innocent people caught in the midst of this terrible time in our most holiest of lands. Special Guest: (12:35)Joia Erin Thornton, National Director/Founder,Faith Leaders of Color CoalitionGuest Question:How does the death penalty fit or not fit...
2023-10-1250 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastTherapy & Spiritual Care w/ Caro IbrahimSend us a textThis week we catch up and hear about Simon's trip to the Native lands of the US. Question of the Week:We hear about declining church membership in the PCUSA but what does that look like? What does that mean?Special Guest: (17:00)Caro Ibrahim, Registered Psychotherapist & Canadian Certified Counsellor Guest Question:What is psychotherapy? How is it different from other types of therapy or counseling? Why is psychotherapy and healing important for people as individuals and f...
2023-05-1158 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastAdvocacy Watch 1: Introductions to the CrewSend us a textThis first Advocacy Watch introduces the crew of the PC(USA)'s advocacy podcast team, Rev. Jimmie Hawkins and Sue Rheem. PCUSA Washington Office (Office of Public Witness):WebsiteFacebookAction AlertsPresbyterian Ministry at the United Nations: WebsiteFacebookFor Listening Guides, click here!Got a question for us? Send them to faithpodcast@pcusa.org! A Matter of Faith website
2022-09-1220 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastSwimwear, WCC, ACCENTS, & Disability Inclusion in Faith Communities w/ Hannah Millson and Bill GaventaSend us a textThis week we catch up on the news, talking about the World Council of Churches' 11th Assembly and the recent news of the inclusion of swim wear made for Black hair. All that and more on the pod! Question of the Week:Having people speak in church and preach who have accents can be controversial or difficult for some churches because of concerns about native speakers not understanding what the person is saying. What do you think about this?Special Guests:...
2022-09-081h 01
A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast¿Qué es la pastoral para personas con impedimentos?Send us a text¿Qué es la pastoral para personas con impedimentos? ¿Por qué es importante el tema para nuestras iglesias? ¿Cuáles son algunos de los retos?Invitada especial:Rda. Wilma Quiñonez Cubero, Pastora de la Iglesia Presbiteriana en County Club, Carolina, Puerto Rico. For Listening Guides, click here!Got a question for us? Send them to faithpodcast@pcusa.org! A Matter of Faith website
2022-09-011h 06A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastCatchin' Up, AP Classes, HEAVEN, & Disability and the Family w/ Hannah Millson, Nancy Wilson, and Danny MillerSend us a textThis week, we just had to catch up b/c one of us is in Germany!! Find out who! And we talk about a new AP course for students interested in African-American studies. Question of the Week:What do you think heaven looks like?Special Guests:Hannah Millson, Project Coordinator for Employment and Business Services at AHRC NYC; Nancy Wilson & Danny MillerGuest Question:What is the experience of people with disabilities and their families in...
2022-09-011h 00A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastFauci's Next Chapter, Student Loans, BODY IMAGE, & Understanding Power w/ Deborah LeeSend us a textThis week we talk about the retirement of Dr. Fauci and the recent student loan news! Question of the Week:In the age of plastic surgery, weight loss surgery, instagram, and social media, how should we navigate issues of body image, especially as people of faith?Special Guest:Deborah Lee, Executive Director, Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity & Minister with the United Church of ChristGuest Question:As Christians, how should we understand “power” and “security”? There is the h...
2022-08-2550 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastElection Results (eek), Truth Telling in Media, & Unbroken and Unbowed w/ Jimmie HawkinsSend us a textThis week, we talk about the recent primary elections that ousted Liz Cheney and the new leadership of the USA Gymnastics org...and we talk about Alex Jones. All that and more on A Matter of Faith! Question of the Week:The Alex Jones trial highlights the responsibility that people have when they have an audience and a microphone. As members of the public, how do we navigate the tension between free speech and lies when it comes to news, media, and personalities?...
2022-08-181h 01A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastFBI Raid, SERENA WILLIAMS, Church Seriousness, & Wealth Disparities w/ Wayne YoungerSend us a textThis week in the news, we talk about the FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago and the LEGEND Serena Williams' next chapter! Question of the Week:Why do some people take church so seriously? Special Guest:Wayne Younger, Executive Director, Open Hand MinistriesGuest Question:People talk about the wealth and income disparities faced by communities of color, and particularly Black and African American communities. The result is a lack of access to things like loans, financial literacy...
2022-08-111h 02
A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast¿En donde ves a Dios obrando? con Ruth Santana-GraceSend us a textInvitada especial:Rvda. Ruth Santana-Grace, co-moderador de la 225 Asamblea General de la PCUSA Preguntas:Desde tu perspectiva, ¿cuáles son los dos desafíos más grandes que debe enfrentar la denominación? ¿Qué trae esperanza a su corazón? En donde ves a Dios obrando. El pueblo presbiteriano hispano latine y el liderazgo pastoral ha enfrentado grandes desafíos en la última década y aun así su compromiso con Dios y su pueblo es firme- ¿cuál sería su mensaje? Puedes compartir sobre...
2022-08-041h 04A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastA Beyoncé and Sports Kinda Episode w/ Hannah Chappell-DickSend us a textThis week we talk about Beyoncé's new album and we talk about a lot of things happening in the sports world...Question of the Week:There is a parallel between Premiere League players choosing to not kneel before every game moving forward, but only on specific occasions, and the ways the faith community advocates for justice. Is it better/more effective to do advocacy all the time or in specific, target efforts? Does it matter if some people are clearly engaged in advocacy while others are not? D...
