Pulpit To Pew

You would think that honoring the Sabbath would be engrained into the human DNA. It's been a part of our existence since God took the 7th day off after creating the universe. Even though God made "Keep Holy The Sabbath" the 4th of his Ten Commandments it still seems humankind has a hard time honoring this gift of a day of rest, peace and reflection. The cultural phenomenon of constant hustle and radical distraction seems to creep into almost all of our quiet and introspective time, and that includes all of our Sabbaths. This perpetual busyness and ignoring of the Lord's day of rest is a pattern that can be decaying our relationship with God, each other and ourselves. Maybe it's time we all took a step back and relooked at what the Sabbath is meant to be. This "day of rest" was given to humankind not as a rule but as a gift from God for us to have a protective time and space for us to open to new things and hear the small voices and inner wisdom. The Sabbath is more than a day on the calendar; it can be a pow

In this episode, Rev. Beverly Gibson expounds on the main points of Rev. Craver's Trinity Sunday Sermon dealing with the nature and the mystery of the Holy Trinity. St. Augustine is quoted saying “If you try to understand the Trinity, you will lose your mind. But if you deny the Trinity, you will lose your soul.” If this grand theological thinker feels this way it seems we all must be in the dark concerning this powerful foundation of our faith. Why are all the common descriptive metaphoric examples of the Trinity flawed? Why is the Holy Trinity so important to our faith? How does this mystical element of our faith affect our daily lives? Leaning heavily on the work of Episcopal Priest and Spiritual Writer Cynthia Bourgeault, Rev. Gibson shares a unique Trinity description of "a process" and "a drivetrain" from the book The Holy Trinity and the Law of Three: Discovering the Radical Truth at the Heart of Christianity. Join us as we dive into this fascinating, unthinkable but knowable divine mystical force in

In this episode, Reverend Beverly Gibson and parishioner Johnny Gwin discusses the gospel of the first Pentecost and explain the nature and power of the Holy Spirit, then and now. This Advocate, or the Holy Spirit, inspires and ignites us to go out into the world to share our faith, love, compassion, and understanding with others. First, the spirit moves within us and then evolves to send us on our travels through the arches of the world and into the great unknown. God's "new wine" presence is constantly with us and among us helping us to pray, lifting us up and moving us forward in all truth, daily life, and our worship. This force is not a corporate religious action to get us to "get things done," it's more of a submission to the reality God has placed us in and the spiritual quest we have been set on. The Advocate is a comforter and at the same time a mighty spark that guides us to spread our love, words, and actions to others like fire and wind to transform the world. Yes, Beverly and Johnny discuss the

Due to some things outside of our control this week we decided to rebroadcast one of the most listener-requested shows from 2016. We hope you enjoy this vintage Pulpit To Pew. In this episode, Rev. Gibson discusses the nature of obedience, Paul’s prison letters to Timothy, and the service reading of Luke’s Gospel. Plus Johnny shares his thoughts on Jesus and Paul's management styles and his correlation with singing the Blues and the readings of the Book of Lamentations. Key Takeway: The Good News is that God is with us, always. When the challenges we meet in life appear bigger than we can handle, we are to remember that God is handling them. We are just the obedient workers. God will give us more than we can ever deserve. It is God who powers our faith, God who works through our small actions to accomplish his great things, God whose presence and action should never be forgotten. Readings: Lamentations 1:1-6 Lamentations 3:19-26 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Luke 17:5-10 What do you think about Pulpit To Pew? We woul

Prayer is a creative act because it can create something new that was not there before. It can be much more than memorized verses and taught prayers. Maybe prayer can be listening for the Word the Spirit speaks through another voice. This ambient awareness and "being attuned" to this divine encounter shapes us and is an authentic direction for us to do the work that God has planned for our lives. Living, listening and moving with the Spirit is not easy to do in the hustle of our busy lives. This creative interaction with God takes participation, discipline, and patience. Growth can be found in a changing heart, but we have to be willing to be transformed and actively seek out new ways to encounter God in the world. Rev. Gibson suggests praying the Word for a week and see where this takes you. Next, listen for the Word the spirit speaks and then listen for the Spirit speaking through the voices of others. She hopes that you find something there for you that was not there before. Main Points: Can prayer be a

