Understanding Church
Understanding Church is an evolution of the Bethlehem Backchat podcast. We talk about life in the quirky community known as the Christian church. Special guests are featured to add topic specific depth to the conversation. We are a caring and compassionate platform for all, and an avenue through which we can truly "understand church" and all that term implies. Welcome!
Episodes
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone welcome Chaplain Gaea Thompson, who serves as Manager of Pastoral Care at UPMC Presbyterian/Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh. Chaplain Gaea guides us through the work and important care of the hospital chaplain as a "Physician of the Soul." The discussion is rich in guiding us toward understanding the role of serving in a hospital setting and serving those who may...
Guest Lynn Holden, Spiritual Director, joins Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone to discuss spiritual direction as the building of a relationship through which one person, the spiritual director, guides another toward the presence and call of God in all of life. Lynn shares the difference between counseling and spiritual direction, how one becomes a spiritual director, and the importance of gaining a deeper connection through t...
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone discuss a central doctrine of the Lutheran Church. There are a lot of 'churchy' words in just the episode title! Not to worry, we make it easy to understand! Justification by faith is a divine act by which God declares us righteous or in right relationship by offering us grace. Being in right relationship doesn't mean that we are just 'good people' or...
Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone are thrilled to transition our podcast to a new brand format under the Title Understanding Church. In this episode, discussion surrounds memories and experiences from the beginning of Bethlehem Backchat to present day intentions for a reimagined approach. Come laugh with us as we review where we have been and the future curiosities we plan to explore and understand.
Just in time for Lent and Easter! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone discuss the psychological, physical, and spiritual impact of carrying guilt and shame. Do we understand the difference between guilt and shame? They are often used interchangeably but there is truly a difference. Why are we unable to let some things go? We will identify the difference and discuss the avenue through Christ can guide us through...
The Advent of the birth of Christ begins a new church (liturgical) year! Throughout the church year, we experience a rhythm and structure that guide our learning, praise, and thanksgiving through Christ's birth, death, and resurrection and the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit. This podcast walks through the church year from Advent to Christmas, Epiphany to Lent and Easter to Pentecost and what all of that means so...
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone, review what healing is all about as it relates to Jesus. It is a bit complex, and it surely requires a little contemplation and understanding. Discussion involves the difference between curing and healing. Further, sharing is offered on Jesus' teaching and healing focusing on common questions around this topic. What does 'healing' actually mean? If we ask for ...
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone discuss the two types of doubt including self-doubt and a doubt in God. We have all experienced doubt in one or both of these types as it relates to discernment and hope in being the best we can be. Discussion surrounds how to view doubt so that it can be a learning and blessing opportunity in spiritual growth and faithfulness.
We suffer in many ways. We can gain comfort in knowing that there is hope in Christ and that our community can offer support in such times. When we are struggling, we are never alone. What does the scripture say about how to handle such emotions and situations. In this episode, Pastor Dan and Vicar Wendy Farone offer insight and consideration as we "make our light so shine" in the world. Are you an Eeyore, a Pooh, or a Ti...
In this episode, Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone discuss the offerings available through Lutheran Senior Life with our guest, fellow Lutheran, Vice-President of Development and President of Lutheran Senior Life Foundation, Jane Bittcher. You will be amazed at how much is offered whether you are a senior at 50 or 90-years old, you love a senior, or are interested in making plans for when you will be a senior. They also offer support fo...
In this episode, Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone discuss the promise that "Christ Has Died." [We know that from Good Friday]; "Christ Has Risen." [Yes! Risen Indeed!] and "Christ Will Come Again." OK, when? What does all that mean? We also talk about why the Easter season lasts for several weeks. You may want to listen twice as there are some very important points made about the resurrection and the Easter...
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss how to engage in the Psalms. They are unique and need to be approached in a way different from other scriptures. Are the Psalms poetry, songs, or prayers? How do we read them to get the most understanding? Why do we read them responsively in worship? Understanding the way to read the Psalms is the best way to understand the writer of the Psalms' intention.
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone speak with Josh Kenst, who is serving as a missionary/volunteer in Senegal, West Africa. Josh is part of the YAGM (Young Adults in Global Mission) initiative through the ELCA. His mission is for one year and he shares his experience in building relationships. As part of his welcome there, he was able to choose fabric for his clothing...a nod to his hometown colors! See the picture!...
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the common phrase, "I'm spiritual but not religious." What does that actually mean? Discussion surrounds the cultural meaning of 'spiritual' compared to the Christian meaning of 'spiritual.' In addition, there is some interesting insight into what it means to be religious...it's not all about going to church! Listen to determine if yo...
Listening for specific things within a sermon can help you get the most out of the sermon message! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone offer suggestions that may plant a seed that helps your understanding grow. We will discuss the purpose and intention of the sermon, how long a sermon should be, and how best to listen utilizing the acronym 'SEA'--Scripture, Engagement, and Action into our lives.
I...
Life is stressful and we all need help getting through difficult times! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the importance of reaching out for guidance and support when needed. Our special guest, Mark Heinbockel of Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry, offers services available such as counseling, tutoring, groups and workshops. Further, the importance of faith and spirituality in healing the whole person and fa...
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss those sayings that we say all the time that are not often used as the scripture intended or are not biblical at all! Does God close a door and open a window? Does everything happen for a reason? Does God have a plan for you and what is that plan? Is it true that nothing happens in God's world by mistake? Listen for Pastor Dan's least favorite saying (he gets passi...
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss "at-one-ment" in other words, atonement. God promises us relationship with Him and He is faithful in doing so. But, we keep messing up--it is in our human nature. How do we reconcile or make repentance for such a situation? We don't have to because God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to do it for us. That's the Good News!! That's how much he loves us! A...
Just in time for Easter! Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone explain the background and backstory of Holy Week. Maundy Thursday through Easter Sunday are described so that full meaning and understanding can be experienced in worship. This is a podcast you will surely want to listen to before and during Holy Week. "He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!" Pastor Dan will even explain what that call-response is all about!
This year our 8th grade confirmands reach their formal learning toward becoming official members of the church. They have participated in 3 full years of learning about the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), the New Testament, and Lutheranism. During this discussion, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone chat a bit with the 2023 confirmands: Lauren, Blake, Ethan, and Tanner. We talk about the importance of being part of the church and how t...
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