2022-08-0454 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastDe-Stigmatize Monkeypox, Pronouns Matter, & CHURCH CONFLICT w/ David HookerSend us a textThis week, we talk about the rise in monkeypox cases around the world and encourage our listeners to work to de-stigmatize this disease, especially toward our queer siblings. All that and more on the podcast this week! Question for the Week: Why are pronouns important? mypronouns.orgSpecial Guest:Rev. Dr. David Anderson Hooker, Founder & Principal Narrator, CounterStories Consulting, llc Guest Question:Does anyone have guidance on how a church or faith-based organization should overcome internal...
2022-07-2852 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastHeat Waves, Twitter, Our College Journeys, & The Theocracy of Work w/ Carolyn ChenSend us a textThis week we are sending out prayers to our siblings experiencing massive heat waves due to climate change and we are giving a little update on Elon Musk and Twitter! Question for the Week:A lot of high school students are preparing to begin their college journey at this time of year during the summer. What was your college application and decision-making process like? Did faith play any role? Special Guest:Dr. Carolyn Chen, Sociologist, Co-Director of the Berkeley Center for...
2022-07-211h 00A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastSandra Douglass Morgan, SPACE, Sex Before Marriage & Self-Development w/ Margaret MwaleSend us a textThis week we take some time to catch up because we haven't seen each other in a while! The News was packed this week but we had to talk about Sandra Douglass Morgan becoming the first Black woman to be the president of an NFL team...and we had to talk about those SPACE PICTURES Y'ALL!Question for the Week:What are your thoughts about sex outside of marriage? I'm hesitant to ask anyone in my church about it because, well, no one really talks about...
2022-07-1455 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastHutchinson T Drop, Independence, & A Different Evangelical Perspective w/ Sarah HedgecockSend us a textThis week we (kinda) theme the episode around July the 4th! And we talk about the surprise hearing from the January 6th Committee and how that impacts our faith. All that and more on this week's episode! Question for the week:What does it mean to celebrate independence?Special Guest:Sarah Hedgecock, PhD Candidate in Religion at Columbia UniversityGuest Question:As progressive Christians, we often describe ourselves, our perspectives, and our actions in contrast to...
2022-07-0752 min
A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast¿Cómo informa nuestra fe la masculinidad?Send us a textRosa y Edwin dan la bienvenida al Rev. Dr. Sergio Ulloa para hablar sobre masculinidad saludable.Invitado especial:Rev. Dr. Sergio Ulloa, Fue rector de la Comunidad Teológica de México,Co fundador y docente del Instituto de Fe y PsicologíaFor Listening Guides, click here!Got a question for us? Send them to faithpodcast@pcusa.org! A Matter of Faith website
2022-06-3052 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastSCOTUS and more SCOTUS, Separation of Church and State, & TEACHERS w/ Jamie WoodsSend us a textThis week we just had to talk about SCOTUS and the recent decisions of overturning Roe v Wade and other (horrible) decisions made by the court. Y'all, we need to hear your thoughts on this! Question for the Week:With Supreme Court rulings on things like Roe v. Wade and Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, there seems to be a greater blurring of lines between church and state. I'd like to hear what you have to say about this.Special Guest:...
2022-06-301h 00A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastSaudi Arabia Golf, LIZZO & Knowledge v. Belief? w/ Ray JonesSend us a textThis week we talk about A LOT! First, we send our deepest prayers to the people of Afghanistan who have experienced a terrible earthquake. We also talk about some of the things happening at General Assembly while also talking about a new golf league funded by Saudi Arabia. All that and more on A Matter of Faith! Question of the Week:Recently hit star Lizzo made headlines for changing an offensive lyric in her new single “Grrls” after backlash and criticism. I don’t know how many ex...
2022-06-231h 04A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastJan. 6th, Decolonizing, THE CROSS, & the Commission on the Status of Women Part 2 w/ Mamisoa RakotomalalaSend us a textThis week, we talk about the Jan. 6th Hearings and how Ukrainians are decolonizing their space through renaming and reclaiming. Question for the Week:What do you think about the image of the cross and how it is used, such as its physical location in the church or even in jewelry or necklaces?Special Guest:Rev. Dr. Mamisoa Rakotomalala, CSW66 DelegateGuest Question:What was your experience as a delegate to the Commission on the Status...
2022-06-1645 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastGA Watch 5: Recognition that Israel’s Laws, Policies, and Practices Constitute Apartheid Against the Palestinian PeopleSend us a textIn our last GA Watch, we talk about Israel/Palestine with a representative from Grace Presbytery who is bring forth a resolution that calls us to recognize Israel's laws, policies and practices as an apartheid against the Palestinian people.Special Guest:Craig Hunter, Teaching Elder in Grace Presbytery, YAV Alum (Israel-Palestine) Recognition that Israel’s Laws, Policies, and Practices Constitute Apartheid Against the Palestinian PeopleFor Listening Guides, click here!Got a question for us? Send them to faithpodcast@pcusa.org! A Ma...
