Be Still And Go

"It happens in church just like it happens when neighborhoods change: people become frightened of the unknown."How have you experienced change and fear of the unknown in a church?//This conversation features Emogene B. Stamper. Emogene has been a member of The Riverside Church since 1962. This episode was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms and Pilgrim’s Progress by Podington Bear.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.This season of Be Still and Go is supported in part by Convergence as they help share each episode with their community. (You should do the same!) Convergence is a network that supports the reshaping of organizations, congregations and leaders engaged in an age of movement from “organized religion” to “organizing religion” driven by the values of an

"When I let go of my certainty, I thought I would also let go of peace and yet surprisingly, that’s where I found it."What would it look like for you to let go of your certainty?//Hello darkness, my old friendI've come to talk with you againBecause a vision softly creepingLeft its seeds while I was sleepingAnd the vision that was planted in my brainStill remainsWithin the sound of silenceIn restless dreams I walked aloneNarrow streets of cobblestone'Neath the halo of a street lampI turned my collar to the cold and dampWhen my eyes were stabbed By the flash of a neon lightThat split the nightAnd touched the sound of silenceAnd in the naked light I sawTen thousand people, maybe morePeople talking without speakingPeople hearing without listeningPeople writing songs that voices never shareAnd no one daredDisturb the sound of silence"Fools," said I, "You do not knowSilence, like a cancer, growsHear my words that I might teach youTake my arms that I might reach you"But my words, like silent raindrops fellAnd echoed

"The created world is not ours to control, own, or occupy. For we are a part of creation and must find our place in the family of things."What is one thing you can do during the season of Lent to care for the created world around you?//Joel 2:1-2Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain!Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near—a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness!Like blackness spread upon the mountains a great and powerful army comes;their like has never been from of old, nor will be again after them in ages to come.//This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear, Quiet and Safe by Silence is Sexy, Getting Off by Minden, In The Dark You're More Colorful by Corrina Repp, Dirty Wallpaper by Blue Dot Sessions, and Threnody by Goldmund.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons o

The purifying baptism of God’s Holy presence, disinfects the lies you’ve been told, the lies you have told, and the names you’ve been called.God calls you Blessed. God calls you child. And you are enough.What difference does it make to know that God loves and accepts you, exactly as you are?//Psalm 51:1-2, 15-17Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.For you have no delight in sacrifice; if I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased.The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.//This episode was written and recorded by Amanda Meisenheimer. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear and Evelyn by Goldmund.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes

"We have choices to make about who we are and who we can become."Who will you become during this Lenten season?//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Michael Livingston. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear, Finally Found You by Solitude, and Across the Desert by Acreage.Rev. Michael Livingston is the Interim Senior Minister at The Riverside Church.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.This season of Be Still and Go is sponsored in part by Convergence, a network that supports the reshaping of organizations, congregations and leaders engaged in an age of movement from “organized religion” to “organizing religion” driven by the values of an inclusive, progressive theological vision for a more just world for all. Visit www.convergenc

"Because God is not waiting for us at the end this Lenten road. God is not some distant “there” we’re looking for when we ask, “Are we there yet?” God is already here, present in the Ash you receive on Wednesday as we enter the season of Lent and every reflective step you take in the weeks to follow."How would you describe the season of Lent?//Exodus 3:5Take off your sandals for you are standing on holy ground.//This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear Walkabout by Chelsea McGough, and Already Here by Aaron Niequist.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.Visit www.jimkeat.com to find out more about Rev. Jim Keat’s collection of sermons and digital content. And be sure to click on “Free and Simple” to see his ful

“Jesus heals not only us as individuals but a savior has been born, one who will heal the world from all its ills.What does the word “savior” mean to you? Where has salvation appeared in your own life?//Luke 2:8-14In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, watching over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone about them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom God favors!”//This episode was written and recorded by Diana Butler Bass. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include

"The story of Christmas is about God breaking through in the world in new ways, in all of us and in spite of us."In your own words, what is the story of Christmas all about?//Truly He taught us to love one another;His law is love and His gospel is peace.Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;And in His name all oppression shall cease.//This episode was written, recorded, produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relenquish, Habitat, and Down and Around by Podington Bear and two versions of O Holy Night — one from Sufjan Stevens and the other from Postmodern Jukebox featuring Miche Braden.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