Rev. Marshall Craver (Christ Church Cathedral) asks us to start looking and listening for the divine in all the everyday things in life, especially the mundane and small emergencies. He calls these events his "Please God Incidences". These prayerfully pleading moments can become transformative in reminding us aware of our relationship with (and need for) God. Jesus is the vine, his father is the vine grower and we are the branches. The sermon and gospel lessons illustrate our mutual and organic relationship with the divine and how it flows from our "being" and not just our "doing". Are we fruit-bearing branches? And if so, are we perennials or annuals? In life, there are no chance things and God is the center of everyday life, even if we realize it or not. Are we taking time to abide love, God, and the Sabbath in our over-crowded lives? Are we "centering down" and finding rest in God not only on Sunday but a little bit on a daily basis? Readings: Acts 8:26-40 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8 Psalm 22:24-30 P

In this episode, Rev. Beverly Gibson and Johnny Gwin discuss Bishop Kendrick's sermon illustrating the power of the name of Jesus and all of the ways we do and do not honor him when we use it. Plus, they examine the weekly lessons, themes, and readings. This week covers the topics of the necessity of love in power, inviting everyone to know Christ, showing our faith through truth and action, and the courage of declaring "I am Christian." Lastly, Rev. Gibson gives a behind the pulpit view of the events and orchestration of a Cathedral Celebration Sunday, the arrival of the Bishop, 6 Confirmations, and 3 Baptisms. This Broadway-like production is not just known to Christ Church Cathedral; most churches have very similar circumstances. Rev. Gibson shares how she struggles and tries to stay present during the Mass and the day with all of the movie parts and orchestration. Acts 4:5-12 1 John 3:16-24 John 10:11-18 Psalm 23 Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the

Welcome back! Not to this podcast but a place away from the edges of life. These edges are the mundane, chaotic, and distracting elements of life. The things that keep us away from what William Butler Yeats called "the center" in his poem "The Second Coming." Due to the dismal state of the world after WW1 Yeats saw a world of despair writing that "the center cannot hold." His fatalistic view seems as relevant today as it was in his lifetime. How do we, as Christians, avoid this hopeless and fearful view of life? This Easter sermon Rev. Gibson reminds us that the risen Christ is our solid center in the circling chaos and darkness of the world. The light from an empty tomb guides us to carry on and "keep going" with the stuff and muck of life. We are reminded to stop looking for Jesus among the dead and go and see him among the living - where he reigns. We need to go into the world to demonstrate our light to the rest of the world. Rev. Gibson ends her sermon with a list of ideas from author and artist Austin

In this episode, Rev. Gibson and Johnny Gwin discuss themes of the resurrection of the physical human body, unity with God, fellowship with others, doubt, walking in the light and 2 lb. miracles. Miracle lives, like those of Mary Lindsley Golden, are a reminder of the gift of life and our connection to God and each other. Baptism of these miracle lives (well...all lives) is a beginning journey for one but it is also a recharging physical action for all that witness and publicly announce promises made to God to spiritually shepherd and care for the child baptized. Have you ever read what you are actually promising in the Baptismal Covenant? These oaths are substantial and significant. This call and response oral contract is a verbal and philosophical description of what we believe. Unlike "Doubting" Thomas, we state our belief in God and resurrection without physical proof or scientific method. Why do we do this? Are we foolish not to demand "proof"? The (occasional) Baptismal Covenant and The Nicene Creed (w

In this episode, Rev. Gibson & Johnny Gwin discusses the routines, rituals, and readings from Palm Sunday at Christ Church Cathedral. Starting in the garden, reenacting Mark's dramatic Passion Play, striking the Alter and leaving the church (not our Holy Week service) in silence. Palm Sunday's powerful reading covered the Passion from the Gospel of Mark with all the emotions and parts we have heard so many times. The borrowed colt, 3 denials before the cock crows twice, the arrest, the trial, the weight of the cross, and finally the human death of the "God-Man." Jesus, the God sent to Earth and instead of wielding his power emptied himself in the body of a man - a servant that was humble and obedient all the way to his own death. Our "God-Man" on the Cross - the "Tree of Life" is the bridge between life, our hell (sin), and the connection to heaven - the love and presence of God. The enduring eternal love of God in the person of Jesus Christ - The God-Man on the Tree - is offered for all, even when we si