2022-06-1312 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastThe Pride Episode w/ Ophelia Hu KinneySend us a textThis week, we educate the people about Pride, how it came to be, and what it stands for. We also talk about new legislation in Texas that would ban drag queens from being in the presence of minors. All that and more on the PRIDE EPISODE! Question for the Week:What are your thoughts on Drag Queens in church? Special Guest:Ophelia Hu Kinney, Director of Communications, Reconciling Ministries NetworkGuest Question:What does pride mean...
2022-06-0959 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastGA Watch 4: Advocacy Committee for Women's ConcernsSend us a textThis week on GA Watch, we feature the work of the Advocacy Committee for Women's Concerns and their resolution surrounding reproductive justice. SisterSong defines Reproductive Justice as the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities.Special Guest:Courtney Steininger, Advocacy Committee for Women's Concerns A Resolution on Reproductive Justice—From the Advocacy Committee for Women’s ConcernsFor Listening Guides, clic...
2022-06-0609 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastAdvocacy/Sports, Part-Time Ministry, BRANDS!, & the Korean Peace Appeal w/ Unzu Lee and Susannah StubbsSend us a textHappy Pride to our Queer Siblings!! Our Pride Episode will air next week!This week, we talk about advocacy through sports, and we discuss an article written by the wonderful Rev. Jan Edmiston about part-time ministry. Question for the Week:Let's talk about brands! Are you an apple or android user? Do you use a mac or a windows computer? Do you wear Nike or Adidas? Brands are constantly competing for our attention and our money. And some people are...
2022-06-0256 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastGA Watch 3: Racial Equity Advocacy CommitteeSend us a textThis week on GA Watch, we feature the work of the Racial Equity Advocacy Committee (REAC) of Presbyterian Church (USA) and the reports surrounding immigrant churches and members it is bringing to the 225th General Assembly. We welcome Joyce Rarumangay, a member of REAC and ruling elder. Resolutions:A Resolution on Receiving Immigrant Pastors as Members of the PresbyteryA Resolution on Chartering Immigrant FellowshipsFor Listening Guides, click here!Got a question for us? Send them to faithpodcast@pcusa...
2022-05-3017 min
A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast¿Qué relación tiene el evangelio ante la realidad actual? con José Manuel Capella Pratts y Vilmarie Cintron OlivieriSend us a textInvitados Especiales:José Manuel Capella Pratts y Vilmarie Cintron Olivieri, Enlaces Regionales para el Caribe con la Oficina de Misión Mundial PresbiterianaPreguntas:¿Qué relación tiene el evangelio ante la realidad actual? Cuando hablamos de justicia, esperanza y vida plena desde el proyecto de Jesús, ¿cómo incidir en nuestra realidad abogando y construyendo comunidad? ¿Es una utopía hablar desde nuestra fe en Jesucristo, en que “otro mundo es posible”? For Listening Guides, click here!Got a question for us...
2022-05-2650 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastThe SBC, UVALDE, Processing Grief, & the Commission on the Status of Women w/ Victoria AlexanderSend us a textThis week we talk about the sexual abuse report of the Southern Baptist Church and, again, we talk gun violence and about the killings of the children and teachers of Uvalde, Texas. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and we will continue to call from radical gun reform because ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Question for the Week:In these times of immense trauma, how do you grieve and process? How do we as a community grieve? Special Guest:V...
2022-05-2638 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastGA Watch 2: Report from the Disparities Experienced by Black Women and Girls Task ForceSend us a textThis week on GA Watch, we feature the Disparities Experienced by Black Women and Girls Task Force of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the report it is bringing to the 225th General Assembly. We welcome members of the task force, Shanea Leonard, Coordinator for Gender & Racial Justice, & Samantha Davis, Executive Director for Black Swan Academy. Report from the Disparities Experienced by Black Women and Girls Task ForceBlack Women and Girls Task Force Webinar SeriesFor Listening Guides, click here!Got a question for u...
2022-05-2311 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastNO MORE GUN VIOLENCE, White Supremacy Intersecting Advocacy, & Navigating Church History w/ David StaniunasSend us a textThis week, we discuss the recent mass shootings in Buffalo and Laguna Woods. A Matter of Faith sends its deepest and most heartfelt prayers to the families, friends, and generations of folk who have experienced these traumatic events. Question of the Week:Despite our best intentions, white supremacy culture often creeps into our solutions to justice issues. How have you observed it manifest in addressing major issues we face as a church and a community? Special Guest:David Staniunas, Records Archivist...
2022-05-1953 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastGA Watch 1: Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI)Send us a textGA Watch is additional weekly content that drops on Mondays! We discuss the overtures and the resolutions coming before the 225th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). This week we feature Rob Fohr & Kerri Allen from the Committee on Mission Responsibility through Investment (MRTI) Report and Recommendations:Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI) Response to 223rd General Assembly Directive on Environmental PolicyFor more overtures and resolutions, CLICK HERE!For Listening Guides, click here!Got a question for us? Send them...
2022-05-1616 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastStudent Loan Forgiveness, Attractiveness & It's All About General Assembly w/ Kate Trigger Duffert and Kerry RiceSend us a textThis week, we catch you up on what's been going on with us! Yes, we got to spend time together over the weekend! And we talk about the great work that the PC(USA) is doing in assisting people with their student loan forgiveness! Question for the Week:You have talked on the podcast before about how a church's dress code says something about a congregation's culture and values. But what about the attractiveness of pastors and faith leaders?Special Guests:K...
