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Rev. Dr. Fred Craddock on Storytelling and Preaching: Insights for Effective Sermons Day1 is diving into its archives to bring forward timeless resources that continue to inspire and educate preachers and congregations today. In this classic ...

Friends, let's pause and reflect on this powerful quote about Jesus from this week's guest, The Rev. Matt Fitzgerald of St. Pauls United Church of Christ in Chicago:

"One of the most beautiful things about Jesus is that he cannot be contained. One of the most difficult things about Jesus is that he cannot be contained. One of the most alarming things about Jesus is that he will not be contained... ...not by the grave, not by our assumptions, and certainly not by the confines of our minds."

For a deeper dive into this transformative perspective, check out this week's episode on your local radio station this Sunday, or right now on our podcast, or streaming on our website at the link below:

https://day1.org/audio/user-audio/66cc76696615fb86e4000113.mp3

How has Jesus challenged your assumptions lately? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

This week on Day1, Rev. Matt Fitzgerald of St. Pauls United Church of Christ, invites us to delve into the complexities of Mark 7:24-37 with his sermon, "We Are Poor Indeed If We Are Only Sane."

In his message, Rev. Fitzgerald explores moment when Jesus steps beyond conventional boundaries, revealing a divine love that is both unsettling and transformative. How do we, as leaders and educators, engage with a God who challenges our certainties.

This sermon offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the unpredictability of grace, the nature of divine humility, and the expansive possibilities that arise when we embrace the uncertainties of faith.

📅 Join us on Day1 this Sunday as we listen to Rev. Fitzgerald’s thoughtful exploration, and his interview with our host Rev. Dr. Katie Givens Kime. We think this message will resonate deeply with those who guide others on their spiritual journeys and who are called to continually expand their own understanding of the divine.

OR, listen NOW, here >>> https://day1.org/weekly-broadcast/66c0acd16615fb85090000e6/view

Consider yourself cordially invited to tune in, reflect, and perhaps find new inspiration for your ministry and teaching.

✨ "When God calls someone – and when God gets to work on someone – everything becomes possible. The most seemingly ordinary folk are raised up to fulfill the most extraordinary tasks." ✨

Get ready for a message that will uplift and inspire you! This Sunday, September 1, join us on Day1 as The Very Rev. Dr. Martin Fair, a leading voice in, and former moderator of the Church of Scotland, explores how God transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary in his powerful sermon "So That You May Live."

Listen to the episode early by clicking the link below. ⬇️

🎧 https://day1.org/audio/user-audio/66c85e206615fb3004000110.mp3

🚨 This Sunday on Day1: Don’t Miss The Very Rev. Dr. Martin Fair! 🚨

Tune in this Sunday, Sept. 1st, as one of the leading voices in the Church of Scotland, The Very Rev. Dr. Martin Fair, delivers a life-affirming sermon entitled "So That You May Live" based on Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9.

In this inspiring message, Dr. Fair reminds us:
"It’s not what you can or can’t do. It’s what God can do through you."

Discover how the ancient wisdom of Moses still speaks to us today and learn how embracing God’s ways can lead to an abundant, fulfilling life.

📻 Don’t miss this life-changing message on Day1, available on radio and podcast. Tune in and be inspired!

Click here to listen and learn >>> https://day1.org/weekly-broadcast/66c0bf366615fb0a460000f9/so-that-you-may-live-sermon-very-rev-martin-fair-day1

This Sunday, don’t miss Rev. Dr. Eric Barreto’s powerful sermon, "Looking for Home," airing on radio stations worldwide!

Tune in or listen now on Day1.org >>> https://day1.org/audio/user-audio/66bcd9e56615fba2990000d8.mp3

“The God narrated in the Scriptures is a promise maker. The God narrated in the Scriptures is also a keeper of these promises, for God indeed has drawn close to us.”

This Sunday, don't miss the powerful sermon "Looking for Home" by the Rev. Dr. Eric Barreto, airing on radio stations worldwide (check your local listings.) In his message, Rev. Dr. Barreto explores the meaning of home, drawing from passages in 1 Kings 8, Psalm 84, and John 6:56-69.

Can't wait until Sunday? You can listen to the sermon now on Day1.org! Tune in and be inspired. >>> https://day1.org/weekly-broadcast/66bb1eb56615fb5f9e0000c3/looking-for-home-rev-dr-eric-barreto-john-6-56-69-august-25-2024

This Sunday on Day1, you won't want to miss Rev. Scott Hoezee's eye-opening sermon "Real Food"!

In his message, Rev. Hoezee challenges us with this powerful truth:

"Most weeks when we come to church and when we take to ourselves the bread and the wine of the Holy Supper, our thoughts are far too small. We cannot exaggerate what we're getting through that meal."

