Faith, Hope & Stories

Epworth United Methodist Church - Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
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On "Faith, Hope and Stories," we meet people in our community who are sowing seeds of faith, hope and love. Some you may already know and others you don't know--yet. They're your neighbors and they have a mission, a calling, a purpose. These are their stories. Faith, Hope and Stories is a production of Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. For more information, go to our website: https://epworth.faith/podcast/

Episodes

  1. Trailer

    Summer Season Update

    A quick update and preview of the last two episodes in the summer season. August 2 will feature Epworth's lead pastor, Vicki Gordy-Stith. We'll have a personal conversation with US Rep. Sarah McBride on August 9 You can listen to or view all epsidoes at https://epworth.riverside.com/ The fall season will begin the Sunday after Labor Day.

  2. 1d ago

    Birding: Finding God in All Things

    The Rev. Ragan Sutterfield, an Episcopal priest who grew up in Arkansas, discusses birding as a spiritual practice and its connection to nature, ministry, and community. He shares his journey into birding, the qualities that make birding a spiritual practice, how to get started, and the impact of birding on building community. The conversation delves into the challenges of bird identification, problematic bird naming, the relationship between birds and creation care, the influence of Wendell Berry, and the balance between birding for enjoyment and obsession. The episode is a prelude to Epworth's September program, "Birding as a Spiritual Practice." Learn more here. Links: Ragan's website https://www.ragansutterfield.com/ Merlin Bird ID https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Douglas Tallamy https://homegrownnationalpark.org/doug-tallamy/ Wendell Berry https://www.neh.gov/about/awards/jefferson-lecture/wendell-e-berry-biography Takeaways Birding as a spiritual practice connects individuals to the beauty and mystery of the natural world.Birding builds community and fosters intergenerational connections through a common love for nature. Bird identification challenges are influenced by misidentifications and the problematic nature of bird naming.The relationship between birds and creation care highlights the impact of climate change and the need for conservation efforts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Birding as a Spiritual Practice02:00 Reagan's Journey into Birding03:30 Nature and Ministry05:05 Birding as a Spiritual Practice06:20 Qualities of Birding as a Spiritual Practice07:34 Building Community through Birding09:52 The Story of Bill13:11 Getting Started with Birding16:45 Using Merlin App for Birding18:12 Bird Identification Challenges19:05 Problematic Bird Naming23:08 Birds and Creation Care28:20 Wendell Berry's Influence31:48 Balancing Birding and Obsession

    Birding: Finding God in All Things

  3. Jul 19

    Rose Verona: Parkinson's and Beyond

    The podcast episode features Rose Verona sharing her journey with Parkinson's disease, her faith, and the impact of music and community on her life. Rose's volunteerism and the value of giving back are also highlighted. Parkinson's Education and Support Group of Sussex County https://www.sussexcountyparkinsons.com/ Takeaways Community support is essential for individuals living with Parkinson's disease.Music and singing play a significant role in managing Parkinson's symptoms and improving quality of life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Faith, Hope, and Stories Podcast01:52 Rose's Journey to Rehoboth and Epworth03:00 Diagnosis and Early Experience with Parkinson's05:27 Managing Parkinson's Symptoms and Quality of Life10:01 The Impact of Faith and Community18:37 The Role of Music and Singing in Parkinson's Management31:23 Rose's Volunteerism and the Value of Giving Back

    Rose Verona: Parkinson's and Beyond

  4. Jul 12

    The Nature Rabbi

    Seaside Jewish Community's Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan, PhD shares her journey of growing up Jewish in Texas, her spiritual experiences in nature, and the incorporation of nature into her spiritual practice. She also discusses the concept of Tikkun Olam and the ways her congregation engages in repairing the world through social action and community service. Her websites: https://www.seasidejewishcommunity.com/ https://wellspringsofwisdom.com/ https://inspiredimages.zenfoliosite.com/home ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal https://aleph.org/ Takeaways Jewish spirituality and nature connectionHow she came to Rehoboth Beach Tikkun Olam: Repairing the world Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan01:34 Growing Up Jewish in Texas04:17 Spiritual Experience at Utopia, Texas22:22 Incorporating Nature into Spiritual Practice33:36 Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World