How does changing the traditional pronouns impact the way you think of God?//The Lord is my Shepard, I have all I needShe makes me lie down in green meadowsBeside the still waters, She will leadShe restores my soul, She rights my wrongsShe leads me in a path of good thingsAnd fills my heart with songsEven though I walk, through a dark and dreary landThere is nothing that can shake meShe has said She won't forsake meI'm in her handShe sets a table before me, in the presence of my foesShe anoints my head with oilAnd my cup overflowsSurely, surely goodness and kindness will follow meAll the days of my lifeAnd I will live in her houseForever, forever and everGlory be to our Mother, and DaughterAnd to the Holy of HoliesAs it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall beWorld, without end//This episode was recorded by The Riverside Choir on Sunday, October 17, 2017. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relenquish by Podington Bear. This version of Psalm 23 was composed by Bobby McFerrin.Visi

“Joy is like a disease, but a good one. Once someone has joy it can spread to someone else."What does joy mean to you?//This episode was written and recorded by The Riverside Church Youth Group. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relenquish and Movin’ On Up by Podington Bear.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

"We need a hopeful imagination with snippets of everyday grace that have not yet become mainstream news."What are the snippets of everyday grace that give you a hopeful imagination?//Matthew 11:2-11When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,‘See,

“Love inevitably results in social change."How have you seen love lead to social change in our world?//James 5:7-10Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Tyler Sit. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relenquish by Podington Bear and Wild Things by YEYEY.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and soci

“God’s Spirit hovers over the dark water preparing to create worlds. The child we wait for grows in the deep darkness of the womb."What is giving you hope right now?//Psalm 146:5-10Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God,who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them;who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry.The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous.The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.The Lord will reign forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.Praise the Lord!//This episode was written and recorded by Debie Thomas. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relenquish by Podington Bear, Secret Place by Alex Fitch, and Overcoming Stage Fright by Dexter Britain.Visit www.tr

“The most important task in life is to find out what is broken in our world and to repair it.” -Lawrence KushnerWhat’s broken in the world around you? And what can you do to help repair it?//Isaiah 35:1-5The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear;your God will come, God will come with vengeance;with divine retribution God will come to save you.”Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.//This episode was written and recorded by Bruce Lamb and Amanda Meisenheimer. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relenquish by Podington Bear and Come As You Are an

"God is not far off in some spaceship called heaven. God is here, the ground of being, as close as our very breath."Where have you found God today?//O come, o come EmmanuelTo free your captive IsraelThat mourns in lonely exile hereUntil the Son of God appearRejoice, rejoice o IsraelTo you shall come Emmanuel//This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relenquish by Podington Bear, O Come O Come Emmanuel by Gungor, Punch Brothers, and The Civil Wars, and El Shaddai by Amy Grant.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

“Even when we grow weary, we are to push beyond our limitations and imitate God’s love in the world."What does it mean for you to imitate God’s love in the world around you?//Romans 13:11And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Kevin VanHook. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relenquish and Reed Canary Grass by Podington Bear and I’ll Miss You by Will Bangs.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

I sing because I’m happy,I sing because I’m free.What does “His Eye Is On the Sparrow” mean to you?//Matthew 6:26Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?//This episode was written and recorded by Victory Boyd. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relenquish by Podington Bear. His Eye Is On the Sparrow was written by Civilla D. Martin and composed by Charles H. Gabriel in 1905.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.

“If the poor are not cared for, if the immigrants and refugees are not welcomed, if the earth and the trees and the animals are not preserved, we are going down with the spirit of our times.”Where is the Spirit of God leading you?//Isaiah 11:1-9A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear;but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid,the ca

“Setting an impossible standard for our own lives is not the point."What’s the best professional development advice you have ever received?//Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son. May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice. May the mountains yield prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness. May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor. May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations. May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more.Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.Blessed be his glorious name forever; may his glory fill the whole earth. Amen and Amen.//This episode was written and recorded by Farley Lord. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks in

“In the desert there is a voice that calls, that says you are the beloved child of God."What do you hear when you step into the desert?//Matthew 3:1-12In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is