Communion is so much more than a routine ritual. As Rev. Hoezee unpacks Jesus' radical teachings in John 6, he reminds us that partaking in the Eucharist connects us to the very heartbeat of the Triune God - offering a "slice of eternal life" that nourishes our souls in ways we can barely comprehend.

Don't settle for a small view of communion this Sunday. Tune in to Day1 to let Rev. Hoezee expand your understanding of this profound mystery. The episode is already available online, so you can listen ahead of time, here: https://lght.ly/me23ie

Make sure to catch "Real Food" this weekend, and come ready to approach the Lord's Supper with fresh eyes and an open heart. Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Tune in this week as Day1 welcomes back Rev. Scott Hoezee of Calvin Theological Seminary, whose sermon "Real Food" unpacks the deep mysteries and powerful truths in Jesus' words from John 6:51-58.

Rev. Hoezee explores how Jesus intentionally used provocative language to challenge his listeners and reveal the life-changing reality of partaking in the Eucharist. Jesus wanted to stretch people's understanding of this simple ritual, to show them that partaking in the bread and wine connects us to the very heartbeat of God. It's a "slice of eternal life" - an intimate union with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that nourishes our souls. We think this sermon might change the way you approach not only communion, but your whole walk with Christ.

Catch the full sermon this Sunday on your local Day1 station OR listen to Scott’s sermon and the full-length interview now at >>> https://day1.org/weekly-broadcast/66b0c28a6615fbfe740000b1/real-food-rev-scott-hoezee-john-6-51-58

Tune in this Sunday (check your local listings) for an inspiring message from our guest preacher, The Rev. Winnie Varghese. Her sermon, entitled "A Walk In Beauty," will delve into 1st Kings 19:4-18.

Join us for a journey of faith and reflection.

🔗 OR you can steam the full episode right now on Day1.org >>> https://day1.org/audio/user-audio/66abad246615fbfc630000ae.mp3

This week, on Day1! Join us as we welcome back Rev. Winnie Varghese, rector of St Luke's Episcopal Church in Atlanta, who will be sharing a powerful new sermon entitled "A Walk In Beauty."

In this episode, Rev. Varghese delves into the profound themes of indigeneity, colonialism, and the resilience of the human spirit, drawing inspiration from 1st Kings 19: 4-18. She reflects on the enduring legacy of indigenous peoples, their connection to the land, and the sacredness of their traditions.

You'll be moved by her insights on how the Episcopal Church is addressing its historical role in marginalizing indigenous communities and how we can all strive to walk in beauty.

Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:
🍞 The miraculous story of Elijah finding sustenance in the wilderness.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 The powerful voices of Navajo elders at the Episcopal Church's General Convention.
🌾 A call to deeper understanding and reconciliation with our shared history.

📅 Episode Air Date: Sunday August 11, 2024

📻 Listen on: Your Local Radio (Check your local listings), OR the “Day1 Weekly Program” Podcast, OR right now, on Day1.org >>> https://day1.org/weekly-broadcast/66a7a1de6615fb9a700000a8/a-walk-in-beauty



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PS: As always, feel free to comment below with your thoughts or questions. We’d love to hear from you! 🌟

Tune in to Day1 this Sunday, August 4th, for an inspiring new episode featuring a powerful new sermon by Rev. Dr. Kimberly Wagner of Princeton Theological Seminary and an engaging interview with our host, Rev. Dr. Katie Givens Kime. 🎙️❤️

In her thought-provoking message, Dr. Wagner shares her unique perspective on the liminal spaces in our lives, using the metaphor of airports and the wilderness journey of the Israelites in Exodus. 🙏✨

Set your reminders and prepare to be uplifted and inspired! 🌈📻

✨ PS: You can listen live or catch the full interview at >>> https://day1.org/weekly-broadcast/669eec806615fb94ea00008a/wilderness-memory ✨

We can't wait for you to hear this week’s ALL NEW episode (our first in many months.) Join us as our host, Rev. Dr. Katie Givens Kime, welcomes Assistant Professor of Preaching at Princeton Theological Seminary, Rev. Dr. Kimberly Wagner!

Rev. Dr. Wagner’s sermon dives deep into the heart of Exodus 16:1-4, 9-15 and explores the fascinating parallels between modern airports and the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. Just like travelers in airports are in transition, so were the Israelites—between slavery in Egypt and the Promised Land. Her reflections on this "in-between" space offer profound insights into our own lives today.

🌟 Why You Should Tune In:
- **Engage with Scripture**: Hear Exodus 16 come to life in a new way.
- **Inspiring Sermon**: Gain fresh perspectives on facing uncertainties and remembering that God remembers you too.
- **In-Depth Interview**: Listen to a thought-provoking conversation between Rev. Dr. Wagner and Rev. Dr. Katie Givens Kime.

