It’s time to get some new “clothes.” Who doesn’t like that? Right? But there’s a small catch... we have to wait a little bit. Just stay here and wait, Jesus says ... until you are clothed in the Holy Spirit. The reality is that we could all use an excuse to get a little rest. It is in resting that we are able to receive the blessing of the Spirit's…

In a world where everything from busy schedules to geographical expanses separates us from each other, the power of personal, one-to-one relationships to build respect and enhance our perceived value of those considered “other” is indisputable. Enter Peace Builders, an extension of the concept of citizen diplomacy being explored in new and exciting…

Administrative role or ministry ... or both. They do call it Human Resource Ministries after all. In this episode of Nice to Matcha, host Robin Linkhart sits down with Community of Christ’s new Director of Human Resource Ministries, Adam Bouverette. First ordained in high school, Adam has served in many ministry roles while honing his administrativ…

We could all use a little reminding every once in a while. In the midst of chaos and hectic schedules, the call to do something uncomfortable is easily shrugged off with extremely relevant rationalizations as to why we can’t. That’s why Jesus promised an advocate. Unfortunately, however, the advocate of whom he spoke is not there to speak on our be…

“It's easy to throw up our hands and say it's bigger than what we can do,” says this "Say What?!" episode's guest, Rick Bunch. Join hosts Mary Anne and Kassie for a close look at G-10, the resolution submitted by the Community of Christ Earth Stewardship team for consideration at the 2025 World Conference. In this episode, Rick Bunch provides a lit…

Systemic Racism isn’t a popular or comfortable topic, and it’s not just limited to the secular world. Unfortunately, history shows that the Church universal has not been immune to its grasp, and neither have the Restoration traditions. Join Cuppa Joe host Wendy Eaton as she sits down with Matthew Harris to talk about insights from his most recent b…

It is perhaps one of the easiest commandments to speak, and yet one of the hardest to put into action. We live in a world where it seems to have become easier to build walls than to sit and listen to one another... much less love one another. In many arenas, people are attempting to define diversity as a bad thing. The idea of unity in diversity, t…

From a childhood lived in poverty to the heights of hope and service to others comes another outstanding minister called to join the Quorum of Presidents of Seventy in Community of Christ. Join host Blake Smith for an inspiring conversation in which Leslie Pascua shares the testimony of his journey to this place in his spiritual life. Hear how his …

From tavern keeper to prominent figure in Restoration history, William Marks is the focus of this episode of Cuppa Joe. Host Wendy Eaton sits down with Cheryl Bruno and John Dinger, co-authors of Come Up Hither to Zion: William Marks and the Mormon Concept of Gathering, to hear a little more about what they learned while researching Marks’ life. Se…

Who doesn’t like a good festival ... especially one that calls for renewal? No doubt, we could all use a little time for renewal. Well, this week’s episode of Coffee to Go finds us in the Gospel According to John, and it’s time for a festival of renewal. Unfortunately, this time of renewal isn’t about taking a day off, it’s about renewing your comm…

Diverse, inclusive, multi-cultural, multi-lingual, spiritual, joyful, contemplative. Who knew worship could be all these things and more? In this episode of Say What?, hosts Mary Anne and Kassie sit down with Tyler Marz to talk about all of the ins and outs of worship at World Conference. Here, we get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to ma…

There are times when we take our bodies for granted... abusing them with lengthy to-do lists of tasks that test the limits of our capacity. We go about our lives as if the “vessels” we have been given are unshakable, unbreakable, and without limits. How often to we thank others for the things they do for us, yet forget to take time to thank our bod…

What’s your “go-to” when you get stressed out? When things aren’t going your way, or when you’re feeling alone or lost, what, or where, brings you comfort? For Peter and the disciples, it was fishing. For some, it’s a hike in the mountains or a stroll on the beach. No matter where it is, Jesus meets us where we are. Join hosts Karin and Blake for a…

The spotlight is back on at Graceland University, and this time it’s shining on freshman and academic honors scholarship winner, Callie Dennis. Callie hails from the Liberty Street congregation in Independence, MO, and she has her eyes fixed on the goal. That said, she’s taking time to enjoy the Graceland experience and make it her own. Join hosts …

From a young age, Sylvester Ochieng’s parents gave him “a crystal clear knowledge about God in [his] life.” With a deep respect for a culture of prayer and a healthy reverence for God, Sylvester was well on his way to giving his life in service to God and to God’s children. In this episode of Nice to Matcha, join host Blake Smith as he listens to S…

Thomas, often referred to as ‘doubting Thomas,’ often gets a bum rap. He just wanted to have the same experience that everyone else had. He had an intimate relationship with Jesus and all he was asking for was a chance to see it for himself. We, too, have our own personal relationship with Christ and with the Divine. There is absolutely nothing wro…

