Perspectives: First Church San Diego Pastors Podcast

In this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast, Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany look at the story of Jesus’ ascension, asking: What do we do with the ascension story today? They’re in agreement that we can’t spend our entire time looking up at the sky, looking toward Heaven. So, how does the story apply to us today, as a community, and how can we use it to act? It’s all part of “Becoming Better Humans” – a multi-episode topic where the women clergy of the First Church of San Diego explore the story of the early church, looking at the days after the resurrection of Jesus to see how the courage and perseverance of the apostles may help us all live better today. Want to join the discussion? We invite you to our weekly discussion group, Convergence. Taking place on our church campus in the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego or through Zoom. Get additional details online: In PersonOnline For this episode, we’ll be discussing the following questions:

In this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast, Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany talk about miracles, helping, and the power of truly being seen by those around us – looking back at miracle stories of the Bible and asking: Do miracles exist today? How can we help others with the healing they need? They delve into: It’s all part of “Becoming Better Humans” – a multi-episode topic where the women clergy of the First Church of San Diego explore the story of the early church, looking at the days after the resurrection of Jesus to see how the courage and perseverance of the apostles may help us all live better today. Want to join the discussion? We invite you to our weekly discussion group, Convergence. Taking place on our church campus in the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego or through Zoom. Get additional details online: In PersonZoom For this episode, we’ll be discussing the following questions:

In this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast, Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany examine the “Acts 2 Church” – which many religious leaders and Christians use as the ideal model to aspire toward as a Church: adding followers daily, sharing things in common so no one is left wanting, and absolute devotion to the Apostles’ teaching. But is that truly how the early Church worked for everyone and at all times? Jubilee, the Didache (The Lord’s Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles), the difference between the Apostles’ and Jesus’ teachings, and the act of learning as a community are all discussed as Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany determine what it means to be an Acts 2 Church. It’s all part of “Becoming Better Humans” – a multi-episode topic where the women clergy of the First Church of San Diego explore the story of the early church, looking at the days after the resurrection of Jesus to see how the courage and perseverance of the apostles may help us all live better today. Want to join the discussion? We invite you to our weekly discussion group, Convergence. Taking place on our church campus in the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego or through Zoom. Get additional details online: In PersonZoom For this episode, we’ll be discussing the following questions:

In this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast, Rev. Brittany and Rev. Trudy examine the process the early Church used to appoint the 12 apostle – asking what does it mean to belong, what process should be used to appoint leadership, and how much of life should be left up to “chance”. It’s part of “Becoming Better Humans” – a multi-episode topic where the women clergy of the First Church of San Diego explore the story of the early church, looking at the days after the resurrection of Jesus to see how the courage and perseverance of the apostles may help us all live better today. They prove there’s a lot to discuss when it comes to belonging. Through the episode, they touch upon: Want to join the discussion? We invite you to our weekly discussion group, Convergence. Taking place on our church campus in the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego or through Zoom. Get additional details online: In PersonOnline For this episode, we’ll be discussing the following questions:

In this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast, Rev. Brittany and Rev. Trudy discuss opening up to the Holy Spirit – the role that willingness had in the experience of the early church and the role it has in our life today. It’s part of “Becoming Better Humans” – a multi-episode topic where the women clergy of the First Church of San Diego explore the story of the early church, looking at the days after the resurrection of Jesus, to see how the courage and perseverance of the apostles may help us all live better today. First up is “Opening” – our acknowledgment of the Holy Spirit, the convictions we receive, and our willingness to acknowledge and act on them. The Holy Spirit is mentioned over 180 times throughout the Bible, so there is a lot to discuss. Want to join the discussion? We invite you to our weekly discussion group, Convergence. Taking place on our church campus in the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego or through Zoom. Get additional details online: In PersonOnline For this episode, we’ll be discussing the following questions:

Join the women clergy of First Church of San Diego as they talk theology, scripture, and life through the Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast. They’ve been examining where anger comes from, how we can manage it, and how Jesus encountered anger during the last week of his life. In this episode, Rev. Brittany and Rev. Hannah wrap up the series The Anger Within Us by examining the statement Jesus made during his triumphal entry into Jerusalem (commonly celebrated as Palm Sunday within the Christian church). They discuss how this event was a countercultural and social statement juxtaposed against the wealth and opulence displayed through Pontius Pilate’s imperial procession into the city from the west. It brings into question whether Palm Sunday should be a purely religious celebration or if we’re called to make it something more to usher in the Kingdom of God, here and now. And what effect may that have on others? As we head into Holy Week, there will be no Convergence discussion group this coming week. But we invite you to discuss with your friends and family the following questions: What’s next for Perspectives? We’ll be kicking off a new topic series – “Becoming” – the week of April 8.

