Be Still And Go

“Lent is an opportunity to consider all the ways God has seen you through the challenges of your life, not as the cause of them but as your greatest supporter through them.”What was a challenge in your life where you felt God supporting you?//1 Corinthians 10:1-10, 13Remember our history, friends, and be warned. All our ancestors were led by the providential Cloud and taken miraculously through the Sea. They went through the waters, in a baptism like ours, as Moses led them from enslaving death to salvation life. But just experiencing God’s wonder and grace didn’t seem to mean much—most of them were defeated by temptation during the hard times in the desert, and God was not pleased.The same thing could happen to us. We must be on guard so that we never get caught up in wanting our own way as they did. And we must not turn our religion into a circus as they did—“First the people partied, then they threw a dance.” We must not be sexually promiscuous—they paid for that, remember, with 23,000 deaths in one day! W

“When bad things happen to some, they happen to all of us."Why do bad things happen to good people?//Luke 13:1-9At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.”Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more yea

“We belong to one another. We never have to be alone."Where do you go to feel a sense of belonging?//John 19:26-27When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Rachel Cornwell. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms, Delican’t, and LaDiDay by Podington Bear.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all three seasons of Be Still and Go.

"The hope of how things will be strengthens us for the protest, for justice and mercy, and the joy to sing and be kind. And this hope is what transforms us."What is giving you hope today?//Psalm 63:1-8O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you;my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lipswhen I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.//This episode was written and recorded by Rob Hartley. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Samples include Pain by De La Soul and White Men Ca

“God, who is not always the same as the church, brings us in empty, thirsty, in need, and God sends us forth full and with more than enough to share with everyone."What has God given you to share with the world around you?//Isaiah 55:1Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;and you that have no money, come, buy and eat!Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.Lamentations 5:2-4Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our homes to aliens.We have become orphans, fatherless; our mothers are like widows.We must pay for the water we drink.//This episode was written and recorded by Joey Heath-Mason. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms and Mortality by Podington Bear, A Garden and a Library by Gillicudy, and Epoch by Jon Luc Hefferman.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all three seasons of Be Still and Go.

“Running is like the season of Lent, a season that invites you to feel your feet on the ground - the dirt, the dust - and enter this labyrinth, remembering that from dust we came and to dust we will return."When was the last time you really felt your feet on the ground?//Hebrews 12:1-2Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.//This episode was written, recorded and produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all three seasons of Be Still and Go.

“It is the breaking of the dusty, gritty ground that brings forth the first shoot of grass. It is in the breaking of bread that community is formed.”How have you experienced new life in the midst of brokenness?//Joel 2:13Rend your hearts and not your clothing.Psalm 51:17The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.Genesis 3:19From dust you came and to dust you will return.//This episode was written and recorded by Rachel Johnson. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear, My Neighborhood and Amazing Grace by Goldmund, and Drifters by Kelly Pratt.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all three seasons of Be Still and Go.

“We have demonized our desire so it seems that anything we have an appetite for is sinful."What is your definition of temptation?//Luke 4:1-13Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’”Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’”Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “

“Power is shared, peace prevails, love is law, grace is poured out, the margins become the center, the earth is cherished, humanity thrives."Now that’s what I call a bucket list.//Luke 13:31-35At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’”//This episode was written and recorded by Erin Hawk

“Jesus knows the full scope of what can crush the human spirit: betrayal, abandonment, humiliation, physical abuse, and the cruelty of a cold justice system.”What does it mean to you that God is “in it” with you?//Luke 23:43Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Emily McGinley. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear and Evelyn by Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all three seasons of Be Still and Go.

“The vocation God has woven into you, the invitation towards a new path — think about your risk in a sacramental way.”How can you mark your God-inspired risks in a sacramental way?//Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.Then he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you

“Lent is a time set apart to confront the questions we too easily put off in our regular routines and rhythms, questions of allegiance, loyalties, priorities.”What do we stand, sit, or kneel for? In other words, whom do we follow?//Philippians 3:17-4:1Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.//This episo

“We are called to live in the house of God and the house of God is among those who are suffering."Who are you praying for? And with whom are you praying?//Psalm 27God is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?God is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh—my adversaries and foes— they shall stumble and fall.Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.One thing I asked of God, that will I seek after:to live in the house of God all the days of my life,to behold the beauty of God, and to inquire in God's temple.For God will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble;God will conceal me under the cover of his tent; God will set me high on a rock.Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me,and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;I will sing and make melody to God.Hear, O God, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me

"What is justice if we can’t hear the judge? What is love without the voice of the lover?"These aren’t rhetorical questions. Love and justice are essential to our humanity.//This episode was written and recorded by Amanda Meisenheimer and Rebecca Stevens-Walter. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. The spoken word portions were written by Amanda Meisenheimer. Vocals by Amanda Meisenheimer. Background vocals and acoustic guitar by Rebecca Stevens-Walter. Say Something was originally written by A Great Big World. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all three seasons of Be Still and Go.

“We can speak words of life to one another, words of humor, hope, forgiveness, joy, grace, peace, and justice."What is a word of hope you can share right now?//Romans 10:8-13“The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart”(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Michael Livingston. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms, Reckoning, and Ash by Podington Bear.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from a

"Soil, the the eternal life given to bones and flesh and feathers and leaves, the open hand to heaven, catching new life."What are new metaphors you can think of to describe eternal life?//Luke 4:1-4Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’”//This episode was written and recorded by Farley Lord. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms, Song Sparrow, and Down And Around by Podington Bear.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all three seasons of Be Still and Go.

"When we are hurt or left hanging, betrayed or backstabbed, “forgive you” is not necessary the first F word that comes to mind."When was the last time you struggled to forgive?//Luke 23:34Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing.//This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Samples include We Shall Overcome as performed by Nate Waggoner. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear, The Great Burn by Dave Dapper, Calico by Young Bay, Threnody by GOldmund, Nothing to Fear by Dexter Britain.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all three seasons of Be Still and Go.

In our darkest hour there is nothing that can ever separate us from the love God. No evil is final. No suffering is endured alone. God has the final word and that word is love.How have you experienced God’s final word of “love” in your life?//Psalm 91:1-2, 14-15You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name.When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble,//This episode was written and recorded by Ellen Robison. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms, Fir, Lollygag, and Blackout Locust by Podington Bear and Tell Me Why sung by Tony and Baby.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all three seasons of Be Still and Go.

"When others are fleeing the persecution and terrible oppression that is upon them and they enter a new land, they are to be welcomed, they are to be included, they are to be part of the whole."What do you think President Trump and his fans would say about that? And then what would you say or do in response?//Deuteronomy 26:1-11When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the Lordyour God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, “Today I declare to the Lord your God that I have come into the land that the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.” When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the Lord your God, you shall

"There’s no such thing as ‘my relationship with God’ except as mediated through accountable community, friendship with the poor, and challenge to the powerful."Does the shape of your life reflect your longing to see God set people free?//Mark 1:10-12And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.Mark 9:6-8Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.Mark 15:39Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”//This episode was written and recorded by Sam Wells. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms, Theme in G, and Aft