2022-05-1246 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastRoe v. Wade, the UMC, Micro-transactions, & Human Trafficking w/ Cathy ChangSend us a textThis week, we talk about SCOTUS with its leaked decision about Roe v. Wade and we hold our United Methodist siblings in our hearts as they experience a split in their denomination. Question for the Week:There is an increasing concern about children developing gambling-like addictions because of the use of micro-transactions and "loot boxes" in video games (paying for a chance to get a specific item or outfit). Some people want these removed entirely from games. What are your thoughts?Special Guest:
2022-05-0551 min
A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast¿Qué significa vivir siguiendo los pasos de Jesús en esta realidad? con Israel Flores OlmosSend us a textHabiendo celebrado la Semana Santa, ¿qué significa vivir siguiendo los pasos de Jesús en esta realidad? Si escuchamos con atención, Jesús nos llama a extender el reinado de Dios, el Shalom, entonces ¿cómo respondemos desde los valores del reino, como personas, comunidades de fe, y como Iglesia? (Cambio Climático, economía, política, discurso religioso, etc, con todas las consecuencias…)Creo que sería productivo integrar en la conversación, qué es lo que podemos hacer para desde nuestras comunidades crear espacios de resistencia y resiliencia que...
2022-04-2851 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastHarvard, Elon Musk, Corporation or Church? & Sermon Plagiarism w/ Thomas G. LongSend us a textQuestion of the Week:The church as a denomination, as well as at the congregational level, often finds itself in an identity crisis: Are we a corporation? A non-profit? Or a mission organization? How do we navigate this fine line as people of faith? Special Guest:Dr. Thomas G. Long, Professor Emeritus of Preaching, Emory University's Candler School of TheologyGuest Question:I have a question about preaching and plagiarism--Is it wrong? How can you tell a sermon is plagiarized? How...
2022-04-2741 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastMasks, Women in Baseball, EVOLUTION & Film and Faith w/ David BarnhartSend us a textThis week we talk about the overturning of the travel mask mandate and another history making moment...this time in the MLB with the first female baseball manager. All that and more on this week's episode! Question for the Week:Do you think it is possible to be a Christian and also believe in evolution? Some folks make it sound like you can only believe in creationism or evolution, but I'm not convinced. Special Guest:David Barnhart, Filmmaker & Associate for Story...
2022-04-2144 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastJustice Jackson, Bible Readin' & Practical Social Media w/ Richard HongSend us a textThis week we celebrate the confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and talk about what that means as people of faith! Question of the Week:How many times do you think you have to read something in the Bible before you get a "good read" of it? Like a better or deeper understanding of the text? Do you have any strategies for staying engaged with a text as you read it?Special Guest:Richard Hong, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Englewood...
2022-04-1449 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastThe Grammys, The Pope, Hillsong & Disability Culture w/ Letiah FraserSend us a textWe talk about the Grammy's snub of Lil Nas X and how interesting is that Christian music has a category and what that means. And the Pope the past week apologizes to the Indigenous community for the horrendous treatment of indigenous people. What does that mean for us? We get into it all this week! Question for the Week:Special Guest:Rev. Dr. Letiah Fraser, organizer, activist and chaplainGuest Question:I feel like we overlook and discount the...
2022-04-0738 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastThe Oscars, Church and Cannabis, & The Need for Progressive Faith Media w/ Teri McDowell OttSend us a textWe are changing up the podcast a little bit! Each week we will give our responses to what's happening in our world, culture and society and how all that relates to faith. As always, we will respond to a question and then invite a guest to respond to another question. The podcast is evolving to meet the needs of our listeners and we will always continue to do that!We got our hot takes on the The Oscars y'all! And other events that happened this week!
2022-03-3147 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastHow Faith Impacts our Actions w/ Raaheela AhmedSend us a textIn this episode, we invited Raaheela Ahmed onto the show to talk about her experience as someone in politics and how her faith intersects with that work. We also discuss how we can begin interfaith work in our communities. Raaheela Ahmed is a candidate for Maryland State Senate, District 23. A Matter of Faith does not endorse any political party or candidate. Special Guests:Raaheela Ahmed, former Board Member, Prince George's County Public Schools, candidate for Maryland State Senate, District 23 Guest Question:...
2022-03-2450 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastCelebración del ministerio de la mujer con Yenny DelgadoSend us a text¡Damos la bienvenida a Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri como anfitriona invitada especial con Rosa! Hablan con Yenny Delgado sobre celebrar a las mujeres durante el Mes de la Historia de la Mujer y cómo empoderar a las mujeres en la iglesia.Invitada especialYenny Delgado, Director, Publica TheologyRecursosMujeres haciendo teología en Abya Yala por Jenny DelgadoPresbyterian Outlook articulo: "The rise of women in the pulpit"Recursos en la página de Presbyterian Historical Society: Women...
2022-03-2448 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastLISTENING TO YOUNG PEOPLE with the WOMEN at the UN w/ Ivy Lopedito, Angelina Devincenzo and Leah BrooksSend us a textOn this episode of A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast, we welcome staff from the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, all being young and woman identifying. The conversation was so good that we just kept talking. So, the whole episode is dedicated to them! Special Guests:Leah Brooks, Ivy Lopedito, Angelina Devincenzo, Presbyterian Ministry at the UNGuest Question: What is the outlook of young people on the world today and for the future? I’m thinking about “gen Z” (people born 1997-2012...
