Rebuild: A United Church of Hayward Podcast UCH UCC

"We don't get to hang onto it forever, do we?" - Rev. Jeanne Loveless
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In today's episode of Rebuild, we journey alongside the Emmaus Road travelers, drawing inspiration from Rev. Jeanne's recent sermon infused with the wisdom gleaned from witnessing the total solar eclipse. As we walk alongside these weary travelers, we'll explore the profound depths of their encounter with the Risen Christ and the transformative power of recognizing the divine presence in our midst. Through reflections on gut feelings, inner knowing, and the sacred act of breaking bread, we'll uncover timeless truths that illuminate our own paths and guide us toward deeper connections with the divine.
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"Here's the light at eclipse totality (Northwestern Arkansas). It looked like sunset in every direction. Dogs were howling all around us. Colors were strange. The temperature dropped enough to make me shiver. There was something like a collective exhalation of breath and it wasn't just 3rd dimensional. It was deep and untouchable. Everything was surreal, beautiful, decentered, and weepy.I sat down afterwards trembling, teary, overwhelmed and exhausted in a way I can't explain. I slept and then woke up and read Annie Dillard's "Total Eclipse" over and over again. It was all that felt right for me to do after being engulfed and transformed in ways I don't know yet by that kind of power.
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She writes, 'In (such) deeps are the violence and terror of which psychology has warned us. But if you ride these monsters deeper down, if you drop with them farther over the world’s rim, you find what our sciences cannot locate or name, the substrate, the ocean or matrix or ether that buoys the rest, that gives goodness its power for good, and evil its power for evil, the unified field: our complex and inexplicable caring for each other, and for our life together here.' Yes... Selah."

(Source/Full Incredible Essay: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/08/annie-dillards-total-eclipse/536148/)

In this episode, we draw inspiration from the words of Mary Karr and the profound dislocation experienced by the women in Luke 24. We reflect on the theme of preparation and unpreparedness as we witness the women's journey from making arrangements for Jesus' burial to encountering the empty tomb. Through the lens of scripture and the insights of Anne Lamott, N.T. Wright, and others, we explore the transformative power of encountering the divine and how it calls us to rise up and be reborn. Join us as we navigate the emotions of grief, joy, and bafflement, and discover how the emptiness of the tomb bears forth a new world for which we may feel unprepared but on whose edge we stand.

#Resurrection #ProfoundDislocation #progressivechristianity #Transformation, #Grief #Rebirth #unitedchurchofchrist #rebuildpodcast #spiritualjourney #holisticspirituality #gospelofluke #JeanneLoveless

In this episode, we reflect on the profound significance of Palm/Passion Sunday. As Jesus embarks on his journey towards Jerusalem, we contemplate the layers of preparation, prayer, and courage that have brought him to this pivotal moment. With scripture readings from Luke 19, we witness Jesus's entrance into the holy city, greeted by adoring crowds, and his subsequent actions in the temple, where he confronts corruption and injustice with unwavering passion.

#Faith #Justice #PalmSunday #PassionSunday #HolyWeek #Scripture #GospelofLuke #ProgressiveChristianity #JesusWasSubversive #RebuildPodcast #UnitedChurchofHayward #UnitedChurchofChrist #ChristianPodcast

🌱🌱 In this episode, we journey through Luke's Gospel, exploring the rich symbolism found in the "Parable of the
Sower." We reflect on the diverse ways seeds are sown in our lives, from the challenges of rocky ground to the potential of fertile soil. Drawing inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson and Mary Oliver and beyond, we uncover the transformative power of embracing a journey of growth and renewal.

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#ParableOfTheSower #GospelofLuke #ProgressiveChristianity #LentenJourney #Lent #UnitedChurchofChrist #UCC #SpiritualGrowth #FaithJourney #UCCHayward #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalStories #GrowthAndRenewal #MaryOliverInspired #RobertLouisStevenson #SeedsofFaith #SundayReflections #ZoomChurch #ExploreSpirituality

"Go and do likewise."

In this episode, we explore perspectives, compassion, and connection, inspired by Jesus’s teachings in Luke 10. We reflect on how our backgrounds, beliefs, and positions in life influence our interpretation of who our neighbors are. Drawing from personal anecdotes, biblical scripture, and insightful commentary, we invite listeners to deepen their understanding of compassion and to actively engage in loving God, neighbors, and themselves in a balanced and meaningful way.

Dive into the art of seeing and being seen through the lens of compassion. How do our perspectives shape our actions towards our neighbors? Let’s explore together. 🌊

#RebuildPodcast #Compassion #Perspective #GoodSamaritan #FaithInAction #SeeAndBeSeen #CommunityLove #LentenReflection #progressivechristianity #SpiritualJourney #NeighborLove #unitedchurchofchrist #ucc

In this episode of "Rebuild: A United Church of Hayward," we explore the profound themes of loss and discovery through the parables of Luke 15. With insight from sources like Henri J.M. Nouwen and reflections inspired by everyday occurrences, we delve into the emotional and spiritual landscapes of being lost and found. From lost keys to the deeper loss of one's way, this discussion invites listeners into a compassionate exploration of repentance, celebration, and the universal search for belonging. Through the lens of Jesus' parables, we uncover the extravagant joy and love that redemption brings, offering hope and a path forward for all who feel lost.

#LostandFound #Luke15 #Parables #Lent #Prodigal Son #Repentance #Redemption #Compassion #HenriNouwen #JanRichardson #ProgressiveChristianity #UCC #UnitedChurchofChrist #SpiritualJourney