Join the women clergy of First Church of San Diego as they explore anger during the next several episodes of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast. They’ll examine where anger comes from, how we can manage it, and how Jesus encountered anger during the last week of his life. In this episode, Rev. Trudy and Rev. Hannah investigate the changes Jesus’ ministry made on the world around him – and how it stirred the anger of others. They’re specifically looking at his last Passover, where Jesus makes several subtle (and not-so-subtle) changes. Changes that could be interpreted as a challenge to the religious institution. Was Jesus intentionally changing the Passover? Did his followers take that change further than he intended? They discuss all this plus what we’re called to do with our faith tradition today and in the future through the contextualization of Christianity. Want to join the discussion? We invite you to our weekly discussion group, Convergence. Taking place on our church campus in the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego or through Zoom. Get additional details online: In PersonOnline For this episode, we’ll be discussing the following questions:

Join the women clergy of First Church of San Diego as they explore anger during the next several episodes of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast. They’ll examine where anger comes from, how we can manage it, and how Jesus encountered anger during the last week of his life. In this episode, join Rev. Brittany and Rev. Hannah as they examine the disciples’ angry reactions in Mark 14:1-9 as they grapple with the feelings of doom and denial of Jesus’ impending death. As a society, we don’t like to discuss death or endings – we often avoid those important discussions at all costs, lashing out when confronted due to the underlying fear. While we do our best to avoid these topics, Rev. Brittany and Rev. Hannah tackle them head on to provide us with a new look on the ancient text. Want to join the discussion? We invite you to our weekly discussion group, Convergence. Taking place on our church campus in the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego or through Zoom. Get additional details online: Convergence - In PersonConvergence - Online For this episode, we’ll be discussing the following questions:

Join the women clergy of First Church of San Diego as they explore anger during the next several episodes of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast. They’ll examine where anger comes from, how we can manage it, and how Jesus encountered anger during the last week of his life. In this episode, Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany examine the dismissal Jesus faced by the chief priests, scribes, and elders who questioned his authority. They’re all in the same institution but occupying different positions and narratives, with Jesus wanting to preserve and honor tradition while amplifying the goodness that’s at its roots. This conversation is an examination of how we often feel threatened when others start to question why we do what we do and try to change our practices. Even if it will ultimately be for the better, we resist and lash out of fear and anger. Do you find yourself struggling to truly hear what others are saying? Do you struggle with theology and how to interpret the Bible? Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany will discuss this and more, tying in Methodism, John Wesley, and the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. Want to join the discussion? We invite you to our weekly discussion group, Convergence. Taking place on our church campus in the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego or through Zoom. Get additional details online: In PersonOnline For this episode, we’ll be discussing the following questions:

Are anger and violence ever acceptable? Join the women clergy of First Church of San Diego as they explore anger during the next several episodes of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast. They’ll examine where anger comes from, how we can manage it, and how Jesus encountered anger during the last week of his life. In this episode, join Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany as they examine Mark 11:15-17 – the story of Jesus overturning tables in the Temple. It’s violent and unexpected behavior stemming out of righteous indignation. And it once again shows us Jesus’ humanity. It also sets the stage for the forthcoming violence of the religious elite who fear the crowds’ reaction to Jesus. Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany juxtapose the various acts of violence and anger, introduce Walter Wink’s theory of the myth of redemptive violence, talk about how our culture has desensitized us to violence, and explain that the root of Jesus’ anger may be different than what many modern Christians interpret. They also weave in a narrative of anti-Semitism, as well as the Protestant Reformation. It’s a lot packed into a single episode! Want to join the discussion? We invite you to our weekly discussion group, Convergence. Taking place on our church campus in the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego or through Zoom. Get additional details online: In PersonOnline For this episode, we’ll be discussing the following questions:

Join the women clergy of First Church of San Diego as they explore anger during the next several episodes of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast. They’ll examine where anger comes from, how we can manage it, and how Jesus encountered anger during the last week of his life. In this episode, join Rev. Trudy and Rev. Hannah as they examine Mark 11:12-14 – the story of Jesus cursing the fig tree. It’s the rare instance where Jesus feels so human – hangry, frustrated, impatient. He seems reactive and dismissive. But is Jesus truly reacting to a fig tree not producing fruit outside of its season? Or is Jesus reacting to anger from another scenario? Hear what Rev. Trudy and Rev. Hannah have to say about our current culture of impatience, individualism, and inaction – how that combined frustration can lead to anger – and some ways we can actively combat that inclination. Want to join the discussion? We invite you to our weekly discussion group, Convergence. Taking place on our church campus in the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego or through Zoom. Get additional details online: In PersonOnline For this episode, we’ll be discussing the following questions:

