Episodes
Friday Jan 05, 2018
S01 Episode 12: Word - Season Finale - (John 1:10-14)
Friday Jan 05, 2018
Friday Jan 05, 2018
The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. The Word is still living and active, proclaimed and embodied in all of our beauty, brokenness, and diversity. For this final episode of Season One, the Alter Guild invited some of their fine friends to share a Christmas message in thirty seconds or less. We give thanks for the Word and all of the voices who speak and sing it into flesh these days.
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Thursday Jan 04, 2018
S01 Episode 11: Ponder (Luke 2:15-20)
Thursday Jan 04, 2018
Thursday Jan 04, 2018
When the stable guests had gone, Mary treasured their words in her heart and pondered them. Where and when do we ponder today and what does it feel like? This episode considers being present with the inner voice through two different lenses: introversion and depression.
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Wednesday Jan 03, 2018
S01 Episode 10: Light (John 1:1-5)
Wednesday Jan 03, 2018
Wednesday Jan 03, 2018
Maybe your Christmas memories conjure light and gladness, but also seasons more complicated and painful. In this episode, Derek remembers a complicated Christmas; joyful because it was his first as a father, but scary because his brother was facing his heroin addiction. Note: This episode contains content related to drug addiction, overdose, and recovery.
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Tuesday Jan 02, 2018
S01 Episode 09: Consent (Luke 1:26-38)
Tuesday Jan 02, 2018
Tuesday Jan 02, 2018
The story of the annunciation -- with a teenaged Mary obediently submitting to bear God's Child -- is complicated in light of power dynamics, abuse, and discussions about consent. In this episode we hear how Mary's consent, agency, and role as a prophet can be reclaimed, and how her story can help the church when discussing sexuality, purity, and power.
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Monday Jan 01, 2018
S01 Episode 08: Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25)
Monday Jan 01, 2018
Monday Jan 01, 2018
Parenthood is complicated. Step-parenthood is also complicated. Step-parenthood to the Son of God might be the most complicated. The story of Joseph is a story about the ultimate supporting role. The angels never told him it would be easy, but they did promise it would matter.
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Sunday Dec 31, 2017
S01 Episode 07: Loud Lamentation (Matthew 2:13-23)
Sunday Dec 31, 2017
Sunday Dec 31, 2017
A child is born, but in the wake of this joy there is great danger and death. Herod slaughters the innocent infants of Bethlehem in an effort to keep power that does not belong to him. Special Note: This episode contains content related to sexual assault and rape.
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Saturday Dec 30, 2017
S01 Episode 06: Homegoing
Saturday Dec 30, 2017
Saturday Dec 30, 2017
For many, this time of year requires traveling toward family and heritage. But is this the same thing as going home? The holy family returned to Bethlehem for the census. In the same way, so many attend holiday events simply to be counted, which is not the same thing as belonging or feeling known.
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Friday Dec 29, 2017
S01 Episode 05: Waiting (Luke 1:46-55)
Friday Dec 29, 2017
Friday Dec 29, 2017
We spent the season of Advent waiting for a baby to be born. But what about those who wait without a due date and for much longer than four winter weeks? In this episode we consider the ways this waiting is painful or unique for those who journey with infertility or the adoption process.
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Thursday Dec 28, 2017
S01 Episode 04: Roots (Matthew 1)
Thursday Dec 28, 2017
Thursday Dec 28, 2017
Matthew’s gospel begins with the genealogy of Jesus. His family tree includes some familiar patriarchs and heroes, but it also lists unlikely women and stories of relationships and bodies broken. What do these ancestors tell us about how God enters our human story?
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Wednesday Dec 27, 2017
S01 Episode 03: Nations Rise, Empires Fall (Luke 2:1)
Wednesday Dec 27, 2017
Wednesday Dec 27, 2017
The first verse of the Birth Story is loaded with context that most of us miss. The power struggles and paranoia paint a timeless political landscape. It sets the scene with history, politics, culture, identity, and drama that help us understand the risky threat of baby Jesus. And when push comes to shove, Herod will kill his friends and family to remind you of his love.
Twitter & FB: @alterguild