The recent passing of scientist Stephen Hawking prompted Rev. Gibson (Christ Church Cathedral - Episcopal) and parishioner Johnny Gwin to discuss faith, science, the power of the human brain, the purpose and need for God, forgiveness, and God's divine law written on our hearts. Hawking frequently wrote that his life's work of math, quantum physics and looking into the fearful darkness of the nature of black holes led him to not be afraid of the dark and to a mindset that humanity no longer needs to believe in God and a fairytale afterlife. In all of Hawking's scientific accomplishments and his heroic story of the human spirit and genius many Christians also see a tragic tale of a great human that failed his biggest test. Dr. Hawking's life of struggle is an inspiration to millions and his death is a loss to the world of science, family, friends, and fans. His passing is also a reminder that we all will have a final sunset and a meeting with that dark "unknown." We all should be inspired by men like Stephen

Rev. Beverly Gibson & Johnny Gwin discuss the lessons and readings from Laetare Sunday (fourth Sunday of Lent) covering the meaning of the Bronze Serpent of Numbers, our web of spiritual and physical connections in our lives, cosmic struggles, Oscar speeches, and God's grace. Rev. Gibson describes the ever-present, ever merciful love of God. Even when we act out of impatience and disobedience (like the Isrealites in the wilderness), God's loving response is grace and healing. In a world of struggle and sin, God collaborates with his followers personally and universally to raise us above the darkness and sin of the world. God did this by sending us the source of his "light", Jesus Christ. Jesus is the source of the deeds done in God in a world full of poisonous sin. Sending his only Son to be sacrificed on The Cross was not to condemn us but to save us from the snakes of our flaws and the ubiquitous "ruler of the air." We are not alone in this world and this is Good News. Why? Because all of life is a col

In this week's Pulpit To Pew, we discuss radical kinship, understanding through bewilderment, second chances, unconditional love, abiding in faith and the foolishness of following God's wisdom and The Cross. Jesus frequently used confusion and bewilderment as a means of teaching and leading his disciples to repentance and to metanoia. Metanoia is redemption by going beyond the present mind, to get past our fear and disorientation of the "choir" (hint: the choir is us), turning the corner and running into something new. This inner journey of metanoia pushes us to reach a new and extreme kinship with God and those around us. God gave the "whining" and unfaithful Israelites a second chance with a new covenant and 10 words of "Holy" clarity with the 10 Commandments. Jesus's disruptive action of cleansing the temple was a profound reorientation to seeing the nature of God and a new way to worship. Present day Jesuit priest and author of Barking At The Choir - The Power of Radical Kinship, Father Gregory Boyle liv

In this episode, Rev. Gibson shares her recollection and thoughts on this Sunday’s gospel lessons and Rev. Marshall Craver’s sermon. Rev. Craver’s sermon focused on faithfully following God’s plan, reversal of Divine Power, and the true nature of Jesus The Christ. In Mark's gospel, Peter refused to believe what Jesus was telling him when he revealed the prediction of the Passion. Jesus’s impending death on the Cross and his loving service to others is the opposite of our culture’s perception of God's power. Instead of Jesus being God’s dynamite, Jesus's life, death, and mission of self-sacrifice over self-power and active love over control are true examples of God’s reversal of Divine Power. This “theology of the cross” (not “theology of glory”) is rooted in God’s ever-present mercy, serving others instead of being served, and giving not grabbing represents the difficulty and high stakes of discipleship. Self-protection and self-promotion have no value in the life spent following Jesus. Only in losing the li

In this episode, Rev. Gibson discusses a two-fold movement from the life of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark that will characterize our whole experience of Lent. First, at Jesus' baptism, God expressed pleasure at who Jesus is -"You are my Son, the Beloved; with you, I am well pleased." Then, "immediately," Jesus was driven into the wilderness to undergo testing by Satan for forty days, a ritual of prophetic self-knowledge. Our Lenten forty days begins the exact same way: we are God's well-loved children, in whom God takes great pleasure. Then we are called to take the time to look inward and ask the tough questions of self-awareness in order to become who God calls us to be. What is our "wilderness"? A place that is free of distractions and gives you space to ask "who am I?" Plus, Rev. Gibson and Johnny explore the concept of being tested instead of "tempted" by those dark voices of denial and fear that find us when we quiet ourselves while searching for meaning and purpose. This "testing" can be a positive a