🤝 **Let's Share the Love**:
Share this post with your friends, family, and community. Let’s spread the word and invite others to engage with the powerful message of hope and resilience in the wilderness.

🎧 **How to Hear**:
Catch this episode on your favorite podcast platform or tune in to our radio broadcast (check your local listings.) OR listen right now at Day1.org >>> https://day1.org/audio/user-audio/669eec806615fb94ea00008e.mp3

Hi friends! 🌟

We’re excited to share that this week's episode of Day1 features an inspiring sermon by The Rev. Dr. Joanna Adams titled “Miracles Reconsidered.”

She tackles the age-old question: “Do you believe in miracles?”

In the modern world, it's easy to be skeptical and search for rational explanations. But Dr. Adams invites us to reconsider and open our hearts to the possibility of the miraculous, just as the people of ancient times did.

Tune in and let’s explore these miracles together. ✨📖 >>> https://lght.ly/l3hgi86

🌟 This week, Day1 features the Rev. Dr. Joanna Adams! 🙌

From parting seas to feeding thousands with just a few loaves and fishes, the Bible is full of miracle stories that challenge and inspire us. This week, Rev. Dr. Adams invites us to reconsider these miraculous events and explore their deeper meanings in our lives.

📖 Sermon Title: Miracles Reconsidered
📜 Scriptural Reading: John 6:1-21

Tune in this weekend on the radio (check your local listings,) OR on 🎧 our “Day1 Weekly Program” podcast OR listen now at Day1.org >>> https://day1.org/audio/user-audio/6699480b6615fbd1fd000080.mp3

📢 **Share this post with your community** and invite them to join us for this powerful episode!



PS: feel free to share your thoughts and reflections after the episode in the comments below. We can't wait to hear from you! 🙏✨

🌟 Monday Musings with Buechner 🌟

Hey friends! As we get ready for The Tenth Sunday After Pentecost, we’re reflecting on a powerful passage from 2 Samuel 11:26 - 12:13a. This scripture tells the story of Nathan confronting King David after his transgressions with Bathsheba and Uriah. It’s a compelling reminder of accountability and repentance.

Frederick Buechner offers insight into this narrative, highlighting Nathan’s boldness in holding David accountable. Nathan’s parable of the rich man and the poor man’s lamb cleverly reveals David’s guilt and the gravity of his actions.

Here’s a thought-provoking quote from Buechner:
"When it comes to the ability to be a thorn in the king's flesh, [Nathan] gets a straight A."

READ MORE HERE >>> https://lght.ly/il296ck

What stands out to you in Nathan’s approach to confronting David? How do we handle our own moments of moral failure and the call to repentance? Let’s explore these themes together. Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below. 👇✨

📢 Tune in this Sunday!

Join us on **Day1** this Sunday as The Rev. Dr. William E. Flippin, Jr. delves into the heart of what it means to follow the Good Shepherd and find rest in His guidance. 🌟

📅 When: This Sunday
📻 Where: Day1 Radio Program (check your local listings.)
🎧 Also available on: "Day1 Weekly Program" podcast and Day1.org

🌟🎙️ This Week on Day1! 🎙️🌟

Friends, this week, we’re excited to welcome (back) the Rev. William E. Flippin Jr.,—ecumenist, political activist, grassroots organizer, and pastor—as our guest preacher!

📖 **Scriptural Reading:** Jeremiah 23:1-6
🗣️ **Sermon Title:** “Counterfeit Clergy”

Rev. Flippin Jr. draws his powerful sermon, originally aired in 2018, from Jeremiah 23:1-6, saying, “Jeremiah’s warning to the kings of Judah should hit us present-day shepherds about six inches above the clerical collar whether we’re mega-church or mini-church shepherds.” He challenges us to reflect on the authenticity and integrity of our leaders and ourselves.

In an all-new interview with host Rev. Dr. Katie Givens Kime, Rev. Flippin Jr. also shares how the game of chess informs his ministry, offering unique insights into strategy, patience, and foresight. He reveals what he would be excited to learn if he ever had the chance to play chess with Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

We invite you to tune in, be inspired, and share this episode with your friends and family!

Listen and learn more here >>> https://day1.org/weekly-broadcast/5d9b820ef71918cdf200426c/william_flippin_jr_counterfeit_clergy

🌟 Monday Musings with Buechner 🌟

Happy Monday everyone! As we approach The Ninth Sunday After Pentecost, let's delve into a profound and challenging passage from 2 Samuel 11:1-15. This scripture tells the story of David, Bathsheba, and Uriah—a tale of power, deception, and moral struggle.