    The Nature Rabbi

  5. Jul 5

    Sandy Roca: A Sign of Caring

    Sandy Roca, an experienced American Sign Language interpreter, shares her inspiring journey of discovering her calling, learning sign language and Braille, and overcoming challenges in deaf-blind interpretation. She discusses her role at Epworth, the inclusive environment, and her volunteer work with Epworth's food ministry. Sandy's dedication to teaching sign language and her continued work post-retirement reflect her passion for accessibility and inclusion. Takeaways Passion for accessibility and inclusionImportance of native sign language instructors American Sign Language YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/billvicars Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sandy Roca06:33 Reaching the Unreachable12:50 Interpreting Worship Services18:17 Equal Message in Interpretation24:09 Family and Relocation to Rehoboth32:14 Retirement and Continued Work

    Sandy Roca: A Sign of Caring

  6. Jun 28

    School Bus Parables

    The podcast conversation with Pastor Bo Gordy-Stith delves into the unique role of a school bus driving pastor and the impact of mentorship and ministry on children. It explores the challenges and solutions encountered, the importance of connecting with kids, finding joy in routine, dealing with social dynamics, and concludes with book recommendations from the pastor. Takeaways The role of a school bus driving pastor is a unique and impactful form of ministry.Connecting with children and youth through mentorship and empathy is essential for positive influence.Finding joy and purpose in routine and seemingly mundane tasks is a mindset that can lead to fulfillment and satisfaction. Chapters 00:00 The School Bus Driving Pastor08:17 Challenges and Solutions18:06 Impact and Transformation23:36 Finding Joy in Routine30:33 Book Recommendations A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles Table for Two by Amor Towles Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

    School Bus Parables

  7. Jun 21

    Doug Yetter, Music Man

    Doug Yetter — Music ManDiscover the inspiring musical journey of Doug Yetter, a prominent arts leader, theater founder, and Minister of Music at Epworth United Methodist Church. This interview delves into Doug’s lifelong relationship with music, his community initiatives like the Camp Rehoboth Chorus, and his insights on sacred music, musical influences, and fostering inclusivity through art. In this episode:Doug’s early fascination with music sparked by family and childhood experiencesThe evolution from piano lessons to composing and musical theater successHow community and church music have shaped Doug’s career and personal lifeBehind the scenes of founding and nurturing the Clear Space Theater and Camp Rehoboth ChorusDoug’s perspective on sacred music, performance, and his musical legacyHis efforts in music therapy and supporting audiences with Parkinson’s diseaseThe importance of inclusivity and how Epworth fosters a welcoming environment for allTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Doug Yetter and the episode’s focus 00:11 - Doug’s early exposure to music and family influence 00:23 - Learning piano and using music as an escape during adolescence 00:31 - Excursions into orchestral soloing and musical training 00:45 - Experiences with support and challenges from family members 03:06 - College major in composition and experimental projects 04:09 - Writing musicals and his first professional gigs 05:02 - Transition to college and late bloom into higher education 06:26 - Moving to Delaware, founding Clear Space Theater, and community impact 09:11 - Developing the Broadway Bound program and community engagement 11:11 - The Camp Rehoboth Chorus’ growth and musical philosophy 13:24 - Favorite music genres and performances that evoke emotion 15:13 - Sacred music and Doug’s personal sacred music experiences 18:32 - Supporting those with Parkinson’s through music therapy 20:00 - Recap of community initiatives and the impact of choir performances 22:15 - Doug’s versatile musical roles and sacred music preferences 24:39 - Discussions of musicals, favorites, overrated shows, and legacies 26:16 - Reflections on teaching, influence on students, and future plans 27:08 - Current reading and TV interests; insights into personal downtime 28:37 - Embracing inclusivity at Epworth and personal reflections on community and church life 31:45 - Closing thoughts and gratitude Connect with Doug:LinkedInInstagram Thank you for tuning in to this conversation with Doug Yetter—musician, community builder, and eternal learner.

    Doug Yetter, Music Man

  8. Season 1 Trailer

    Coming soon: Faith, Hope & Stories

    An introduction to our upcoming podcast, which will launch on June 21. It's called Faith, Hope & Stories. We see inspirational stories everywhere -- in our pews, in the pulpit, in our music room, in our kitchen, in our community. This podcast, produced by Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, will be telling some of those stories.

Trailers

About

On "Faith, Hope and Stories," we meet people in our community who are sowing seeds of faith, hope and love. Some you may already know and others you don't know--yet. They're your neighbors and they have a mission, a calling, a purpose. These are their stories. Faith, Hope and Stories is a production of Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. For more information, go to our website: https://epworth.faith/podcast/

Information

  • Creator
    Epworth United Methodist Church - Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Epworth United Methodist Church - Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
  • Show Website
    Faith, Hope & Stories