2022-03-171h 00A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastSupporting Ukraine, the State of the Union & What is PUBLIC HEALTH w/ Maura DrewrySend us a textQuestions for the Week:What is happening with the Russian invasion of Ukraine? Is the PCUSA or any faith community doing anything in terms of support or relief?President Biden delivered his first State of the Union recently. What did you think of it? Did anything alarm you or resonate with you? Special Guest:Maura Drewry, Social/Clinical Advanced Research Assistant,UNC Center for Health Equity ResearchGuest Question:We have been hearing the term "public health" more often i...
2022-03-1046 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastInterfaith Stories, Tracking Faith & How We Learn Religious History w/ Annalisa AzzoniSend us a textQuestions for the Week:Have you ever attended a religious gathering, ceremony, or time for worship of another religion/faith? What did you think about it? Did you learn anything about your own faith in learning about another? What are your thoughts on smart technology like smart watches? Is the convenience and access to your messaging and health apps worth it? Or do you think people become too reliant on these devices? What if there was a way to track our faith or progress with the church using technology? Would w...
2022-03-0348 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastGod's Image(s), the Metaverse & the Church's Response to Guns w/ Katie DaySend us a textQuestions for the Week:When you think of God, what image comes to mind? What do you think God "looks" like?Back in October 2020, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the future of technology and social interaction is through the "metaverse", an interactive virtual reality world. Facebook is moving to make this a reality and even changed its name to Meta to reflect this. What do you think about this potential metaverse and its impact on the church? Special Guest:Katie Day, Professor Emerita, United Lutheran S...
2022-02-2455 min
A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastLa herencia africana en América Latina y el Caribe con Eliud SerranoSend us a textUna Cuestión de Fe ha regresado con una conversación sobre la herencia africana dentro de la comunidad latina.Invitado especial:Eliud Serrano, Compositor y músicoEliud Serrano's sitio webFor Listening Guides, click here!Got a question for us? Send them to faithpodcast@pcusa.org! A Matter of Faith website
2022-02-2445 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastDone with Spotify? Done with Virtual Worship? & Let's Talk EVANGELISM w/ Kathryn ThreadgillSend us a textQuestions for the Week:Recently, the streaming platform Spotify removed the music of folk-rock singer Neil Young (at his request). He asked for his music to be taken down as a protest against what he describes as Spotify allowing its exclusive and top performing podcast, the Joe Rogan Experience, to spread misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccination. What do you think about this in the broader context of debates around censorship, free speech, and open discussion? I'm not asking for your comments on the Joe Rogan podcast or Neil Young, but...
2022-02-1759 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastThe Both/And, Book Banning & the Performance of Scripture w/ Tim CoombsSend us a textQuestions for the Week:The recent deaths of two police officers in Harlem, NYC have reignited questions about the best ways to truly improve public safety and reduce gun violence. It also calls attention to the debate between increasing police presence and activity versus more community-driven solutions. As noted in a New York Times story, a Harlem Councilwoman who has supported the idea of abolishing police departments, is trying to navigate the fine line between standing with the victims of this shooting, while also standing by her message. I'm not...
2022-02-1059 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastWhat Makes the Pod Presby?, New Things & Educational Overhaul w/ Robert HoggardSend us a textQuestions for the Week:What makes A Matter of Faith "A Presby Podcast"? What specifically makes your podcast Presbyterian? Is it having lots of Presbyterians on the podcast? Is it because it is produced by offices in the PCUSA? What does it even mean to be Presbyterian?Whenever you start something new there is often the initial "difficulty" period before things start to get easier. For example, when you first start exercising or playing a sport, you are often very sore or tired for the first few weeks until your...
2022-02-0355 min
A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast¿Qué es la eco-teología? con Neddy AstudilloSend us a textPregunta de la semana:¿Qué es la eco-teología? ¿Qué significa ver nuestra relación con la Tierra, entre nosotros y con Dios a través de este lente? Invitada:Rvda. Dra. Neddy Astudillo, Coodinador por la Comunidades Latinas y grupos en Latino America, GreenFaithRecursos: GreenFaithLa Historia del agua embotelladaThe Story of Bottled WaterGreenFaith/Viviendo el Cambio (en español)Red Presbiteriana para el Cuidado de la CreaciónSi desea...
2022-01-2750 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastThe Filibuster, Cryptocurrency and People of Color, & ECO-THEOLOGY with Neddy AstudilloSend us a textQuestions for the Week:There has been a lot of talk in the news about the current debate in Congress about voting rights laws and changing the use of the filibuster. What is going on with this and why does it matter for people of faith?I know we don't always talk about money and financial investments in the church. But the recent craze about cryptocurrency, bitcoin, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has me thinking. These are all marketed as opportunities for someone to make a lot of money by investing...
2022-01-271h 01A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastVaccines and Sports, Simon and Lee's Podcast Picks & BEING PRESENT w/ Jan EdmistonSend us a textQuestions for the Week:There are many examples of major sports stars being stubborn about getting COVID-19 vaccines. As reported over the Christmas holidays, Antonio Brown an NFL player, is being allowed to play again after being discovered to have a fake vaccine card. And in the NBA, the Brooklyn Nets are allowing Kyrie Irving to play on the team despite their policy and the NYC policy about vaccination requirements. Irving has refused to be vaccinated and the team needed more good players so they decided to activate him. These...
