Be Still And Go

"Once the star in the sky is gone and the kings are back home, that is when the work of Christmas begins." -Howard ThurmanHow would you describe the work of Christmas?//Luke 2:8-20Now in that same 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.” 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 he favors!”When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that

"Every day I show up and every day I overcome my anger and my hopelessness and every day I perform my little toil of love. That, I deem, is large enough for me. "What is the "little toil of love" that you are called to?//I had no time for hate.The grave would hinder me.For life is not so ampleI could finish enmity.Nor had I time for love.But, since some industry must beMy little toil of love, I deemIs large enough for me.(Emily Dickinson)//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Evelyn by Goldmund.• 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 episo

"God doesn't seek the palaces of the privileged but God seeks to be in the dust and the dirt, the muck and the mire, the realness of humanity. God is not found in the holy and the sacred places but among the ordinary people and the ordinary moments of our lives."Where have you found God lately?//Luke 1:26-38In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of hi

"You never get a second chance to make a first impression." -Will RogersWhat is the first impression you hope to give to others?//Romans 1:1-7Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the gentiles for the sake of his name, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.//This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Reflection by Moments.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeSti

"There is a wonder and beauty in hearing our voices rise, the diversity of harmonies, the unity of lyrics."What songs do you always find particularly moving and powerful?//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Benjamin Perry. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence played by Carl Stronach.• 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.

"After all the meditating is done, not forever, but for the moment—we are called to act—to follow Jesus into the world—doing the gospel."As you follow Jesus into the world, where is he leading you?//Luke 3:15-18As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Michael Livingston. This episode was originally published on December 21, 2018, as part of Season 2. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include RelinquishDowntown, We

"We need God-with-us to fight off systems of injustice, to learn how to love our neighbors, and to enjoy this beautiful world that God has given us."How does 'Immanuel' inspire and empower you to work for justice in this world?//Isaiah 7:10-16Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” Then Isaiah said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Dr. Nyle Fort, the Minister of Justice, Advocacy, and Chang

"If the Lord is calling you to play a particular role, whether it is to birth a dream of your own or to support the birth of another person's dream, fear not."What dream is God inviting you to support or give birth to?//Matthew 1:18-25Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:“Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son,and the

"Hope is more than a birthday wish we make with our eyes closed. It is a declaration that we believe and embody and bring to life in the world around us."What's your definition of hope?//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 Afterlife by Yacht, and The Tide by Alex Fitch.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.chat.openai.com to try out ChatGPT for yourself.• 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.

"Dear God, please enlarge our hearts to love each other, to love our neighbor, and to love our enemy as our friend."What would it look like for God to enlarge your heart?//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, those with a skin disease 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 writt

"Patience like a farmer recognizes that we aren’t the only force working on whatever it is we are currently tending to."How would you describe your relationship with patience?//James 5:7-10Be patient, therefore, brothers and sisters, 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. Brothers and sisters, 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, brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Bethany Peerbolte, a Digital Minister and TikTok Pastor in the Denver, Colorado area. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Living For the Dead by Corrina Repp.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to li

"The subtle power of this song is that forces me to confront the reality that I am perfectly content singing joy to my world, or maybe even our world, so long as I like the people around me. But joy to the whole world?"If you’re honest, who are the people that you do not want to have joy? What difference would it make if you prayer for “joy to the world” could extend to them as well?//Psalm 98: 4-6Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;break forth into joyous song and sing praises.Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,with the lyre and the sound of melody.With trumpets and the sound of the hornmake a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.Joy to the world; the Lord is come; let earth receive her King:Let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing.-Isaac Watts//This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat. It was originally published on December 16, 2018 as part of season 2. Background tracks include Relinquish and Slotcar by Podington Bear, Joy to the World by Amand

"God's best work is in the fray of humankind. God's story for us is that sorrow may last for the night but the dawn of redeeming grace is on the horizon."How would you describe God's story for us?//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 Rev. Rob Lee, IV. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Threnody by Goldmund. • Visit www.roblee4.com to

"The promise is not that we are going to be moved to a different place but rather the sight of our suffering and desolation will become the sight of incarnation and divine revelation."How can you find God in the midst of the suffering and desolation we encounter in this world?//Isaiah 35:1-10The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom;like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and shouting.The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.]]Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees.Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear!Here is your God. He will come with vengeance,with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.”Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be opened;then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.For water

"When Jesus comes to town, the bullies tremble whether they are wearing a badge, a robe, or a bandana."What would Jesus say or do if he came to your town?//Isaiah 42:1-9Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights;I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.He will not cry out or lift up his voice or make it heard in the street;a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth, and the coastlands wait for his teaching.Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it,who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it:I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I have taken you by the hand and kept you;I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations,

"Advent reminds us that no matter where we are in life or what circumstances we are experiencing, our horizons are filled with promise."What promises do you see on the horizon?//Bring me all of your dreams,You dreamers,Bring me all of yourHeart melodiesThat I may wrap themIn a blue cloud-clothAway from the too-rough fingersOf the world.//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Charlene WIngate. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Angels We Have Heard On High by Tide Electric.• 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.

"We already have exactly what we need for this potluck Christmas feast – our hearts. We just have to thaw them out."What are the ways that you can "thaw your heart" this Advent season?//In the bleak midwinterFrosty wind made moanEarth stood hard as ironWater like a stoneSnow had fallenSnow on snow on snowIn the bleak midwinterLong, long agoAngels and Arc AngelsMay have traveled thereCherubim and SeraphimThronged the airBut only his MotherIn her maiden blissWorshiped the belovedWith a kissWhat can I give him?Poor as I amIf I were a shepherdI would give a lambIf I were a wise manI would do my partBut what I can I give himGive him my heart//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Molly Baskette. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, In the Bleak Midwinter by The Many, and Dark Cloud by Ian Kelosky.• Visit www.mollybaskette.com to find out more about Rev. Molly Baskette and her book.• Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all ei

"I came to see the stories of the virgin birth less as facts to be debated in a literal sense and more as signs or mysteries to be pondered in a literary sense. Their greatest value isn’t in proving something but in meaning something. And what could that meaning be?"In your opinion, what is the meaning of the virgin birth?//Luke 1:26-35In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the hou

"God has hands – they're attached to your wrists. And so when we show up, that is the embodiment of God-with-us."How will you embody God in the world around you today?//Isaiah 11:1-10A 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 for the poor and decide with equity for the oppressed 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 calf and the lion will feed together, and a little chil

"Ask God to expand our capacity for love and kindness, to reveal our blindspots, and to help us ponder what could be holding us back for how Christ shows up in the world today."What's holding you back?//Romans 15:4-13For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the ancestors and that the gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,“Therefore I will confess you among the gentiles and sing praises to your name”;and again he says,“Re