Are you facing tough choices in life? Join us for this season of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast as we dive into the Journey of the Hard Stuff. The women clergy of First Church in San Diego unpack the story of Moses from Exodus and tie it back to the challenges faced through history and modern life. In this episode, join Rev. Brittany and Rev. Hannah as they examine Exodus Chapter 12, tackling the difficult subject of the plague of the first born and Passover, and relating it to humans’ inclination toward revenge and violence, Jesus’ crucifixion, the Last Supper, who qualifies for Communion, and God’s desire for relationships and community … it’s A LOT packed into a single episode. So, take a deep breath and get ready for some deep theological interrogation. Want to join the discussion? Our weekly discussion group, Convergence, will be taking a break this week for Ash Wednesday services, but we invite you to consider and discuss the following questions with your friends and family:

Are you facing tough choices in life? Join us for this season of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast as we dive into the Journey of the Hard Stuff. The women clergy of First Church in San Diego unpack the story of Moses from Exodus and tie it back to the challenges faced through history and modern life. In this episode, join Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany as they examine Exodus Chapter 5, looking at justice, injustice, oppressed groups, and how we react to it all. Calling upon the story of Moses, and the work of Dr. Vernon Johns, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Jemar Tisby, Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany discuss types of justice (social vs. religious) and where it fits within the Christian faith and the Gospel. What does the Bible call us to do when we witness and experience injustice? Listen to find out. Want to join the discussion? We invite you to our weekly discussion group, Convergence. Taking place on our church campus in the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego or through Zoom. Get additional details online: In PersonOnline For this episode, we’ll be discussing the following questions:

Are you facing tough choices in life? Join us for this season of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast as we dive into the Journey of the Hard Stuff. The women clergy of First Church in San Diego unpack the story of Moses from Exodus and tie it back to the challenges faced through history and modern life. In this episode, join Rev. Trudy and Rev. Hannah as they examine Exodus Chapter 3: 1-11, examining how Moses tried to avoid the call of God. After all, he was a runaway fugitive – an asylum seeker – who was he to lead God’s people? And yet, despite his dark past, ultimately Moses rises to the challenge. It’s a story of international relations, politics, and spirituality. And, along with so many other stories throughout the Bible, it serves as a reminder of how God’s involvement begins with everyday moments that serve as a catalyst for something much larger than we could ever imagine. We might not feel qualified in the moment but if we listen and answer the call, we don’t know who else may be reached or how. Want to join the discussion? We invite you to our weekly discussion group, Convergence. Taking place on our church campus in the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego or through Zoom. Get additional details online: In PersonOnline For this episode, we’ll be discussing the following questions:

Are you facing tough choices in life? Join us for this season of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast as we dive into the Journey of the Hard Stuff. The women clergy of First Church in San Diego unpack the story of Moses from Exodus and tie it back to the challenges faced through history and modern life. In this episode, join Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany as they examine Exodus Chapter 2: 11-15, exposing the skeletons that Moses had in his closet — and yet, God still chose him to do extraordinary things. This story, and others throughout the Bible, reveal that God doesn’t necessarily care about our past. But as humans, we’re quick to point out other peoples’ weaknesses and consider them lesser than. Hear what Rev. Trudy and Rev. Brittany have to say about God’s grace, our forgiveness of others, and more. Want to join the discussion? We invite you to our weekly discussion group, Convergence. Taking place on our church campus in the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego or through Zoom. Get additional details online: In PersonOnline For this episode, we’ll be discussing the following questions:

Are you facing tough choices in life? Join us for this season of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast as we dive into the Journey of the Hard Things. The women clergy of First Church in San Diego unpack the story of Moses from Exodus and tie it back to the challenges faced through history and modern life. In this episode, join Rev. Hannah and Rev. Brittany as they examine Exodus chapters 1 & 2, featuring some truly witty and wise women who defied oppressive rules to save children from death, From Exodus to the modern day, women in various positions have had to employ wit, wisdom, and courage and commit acts of desperation to save their children from enslavement and danger. Which makes one start to think of God in a new light – including that of God the Mother. Hear what Rev. Hannah and Rev. Brittany have to say about this and more. We recommend these additional theological and social resources: Want to join the discussion? We invite you to our weekly discussion group, Convergence. Taking place on our church campus in the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego or through Zoom. Get additional details online: In PersonOnline For this episode, we’ll be discussing the following questions:

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