2022-01-201h 11A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastReligious Theme Parks, Netflix's DON'T LOOK UP & Toxic Social Media w/ DeEtte DeckerSend us a textQuestions for the Week:Orlando, up until last year was home to "The Holy Land Experience", a theme park (shocker for Orlando) where people could come and relive the life of Christ and other Biblical stories. HLE has been sold recently and is soon to be demolished, but I still drive by it on the interstate and it still turns my stomach a bit. I know that it's not the only religious theme park in the United States that operates at a profit, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts...
2022-01-1356 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastAn Israel-Palestine EPIPHANY w/ Noushin FramkeSend us a textOver the past several months, we have received many questions about the conflicts in Israel-Palestine. So, we decided to dedicate our Epiphany episode to our Palestinian siblings. This conversation is within the context of our Christian siblings asking for support from churches around the world. Palestinians have been calling for solidarity since 2009 when they issued Kairos Palestine as a confessional Christian document. Listen, learn, and move into action. Special Guest:Noushin Framke, Justice Activist Resource Roundup:Focus: PalestineIsrael Palestine...
2022-01-0642 min
A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastTradiciones Navideñas con Rvdo. Rafael Lemos VianaSend us a text¡Presentamos un nuevo podcast en español!Invitado especial:Rvdo. Rafael Lemos VianaPregunta:Sabemos que las personas tienen distintas formas de celebrar la Navidad y en nuestros países tenemos diversas tradiciones. De hecho, en algunas culturas la Navidad no termina ese día. ¿Cómo celebras la Navidad?Permission given by Eliud to use audio. For Listening Guides, click here!Got a question for us? Send them to faithpodcast@pcusa.org! A Matter of Faith website
2021-12-3059 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastMulti-Cultural Christmas!Send us a textThis is a very special episode!! We are joined by our special guests Rosa Miranda, Edwin González-Castillo, and Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri to talk about holiday traditions! And we are introducing the SPANISH EDITION to A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast, Una Cuestión de Fe! Join us on the last Thursday of each month for episodes! Special Guests:Rosa Miranda, Associate for Hispanic/Latino-a Intercultural Congregational Support, Office of Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural MinistriesEdwin González-Castillo,Associate for Disaster Response...
2021-12-3056 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastSO THIS IS CHRISTMAS! w/ Santa!Send us a textSIMON AND LEE want to wish each one of you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Sending love and joy to you and yours! Questions for the Week: What is your favorite part of advent and why?Everyone has different memories of Christmas. Some memories we cherish and others maybe were difficult. What are some of your most memorable Christmas memories?Special Guest:SANTA!!!Santa's Favorite Stories:"My Christmas Miracle" by Taylor Caldwell"Yes, Virginia, There is a...
2021-12-2346 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastChurch Set-Up, Customer Service Jobs & Reparations w/ Ashley DeTar Birt & Rick Ufford-ChaseSend us a textQuestions for the Week:When people think of church, they probably think of a traditional sanctuary with pews facing the pulpit and a cross at the front of the room. But there are other interesting and creative arrangements and settings for church. What are some of the other arrangements that you have experienced and what did you think of them?Let's talk about people in customer and service oriented jobs like waiters and delivery folks. I feel like these jobs are under appreciated and underpaid. Based on a recent Washington Post opinion...
2021-12-1658 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastLeave a Review?, Celebrity Influence & Language Accessibility w/ Stephanie VasquezSend us a textQuestions for the Week:We live in an age where reviews, scores and ratings are really important to measure success and engagement with a product. For entertainment such as movies, games or even music, there are sites such as rotten tomatoes, metacritic, and open critic which aggregate review scores from across other individual review-oriented outlets to help provide an "overall" perspective on the quality of a product. And we have multiple ways to provide reviews for sellers on Amazon, Ebay and Facebook Marketplace, and our drivers for services like Uber...
2021-12-0944 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastThe Frozen Chosen, Vaccine Mandates & OPERAAAA!!! w/ April MartinSend us a textQuestions for the Week:Some people refer to Presbyterians as "the frozen chosen." What does this mean?The archbishop of the U.S. military has said that Catholic troops shouldn't be forced to receive the Covid-19 vaccine if they feel it violates their conscience. What are your thoughts on this? Further, do you think this is any different from a religious exemption for vaccination?Special Guest: April Martin, Director of Youth Ministries and Associate for Congregational Engagement, Madison Avenue Presbyterian ChurchGuest...
2021-12-0254 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastThe THANKSGIVING EpisodeSend us a textQuestions for the Day:Everyone has their own Thanksgiving traditions. Of course, there are classics like eating Turkey, but there are other traditions unique to each family. How do you usually celebrate Thanksgiving?As Thanksgiving rolls around, we've got to talk about Black Friday. Some people really like it as an opportunity to buy stuff at a discount, while others really don't like it. Where do you stand on it? Have you ever participated in Black Friday sales?Special Guest:Lauren Rogers, Project Manager for Digital...
2021-11-2548 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastPandemic Woes, Squid Game & 한 ("han") and 정 ("jeong")Send us a textQuestions for the Week:A recent article came out in The Atlantic titled "My Church Doesn’t Know What to Do Anymore" outlining the challenges of churches trying to "return to normal". The author, a rector at an Episcopal Church states that it is actually harder to do church now in 2021 than it was in 2020, in the heart of the pandemic in the US. I find her experience quite relatable. What do you think?The latest popular show that people are talking about is "Squid Game" a Korean drama on Ne...
