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We end our deep dive into the first of two creation stories in Genesis.

We continue our last episode's work on Genesis 1. What in this episode surprised you or made you wonder?

We're back with season 2 of our podcast with topics of our own creation! This season's theme is "Not Your Grandparent's Bible" where we engage with texts on a deeper level, using critical thinking, text criticism, pop culture, and current events. This episode, we dive into Genesis 1.

Siblings in Christ, this is Not Your Grandparent's Bible.

According to Mark, on the first day of the week, the women rise with the sun and buy spices to anoint Jesus’ body. They are shocked to find the tomb empty, and leave in fear and terror. Mark’s resurrection story is less triumphant than the other Gospel testimonies (as scholars believe the remainder of Mark’s gospel was a later addition). In Mark’s version, we are reminded that Easter comes to us, again and again, even if we don’t know what to make of God’s resurrection ways. Again and again, the sun rises. And some days, that is enough. Our devotion this week features “Light,” a poem by Rev. Sarah Are, a commentary by T. Denise Anderson, and an artist’s statement on her piece “The Promise” by Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity, all focused on Mark 16:1-8.

Again and again, we find ourselves at the foot of the cross, at the pit of despair, in the face of death, in the grip of state-sanctioned violence. “Here” is an emotional place. “Here” is grief. “Here” is the reality of sin and brokenness. On Good Friday, we are called to sit in the silence of death, knowing that God is here. This week centers around John 19: 1-30 with a poem by Rev. Sarah Are, a commentary by Rev. T. Denise Anderson, and a reflection on her piece “Status Quo” from Hannah Garrity.

Footwashing is a practice of radical vulnerability, of being seen and known. Jesus loved the disciples “to the end.” In this act, we remember that God holds all of our pain, vulnerability, doubts, and sufferings. As we venture toward the cross, we can lean into God’s everlasting arms, knowing we are held. This week features a “Until That Day,” a poem by Rev. Sarah Are, a reflection on her piece entitled “You, Too, Must” by Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity, and a reflection from Rev. T. Denise Anderson, all centered on John 13:1-17, 31b-35.