Be Still And Go

"Mary's soul magnified the Lord and we understand God differently through the promise of Magnificat itself - with its radical promise of transformation, of elevation, of humbling, of a new heaven here on earth. It is the sermon on the Mount, but thirty years earlier. Magnificent."When was the last time you reflected on the revolutionary words of the Magnificat?//Luke 1:46-55And Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.He has helped his servant Israel, in rem

"It is not the hope of a sudden end to problems, but rather the good news that Jesus is with us on the edge, guiding us along the rocky path, redeeming the edge with us as we go."Where have you found Jesus on the edge this season?//Luke 2: 8-12In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around 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 the 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.”//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Lynn Casteel-Harper, the Minister of Older Adults at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, Holding On by Reveille, and Hark! The Herald Angels

"It's been over 2,000 years and it seems like we still don't understand the assignment."In your opinion, what have we continued to misunderstand about the work that God is calling us to?//Luke 3:7-18John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we

"Jesus didn't simply associate with the folks at the edge. He brought them in and elevated their voices and assured them that the reign of God belongs to them as much as it belongs to anyone else."What can you do to subvert the systems that oppress the people at the edge?//Micah 5:2-5But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah,from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel,whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth;then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel.And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth;and he shall be the one of peace. If the Assyrians come into our land and tread upon our soil,we will raise against them seven shepherds and eight installed as rulers.//This e

Walk in the light,beautiful light,come where the dewdrops of mercy shine bright.Where do you see light in the world around you?//Psalm 80:1-7Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock.You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.Awaken your might; come and save us.Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.How long, Lord God Almighty, will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people?You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us.Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Bruce Lamb, the Minister of Faith Formation at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, The Calm by Curtis Parks, Sue's Dark Side by Sam B

"We can be still and listen for God, for Holy Spirit, for love, to awaken in us, to move in us, like new life in the womb."What has God awakened in you during this Advent season? //This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Michael Livingston, the Interim Senior Minister at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, Don't Forget Love by Neil Young, and Veil by Acreage.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"The genealogies in Matthew and Luke underscore a fundamental struggle in early Christianity, a conflict that runs through the texts of the New Testament: Was Jesus the Jewish Messiah, or the Savior of the whole world?"When you think of the Christmas story, what Jesus do you see?//This episode was written and recorded by Dr. Diana Butler Bass, an author, speaker, and independent scholar specializing in American religion and culture. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, Cosmos by Acreage, and Heavy by Kurtis Parks.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.• Visit www.dianabutlerbass.com to learn more

"The world needs more 'Josephs' who exude presence and commitment, and God only knows what this could mean for our children, ourselves and the world."Who is someone whose presence and commitment has made an impact on your life?//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Darrell Hamilton the Executive Minister for Operations and Resource Development at Middle Collegiate Church in New York, NY., It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, Mary Did You Know by Ben Howington, and It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Afternoonz.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.• Visit www.middlechurch.org to learn mor

“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.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to

"God sings songs that carry the heaviness of this world and songs that hold the hope that this world will give birth to something new."What songs do you hear God singing?//Isaiah 12:2-6Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid,for the Lord God is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day:Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name;make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted.Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth.Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.//This episode was written and recorded by Minister Richard X, the Assistant Minister of Faith Formation at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, Go Tell It On The Mountain by Antioch Mass Choir, and Silent Night by Be Stil

“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”In your own words, how would you describe “the hopes and fears of all the years”?//This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relenquish by Podington Bear, Surly Bonds by Blue Dot Sessions, We Call This Home by Alex Fitch, and O Little Town Bethlehem by Phillip Brooks and Lewis Redner, performed by Rich Mountain Revival. This episode was originally published on December 2, 2019.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them."What will you do to advocate for children in our world?//Matthew 19:14-15Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Amanda Meisenheimer, the Minister of Children & Families at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and When All Have Left by Kurtis Parks.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"Say 'yes' to joy."Where can you find joy in your life? How can you bring joy to the world around you?//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Michael Livingston, the Interim Senior Minister at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Joy to the World by Renderings.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"Let us prepare a path for the righteous one to shake up this world and make it heaven on earth."What does it mean to you to make heaven on earth?//Luke 3:1-6In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low,and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth;and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”//This episode was written and recorde

"May we, like the magi, open our eyes to see God at work, not simply in our culture or religion, but anywhere and everywhere in the world and all of creation."Where have you seen God at work outside of your culture or reigion?//Matthew 2:1-2, 11In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.//This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat, the Digital Minister at The Riverside Church. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, The Joy of Giving by Moments and Solemnly by Acreage.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. •

How have you experienced God as shepherd? As Mother?//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.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeSt

"Advent peace meets us at the edge and sits down as we remember. Advent peace holds our hand as we walk back through the grief and once again find ourselves in the joyful place of memory."What do you need to remember and grief during this Advent season?//Philippians 1:3I thank my God every time I remember you.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Amy Lunde-Whitler, the pastor at South Acton Congregational Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and O Christmas Tree (Lights All Around) and O Little Town of Bethlehem by Kurtis Parks.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.

"In the dark nights of our human story I trust God to be bringing resurrection from the crucifying experiences of life."How have you experienced "resurrection" in the past years?//Malachi 3:1-4See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.//This episode was written and recorded by Cameron Trimble, the Executive Director of Convergence and the author of Piloting Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background

"In this land, people are desperately in need of good news."What is the good news that you are waiting for? What is the good news that you can help bring to the world around you?//Luke 1:76-79“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,to give knowledge of salvation to his peopleby the forgiveness of their sins.By the tender mercy of our God,the dawn from on high will break upon us,to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,to guide our feet into the way of peace.”//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Kevin VanHook. It was produced by Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish and Ink by Podington Bear.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAnd

"Come on Advent, seduce us with solitude, envelope us within a deep silence of prayerful listening."What do you need during this season of Advent?//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Michael Livingston, the Interim Senior Minister at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, The Changing Tides by Brent Wood.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital ministry resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo/#sign-up to receive new episodes by email. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/app to download the Riverside app.