In this episode, Rev. Gibson talks about the nature of true freedom and liberty found in our life in Christ. What is this freedom so graciously given to us and what obligations does this new freedom come with? Just like the "mother-in-law" that was healed in Mark's gospel, Jesus frees us from the barriers and maladies that get in the way of sharing our work and the good news with others. What are we doing personally, and as a church community, to choose to use our calling and gifts to serve ourselves, others and the people around us? Johnny asks Rev. Gibson about Jesus's true mission and who or what was he beholden to and obligated. Plus, he manages to sneak in the classic Twilight Zone episode "To Serve Man", where people are served by a visiting and polite alien race...for dinner.   Readings: Isaiah 40:21-31 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Mark 1:29-39 Psalm 147:1-12, 21c

In this episode, Rev. Beverly Gibson reflects on Rev. Marshall Carver's sermon from the week's lessons and service at Christ Church Cathedral (Mobile, Alabama). She discusses the pros and cons of using popular music (and culture) in a sermon and how Rev. Craver did an excellent job of incorporating Simon & Garfunkel's Sound of Silence to deliver his message of managing the light and darkness in our lives. Do we close ourselves off to our family, world, and God when darkness arrives? Do we know how to communicate this uneasiness to those that can help us? Can we see that Jesus calls us to stand with him when evil and darkness arrives in our lives? Rev. Gibson explores the concept and meaning of Jesus's "authority" reflected in Mark 1:21-28, and Johnny tries his best to explain his understanding of Paul's 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. Lastly, William Blake's "The Lamb," "The Lion," his "Doors Of Perception" are examined to delve into the duality of the light and darkness in "this world" and "not of this world." Wo

We can waste a lot of time and energy ignoring God's calling and following the whims and diversions of the false self created in our minds. Life is rushing by all of us and lays hold of the most important things in life in the time given to us. The lessons this week are filled with this theme of time, callings, and a sense of urgency to do the important work. Andrew and Simon, without hesitation, got up, left their nets, life, and families to follow Jesus's call. Are you owning the day, your precious time, and following God's calling? If not, you're in good company. The poster prophet of second chances, Jonah, did the same thing in this Sunday's first reading. He ran away from God and his very specific prophetic task. In the end, God's pursuit (and a big ole' whale) set Jonah straight which allowed him to make things right. The life God has given us in time is finite; every moment is precious. Our ownership of time is slippery and limited. Therefore those things important to us need to be done immediately a

Keeping with the spirit of one of the messages of Sunday's sermon, Pulpit To Pew threw caution to the wind to experience performing an unrehearsed LIVE podcast in front of a lively parish audience. Thanks so much to all that stuck around for the maiden voyage and recording. Rev. Gibson and Johnny had such a good time and will be planning more in the near future. In this LIVE episode, Rev. Gibson makes us aware that learning and worshiping at Christ Church Cathedral can be more than just passively sitting and listening to the Mass. There is so much to visually absorb from the architecture, beautiful art, floral arrangements, woodwork and the stain glass windows to feel a connection to God. In fact, one of our Tiffany stain glass windows depicts the gospel lesson this week, Nathaniel meeting Jesus under a fig tree. In the Gospel, Phillip asks Nathanial to "come and see" this holy man from Nazareth and this skeptical seeker ventures out to meet Jesus. Eventually, he becomes one of Jesus's earliest believers, fr

It's a new calendar year and a liturgical season and the lessons this week were all about beginnings. Reverend Gibson and Johnny Gwin discuss the Priestly Story of Divine Creation, Mark's Gospel of Jesus's baptism, the power of our own baptism, and how it's all connected. From God's breath across the water of the formless void all creation in life is continually coming into being. We are all a part of God's creation from our new life of baptism, to our daily actions and the role we play in God's ongoing story.