2021-11-181h 08A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastTelling Erin's StorySend us a textSimon and Lee have a conversation with the Rev. Dr. Erin Swenson. In 1996 Erin became the first known mainstream minister (Presbyterian, PCUSA) to change sex and remain in ordained office. Special Guest:Rev. Dr. Erin SwensonGuest Question:What was your experience like maintaining your ordination credentials in the PCUSA while requesting a name change per your gender transition? How have you seen opportunities for transgender individuals in the church (and the ordination process) change during your life? What work do...
2021-11-1158 min
A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 37: Guilty Pleasures, TED LASSO & The United NationsSend us a textQuestions for the Week:We've all heard the term "guilty pleasure," meaning you like something a cultural consensus says you shouldn't, like Nickelback. The older I get, the less I see the term in that definition, and the more I see it in terms of things I know are problematic, but I still enjoy them. James Bond movies and football leap to mind. The 007 franchise historically has been full of violence, misogyny, vice, and myriad other problematic elements. As the director of the latest Bond flick, Cary Joji Fukunaga, pointed...
2021-11-0445 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 36: HALLOWEEN Extravaganza & Children Can Handle The TruthSend us a textCORRECTION: “Descended into hell” not Lord’s Prayer - but Apostles Creed.Questions for the Week:Do you believe in ghosts?Halloween is an interesting subject in the church. Some churches and faith communities swear that Christians should not celebrate or participate in Halloween. Other churches love Halloween festivities and actively hold events for it. Why do you think this is the case and will it ever change?Special Guest:Michael W. WatersFounder and Lead Pastor of the Abundant Life African Methodist Episco...
2021-10-2855 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 35: Celebrating Rev. Dr. Margaret E. TownerSend us a text**This is a special episode of A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast**Rev. Dr. Margaret E. Towner is known to many as the first woman ordained Presbyterian minister. Margaret was ordained on Oct. 24, 1956. This month she will celebrate the 65th anniversary of her ordination. Join Simon and Lee as they have an amazing conversation with Marg. Guest Question:What was your experience becoming the first ordained woman Presbyterian minister? How have you seen opportunities for women in the church (and the ordination process) c...
2021-10-2147 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 33: GENDER BASED VIOLENCE.Send us a textQuestion for the Week:In the past year, we’ve read alarming news on the rise of violence against women, especially during the pandemic. Reading the news about two particular femicides that occurred in Puerto Rico in the spring and news reports shared about protests happening and organizations asking for concrete actions from the government, not much was heard in the continental US about this. In fact, one could argue not much is said in general about the topic and about the response of the church to these evils. Being that this is...
2021-10-1449 min
A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisodio 34: La Violencia de GéneroSend us a textPregunta de la semana:En el pasado año, hemos leído noticias alarmantes sobre el aumento de la violencia contra las mujeres, especialmente durante la pandemia. Al leer las noticias sobre dos feminicidios ocurridos en Puerto Rico en el mes de mayo y las noticias que salieron en la prensa sobre las protestas de organizaciones que pedían acciones concretas del gobierno, no se escuchó mucho en los Estados Unidos continentales sobre esto.Anfitriones invitados:Rvdo. Edwin González-Castillo, Associate for Disaster Response in Latin...
2021-10-1457 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 32: Guilt and Shame, LENGTH OF SERVICE & Latinx VOICES and EducationSend us a textQuestions for the Week:Language is used to shame and guilt people in modern culture. Whether it’s an app or a message, people are shamed for doing one thing or not doing enough of another. This happens in church too. How could this be changed?What do you think is the ideal length of a worship service? Personally, I like shorter services. But that's just me. Further, do you think there is an ideal length for any of the parts of a church service (ie. sermon length)?...
2021-10-071h 00A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 31: #EmmysSoWhite, College Sexual Assault & Church Worship Planning (Music means a lot)Send us a text**Content Warning: Contains discussion about sexual abuse & violence**Questions for the Week:So the Emmy Awards were presented this past weekend, and a record number of people of color being nominated for awards, white actors swept all 12 major acting awards. I remember a few years ago the Oscars were given flack for not having diverse nominees or winners (remember #OscarsSoWhite?). It seems the Emmys has not quite gotten there. What are your thoughts?A recent opinion piece in the Washington Post was released titled "Here’s wh...
2021-09-3055 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 30: Spiritual Food, Expensive Olympics & PEACE IS HARD WORKSend us a textQuestions for the Week:Can food, whether it be cooking or eating, be a spiritual experience?Every time the Olympic Games roll around, there is discussion about how expensive it is to host the Olympics and the toll it takes on the hosting city and country. Is it worth it? When does something become too costly to be worth the pride of hosting such an event? Further, have you seen faith communities have similar discussions about their own events and how to manage the cost?Special Guest:
2021-09-231h 03A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 29: Texas Anti-Abortion, September 11th & Student Loan Debt (It's a Faith Issue Y'all!)Send us a textQuestions for the Week:Recently, a law was passed in Texas banning most abortions as early as six weeks of pregnancy. I know abortion is a politically divisive subject. What are your thoughts on how to understand this law and why it is (or is not) troubling? This past weekend, we remembered the events of 9/11. Each of us has our own memories and experiences with regards to this tragedy. What are some of yours? | Special Guest:Melonee Tubb, Associate, Financial Aid for Service, Theology, Formation & Evangelism, Pr...