There’s way more to the conflict in Israel/Palestine than is covered in the daily news cycle. The real truth is eye-opening and gut-wrenching. In this episode of Grounds for Peace, host Robin Linkhart sits down with members of a Community of Christ peace delegation who traveled with Churches for Middle East Peace and saw firsthand the devastation a…

The word Zion has been an integral part of Community of Christ’s journey as a people, but now it is being used by others in ways that are confusing and contradictory. In this episode of Say What?, host Mary Anne and Kassie sit down with Steve Kellogg, member of the Community of Christ Peace and Justice Team, and author of 2025 World Conference Reso…

He is risen! On this episode of Coffee to Go, Karen and Blake look closely at Mary Magdalene's experience at the tomb – from darkness and weeping to a personal encounter with the risen Christ. They ask: How do our expectations limit us from seeing God at work? And have you felt the Spirit call you by name? Discover the significance of being called …

As we wait in the darkness between the events of Good Friday and the coming resurrection, we have the opportunity to consider the cost of discipleship. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a brief Coffee to Go episode to hear the scripture, to receive a blessing, and to wait. Don't rush to the resurrection just because you know how the story …

The lights have all gone out. The unimaginable has happened. The one we love is gone. What will we do now? On this Good Friday, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith offer only a scripture and a blessing. Sometimes, it is all we can do to sit in the rage, the disappointment, the loss, the grief... wondering if the light will return. In those moments, i…

The room has been chosen. The table is set, and as you enter, Jesus kneels to wash your feet. What would your reaction be? Remember, Jesus knows you better than you know yourself, so will you try and refuse as Peter did, or learn from the experience? Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith on this Maundy Thursday for a close look at a very intimate …

Harmony, a nonprofit for LGBTQIA+ advocacy within Community of Christ, aims to affirm dignity and worth without regard to gender, race, or sexual orientation. Host, Robin Linkhart, sits down with newly elected members of the Harmony Board: Shelby Williams, Andy Markle, and Sean Langdon. Shelby, a CPA and youth leader, emphasizes her role as a safe …

Palms waving, disciples lining the road and calling out, cloaks thrown on the ground to pave the way. It’s political pageantry at its best ... and its most humble. All the way to the end, Jesus keeps us guessing by doing the unexpected. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, for a deeper dive into this week’s passage from the Gospel of Luke, wher…

Wendy Eaton joins the Project Zion team for the first time as a host with an episode of Cuppa Joe highlighting the first in the 2025 Winter Series, “An Evening with the Historians.” That’s right, the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation has put together another great line up of authors who share their latest writings. In this Cuppa Joe epi…

Many look to their faith for direction and answers to things happening in the world while others suggest that the church should stick to theology and spirituality. The reality is that churches are speaking up about justice issues facing the world and especially in the United States, but where is Community of Christ’ voice in all of this? There are …

Can you smell that? When Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with pure nard, the scriptures tell us that “the room was filled with the smell of the perfume. Mary spared nothing to do what she thought was right in the moment... to take a prophetic risk. On this final week of Lent, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith explore the significance of Mary anointing Je…

It’s time for another episode of Coffee in the Swarm, and today’s guest comes from a “Long” line of Community of Christ members and Graceland alumni. From early on, Anna Long determined that she would probably go to Graceland. It was, after all, a regular topic of conversation at family meals and gatherings. And, her Graceland experience has not di…

Slowing down and connecting with God can be as simple as paying attention to the rhythm of our breath. Join host, Shannon McAdam, as she leads us through a spiritual practice known as a breath prayer. It’s not complicated unless you make it complicated. It’s personal. You set the parameters and make it your own. Take your time. Rest... and breathe.…

Choose joy! It may be hard sometimes, but the alternative will just tear you down. In this episode of Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith take a look at the story of the Prodigal Son from the Gospel of Luke. While the young man was ready to receive what he deserved... nothing ... the father was more focused on the joy of his return. Tha…

There is a lot of history and context, both inside and outside the church, that accompanies the sections in Community of Christ’s Doctrine and Covenants. Over the years, some of the sections have been removed due to a lack of alignment with Community of Christ identity, message, mission, and beliefs. Other sections have been questioned because of t…

Two of the resolutions submitted for the 2025 World Conference come from the Cedar Valley-Nauvoo Mission Center. Say What hosts, Mary Anne and Kassie, sit down with the mission center leaders, Evelyn Dustin and Kent Levan, to get a better idea of what their resolutions are asking for and why it is important for the church at large to consider what …

You can almost hear the kids saying, “Are we there yet?” And the answer is NO! We are still on the road to Jerusalem with Jesus, and Jesus is still encountering people asking questions to which he has already given answers. And yet, he tells a parable that reinforces just how merciful and patient he is with those who haven’t borne fruit, even thoug…