Frederick Buechner provides a captivating perspective on this incident. Uriah the Hittite, portrayed as a man of unwavering integrity and duty, contrasts sharply with David's morally compromised actions. Buechner suggests that Uriah, despite being wronged, might have found some solace in knowing the significant lineage that would come from David and Bathsheba’s union.

Here's a thought-provoking quote from Buechner:
"If Uriah could have known about the long and illustrious line that was to issue from that unseemly match, the chances are he would have considered his death none too high a price to pay."

READ MORE HERE >>> https://lght.ly/0n9n0h5

How do we reconcile the actions of flawed leaders with the greater good that sometimes emerges from their mistakes? What does this story teach us about integrity, power, and the consequences of our actions? We invite you to share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below. 👇✨

Happy Friday everyone!

Have you ever felt the power of a story that you just can’t ignore, even if it's difficult to hear? This week's episode features an eye-opening sermon by Rev. Dr. Barbara Lundblad that delves deep into one such story. 🌟

Rev. Dr. Lundblad takes us on a journey through the compelling and challenging narrative of John the Baptist's death. In an all new interview about this sermon, which was first broadcast on Day1 in 2015, she draws connections from the biblical account to modern events, highlighting the enduring struggle for justice and the strength that can be found in faith. She also reveals her first personal memory of God.

Tune in this weekend on the radio (check your local listings,) and be inspired by Rev. Dr. Lundblad's insights!

🎧 OR listen now to this week's episode on Day1.org, or our “Day1 Weekly Program” podcast >>> https://day1.org/audio/user-audio/66829e276615fbab9a00004d.mp3

🌟 Monday Musings with Buechner 🌟

Happy Monday everyone! As we prepare this week for The Eighth Sunday After Pentecost, we’re diving into an intriguing passage from Mark 6:30-34, 53-56. In this scripture, we see Jesus taking his apostles to a quiet place to rest, only to be met by a crowd seeking healing. It’s a powerful reminder of Jesus' compassion and the deep connection between healing and faith.

Frederick Buechner gives us a lot to think about in his reflection on healing. He ties the concept of healing with the idea of sin, suggesting that just as our bodies need care, so do our souls. Buechner also explores the skepticism surrounding miraculous healings, offering both a faithful and pragmatic approach to praying for others.

Here's a quote to ponder:
"Think of yourself instead (if you have to think of yourself at all) as a rather small-gauge clogged-up pipe that a little of God's power may be able to filter through if you can just stay loose enough."

READ MORE HERE >>> https://lght.ly/j8ec465

What do you think about the connection between faith and healing? Have you ever experienced or witnessed a moment that felt miraculous? Let's discuss! Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below. 👇✨

📖✨ Calling all pastors and ministers!

As we approach the Seventh Sunday After Pentecost, we delve into the gospel of Mark 6:14-29, exploring the story of King Herod and the beheading of John the Baptist.

"HEROD ANTIPAS, the tetrarch of Galilee...seems to have spent much of his life running scared."

In this week’s sermon illustration, we pair this poignant scripture with a compelling reading from Frederick Buechner.

We hope these reflections might inspire your message and help your congregation connect more deeply with the gospel.

🙏✨ Check out the full article here: https://lght.ly/6dn3i0j

🌱 Feeling Droopy? 🌱

Hey everyone! 🌟

We recently posted an article by Rev. Margaret Marcuson that really hits home. She talks about how, as a pastor, she always feels drained by June. Ever feel like you’re hanging on by your fingernails?

Margaret shared a great analogy about her peace lily plant (thanks to her husband Karl, the plant guy!). Just like her plant needs water to perk up, we need to stay "well-watered" too. 💧

Here are some tips Margaret shared to avoid drooping:

1. Stay Hydrated: Your brain needs water to function properly. 🧠💦
2. Reflect & Support: Take time for emotional support both inside and outside your community.
3. Spiritual Practice: Even one minute of prayer can make a difference. 🙏

Remember, it’s not selfish to care for yourself—it’s essential! Self-care can help you avoid burnout and keep you thriving in your ministry. Read the article here >>> https://lght.ly/p7bm0lk

So, how do you take care of yourself? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below! 💬👇

And if you’re looking for more ways to sustain your ministry, check out Margaret’s checklist here: https://lght.ly/3d7k51a

Let's support each other and keep our spirits high! 💪✨

"My days were not empty, they just weren’t filled with work.

So now what?

What if you did less?"

Read Rev. Natalie Terfa's latest Church Anew reflection: "What Sabbatical Taught Me", now on https://lght.ly/g1mjdod.

https://lght.ly/h1pof4h