2021-09-161h 00A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 28: Fortnite and MLK?, Bible Movies & Best Media PracticesSend us a textQuestions for the Week:Recently, it was announced that the popular video game Fortnite would provide an opportunity for players to relive Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. I don't know how to feel about this. There is a lot of skepticism and questions surrounding this decision. What are your thoughts? Is this honoring Dr. King's work and legacy? Or is it appropriation?There are multiple film and Hollywood adaptations of Biblical stories. Do you have any that you recommend and why?Special...
2021-09-091h 02A Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 27: Marriage, "One True Love" & Organizational ReorientationSend us a textQuestions for the Week: What are different ways that you've seen faith incorporated into a wedding service? / Do you believe in "the one true love"?Special Guests: Rev. Dr. Wanda M. Lundy, Assistant Professor of World Christianity, Director of Mentoring for Thriving in Ministry in the City (MTMC) and Director of the Eleanor Moody-Shepherd Resource Center for Women of Faith at New York Theological Seminary, & Pastor at Siloam-Hope First Presbyterian ChurchRev. Edwin González-Castillo, Associate for Disaster Response in Latin America & the C...
2021-09-0259 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 26: Loneliness, Life Transitions & What's Urban Ministry?Send us a textQuestions for the Week:A recent Washington Post article describes how teens around the world are lonelier than a decade ago and the reason may be smartphones. What are your thoughts on this? Regardless of whether smartphones are part of the problem or not, how do we provide spaces that help people not feel lonely?Let's talk about life transitions. What are some transitions that you have experienced in your life and what helped you through them?Special Guest:Rev. Dr. Wanda M. Lundy, Assistant Professor...
2021-08-2643 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 25: COVID Blame Game, Church Membership & Advice for First Call!Send us a textQuestions for the Week:The CDC has recently recommended that people resume wearing masks indoors again, even if you are vaccinated. How do we help folks process this change? Further, as COVID cases surge, it can be easy to blame the unvaccinated. As people of faith, how do we help people avoid "blame" but still push for change?I've been wondering about the significance and meaning of church membership for our denomination. People keep talking about declining membership in our congregations. Maybe it’s our definition and understanding of membership th...
2021-08-1951 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 24: Olympic Gymnastics, Billionaires in Space & Leaders of ColorSend us a textQuestions for the Week:In the women's Olympics gymnastics competition, Simone Biles withdrew from the team competition after struggling on a vault. But the reason was not due to physical injury. Biles stated it was for her own mental health. You have talked about both sports and mental health before on the podcast. What do you think we, as people of faith, can learn from Simone Biles' example?I don't know how to feel about Jeff Bezos' (the CEO of Amazon) trip to space in late July. On the one...
2021-08-1244 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 23: PETS!, Changing the Rules, & YOUTH WITH PHONESSend us a textQuestions for the Week:What are your thoughts on pets (particularly dogs) being allowed in church, particularly the sanctuary?As we approach the Tokyo Olympics, there have been a number of interesting developments. Sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, who won the US Olympic trials in the 100 meters, was banned for one month after testing positive for a chemical found in marijuana, which is a banned substance for Olympic athletes. This means she can't compete in this year's Olympic games in the 100m dash. She says the stress of her biological mother's recent...
2021-08-0540 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 22: DATING?!, Best and Worse Advice & Climate Change InequalitySend us a textQuestions for the Week:What is your experience dating as a church leader/person of faith who is active in the church? What is some of the best and worst advice you've ever received from someone in church? Special Guest:Rev. Dr. Gregory Simpson, Pastor at Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church, Chair of the Environmental & Climate Change Sub-committee of MRTIGuest Question:How can we as a society simultaneously work to address issues of global climate change that do not exacerbate or perpetuate ot...
2021-07-2955 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 21: Success, Gettin' Some Rest & The Bible and the LawSend us a textQuestions for the Week:What is your definition of "success"? How do you think the Christian definition of success differs from the secular definition?Sundays are supposed to be "the Lord's day" in which you take a rest and do no work. I've always found this interesting because everyone "rests" in different ways. Further, in the current context in which many people work from home, they may end up working some on Sunday. What are ways that you are able to "rest"? And what really qualifies as "rest"?Special Guest:...
2021-07-2240 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 20: Pledging, TATTOOS?! & Grieving within DisastersSend us a textQuestions for the Week:I was confirmed recently in my local Presbyterian Church and have become a member. Suddenly, I am on all of these email lists, being asked to help with things, and biggest of all - being asked how much money I pledge to give over the next year. I'm only in high school. I'd love to give, but honestly don't have much money. How much should I be giving? Are there suggestions for other ways I can contribute? What are your thoughts on tattoos? Can Christians have t...
2021-07-1544 minA Matter of Faith: A Presby PodcastEpisode 19: Additional Classes, Meeting Bible People & Presbyterian Affiliated SchoolsSend us a textQuestions for the Week:What is one subject/topic that is not taught in schools that you think should? If you could meet any person/figure from the Bible, who would it be and why? Special Guest:Jeffrey Arnold, Executive Director, Association for Presbyterian Colleges and UniversitiesGuest Question:I've heard about colleges and universities being associated with specific religious denominations. What does it mean for a college to be associated with the Presbyterian church? What does it mean in te...
2021-07-0849 min