World Conference 2025 is almost here, and this is going to be a historic Conference once again as Stassi Cramm’s call to serve as Prophet-President is considered. Stassi has always sensed a deep connection with God and with the church. She had been told that there were special things ahead, and she promised God she would always say yes if God calle…

If talking parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order is like speaking a foreign language to you, you’re at the right place. Join members of the World Church Leadership as well as International Headquarters staff as they put the question to World Church Parliamentarian extraordinaire, John Wight. Chances are the questions that are rolling …

Are you going to be a fox or a hen? Before you answer that question, stop and take a few minutes ... it is Lent after all ... to engage in some honest self-reflection. The world may suggest that it’s better to be a fox, but Jesus would likely disagree. You can decide as you listen to this episode of Coffee to Go with hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Sm…

“It's just a very sad thing that across many nations, as people get fearful, they tend to go out and buy more firearms,” says Rick Sarre, member of Community of Christ’s Peace and Justice Team, and guest for this episode of Say What? Join hosts Mary Anne and Kassie for an in-depth conversation with Rick about 2025 World Conference Resolution G-12: …

As Community of Christ moves closer to the historic moment of considering the call of the first woman President/Prophet of the church, Stassi Cramm, there is no better time to reflect with Karin Peter and historian extraordinaire, Wendy Eaton, to take a look across the years at all the women who have had a prophetic influence on the church and its …

It’s the first Sunday of Lent... a time for looking inward. Be advised, you can’t blame everything on the devil. Well, you could, who would you be fooling? Sometimes you have to take responsibility for your own actions. Making responsible choices is up to you. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they enter the wilderness with Jesus, the Holy …

Aliyah and Mike are back in the Swarm at Graceland University, and this time they’re sitting down with senior, Ishbel Wilson. Ishbel hails from Independence, Missouri and the Liberty Street congregation where she established a strong foundation in the church. She’s continued her connection through various ministries at Graceland while working on a …

It may seem strange that on a Christian Holy day where many disciples will walk around with a smudge of ash on their foreheads for all to see, we have a scripture passage that tells us to pray and fast privately in our “closet.” Why don’t we wear the smudge of ash in a place where only we and God can see it? Well, the smudge is a symbol of the cond…

What significance, if any, do ashes have in your life? Are they just the dirty remains left by a forgotten fire, or do they symbolize something meaningful? Throughout history and across cultures and traditions, ashes have had a number of symbolic uses. Join Blake Smith in this episode of Awaken to God’s Presence, as he invites us into a season of r…

We all have those special places where we’ve experienced God’s presence (the Holy Spirit), and for some reason we let ourselves believe that we need to return to that place to find God again. It’s in those places that we want to “pitch our tent” so to speak. If we’ve learned nothing else in this season of Epiphany, we know that God is up to somethi…

If you’ve ever wondered what you can do to be a part of the change with regard to the climate emergency, grab your coffee and settle in. This episode of Say What? Is the second part of a two-part conversation between Kassie and Mary Anne and their guests, Paul Bethel and Laurie Gordon regarding G-5: Climate Emergency – Fossil Fuel Reduction, a reso…

In order to understand the depth of the climate crisis we are facing, Laurie Gordon suggests we may need to connect with our inner mystic. Laurie, and Paul Bethel, are the guests of Say What for this conversation about resolution G-5: Climate Emergency – Fossil Fuel Reduction which will come before the 2025 Community of Christ World Conference. Hos…

We sing about it, we talk about, we say that it is at the heart of God, but when it comes to sharing it with those we find undeserving, we have second thoughts. “It,” of course, is LOVE. In this week’s Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith return to the Gospel of Luke and Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain. Join them for a look into the difficult…

From rule-following teenager to mischievous Gracelander, to volunteer leadership in the church and a career in technology and business sales, Shannon McAdam (she/her) has spent her life journeying with God in community. Now, Shannon has accepted a call to the Council of Twelve. Join host Robin Linkhart as she sits down with Shannon to get to know h…

After 20 long years of self-sustaining ministry, including her most recent role as Midlands Mission Center President, Kat Hnatyshyn has said yes to a role that requires a change in career... but not a change in passion. In this episode of Nice to Matcha, host Robin Linkhart sits down with Kat, a first-time guest at Project Zion, for a closer look a…

There’s no better place to give a sermon about community than on a plain (aka a level field). All communities may not put everyone on the same level, but in God’s Kingdom, every field is a level playing field. The blessings and woes of such a community ought to be felt by all. In today’s passage from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus lays it on the line wi…

Since an early age, Adam Wade has sensed the movement of God in his life... affirming at each step that he was being called to new things. But that doesn’t make it any less frightening, or any less daunting. In this episode of Nice to Matcha, you’ll get the chance to listen in to a conversation between Adam and host, Robin Linkhart, in which Adam s…