The Good News From The Gardens Podcast

Would You Like to Try One of Our Specials? | Acts 11:1-18

Would You Like to Try One of Our Specials? | Acts 11:1-18
In defense of his earlier baptism of non-Jewish believers, Peter demonstrates to the members of the Jerusalem church that God’s intention to love Gentiles as well as Jews is revealed in Jesus’ testimony. This revelation came to Peter through an odd dream involving food. Listen to this message about embracing God’s menu of special interests.
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Gone Fishing | John 21:1-19

This week guest preacher Mary Winsor shares her thoughts on holy patience, those times when we find ourselves living in uncomfortable, in-between spaces of our lives. After the resurrection, Peter and the disciples slip-slide back into doing what they think they know best, fishing. Jesus then challenges Peter to get busy living, by tending to, and feeding God's people. Step into the unknown good people. Resurrection, new and abundant life opportunities have been prepared for you by way of the cross. 
Mary serves as Director for Discipleship at Shepherd of the Glades Lutheran in Naples FL. Click here to explore and support the ministry of Shepherd of the Glades
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Is What You're Seeing, What You're Believing? | John 20:19-31

Artwork by Thomas Ribble of Alison, Iowa
The unprecedented events of the day of resurrection continue as the risen Jesus appears to his fearful disciples. A week later, after Thomas worships Jesus, Jesus pronounces that the blessings of the resurrection are also for those who “have not seen and yet believe.” In this message Pastor Steve challenges the congregation to see their personal and communal future with eyes of the past and hearts for the future.  
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Tombs, Ooze, and Transformation: An Easter Sunday Message | Luke 24:1-12

What does the pupae stage of a butterfly's life, the resurrection of Christ and our individual and communal transformation have in common? A lot more than you may think. In this message Pastor Steve connects the metamorphosis of a butterfly, and our future selves in a way that you may never have considered. Listen to the message to be affirmed that God's image of life is alive and well within you, and what that means in this day and age, that aches for hope. 
Listen to the Radio Lab podcast Goo and You credited in this podcast.
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An Ironic Friday | Luke 23:32-47, 50-53

A Good Friday message featuring hymns and short reflections surrounding our life giving event of Jesus Christ's death on the cross.
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A Meal Meant to Make You Feel | 1st Cor. 11:23-26

In this Maundy Thursday message Pastor Steve shares a number of Holy Communion occasions as a guest, a parishioner, a seminary student, and pastor that have shaped his faith life. Each occasion was an opportunity to reflect on the centrality of the sacrament to our faith, and understanding of God's grace for us in Jesus Christ. On any given Sunday, how does the Lord's Supper make you feel and why is that important to your faith journey?
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God Moves Through Offensive Smells | John 12:1-8

Lazarus’ sister Mary anoints Jesus for his burial with an expensive perfume. She is ahead of everyone else in caring for Jesus' coming death. She is on the offensive. On the other hand, Judas is offended, as he feigns concern for the poor. What does it smell like to be the church? Does sacrifice have a smell? Join us this Sunday at 9AM for a message of love that hopefully lingers within you for the Lord. 
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God Moves...Through Mud | Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Because Jesus is cozying up to tax collectors and sinners (aghast!), he is compelled to tell his longest parable, The Prodigal Son, to grumbling Pharisees and scribes. There are so many points in this parable for us to consider. Which character do you identify with, and why? The younger son? The older son? In this message we explore the character of a God that moves and works through the muddiness of life to provide us with joy. 
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God Moves…into the Desert | Luke 4:1-13

God Moves…into the Desert | Luke 4:1-13
Jesus is in the wilderness being tested, or is it tempted, by the devil. Both are used in translations. But tested and tempted are not as interchangeable as you would think. “Tested” identifies with an individual’s ability to contend with something pushed upon them, wherein “tempted” identifies with an individual being pulled away and towards something. Jesus was pushed and pulled in the desert. We too are pushed and pulled upon by the sinful forces of this world. Jesus was every bit human, as he was divine. But it’s while in the wilderness, that Jesus humanity is delivered through a time of being tested and tempted because of his divinity, because of his trust in God the Father. This Sunday at 9AM worship we’ll wander into our individual and collective wildernesses and be reminded of the benefit of relying on God.    
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Ash Wednesday Message

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
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