The Word Made Fresh
The Word Made Fresh is a weekly Bible study and sermon prep resource that explores an upcoming narrative lectionary text from a progressive point of view. Each episode provides insightful theological commentary designed to help preachers and Bible study leaders. The podcast aims to make scripture accessible and relevant to modern listeners, encouraging fresh interpretations of ancient stories.
Episodes
How Does Our Garden Grow?
What does it mean for a church—or a life—to grow? In this episode of The Word Made Fresh, we kick off a new series: “How Our Garden Grows.” Using the metaphor of gardening, we explore what it looks like to plant seeds, tend the soil, and cultivate something meaningful—not just for now, but for generations we may never see. This isn’t strategic planning as usual. It’s something more alive. More fle
Just As I Am: What Pride Month Means for Everyone (ft. Rev. Brandan Robertson)
This week, Riverside Church welcomes Rev. Brandan Robertson — author, activist, and theologian — for a special Pride Eve conversation ahead of his May 31st sermon, "Just As I Am."In this preview, Brandan shares what to expect from his message rooted in Isaiah 56, where the prophet envisions a world where eunuchs — the sexual and gender minorities of the ancient world — are not just welcomed but gi
The Spirit Doesn’t Ask Permission (Acts 2)
Pentecost isn’t quiet. It’s not calm. And it’s definitely not controlled. In Acts 2, the Spirit shows up like fire and wind—loud, disruptive, and impossible to ignore. But what if that’s the point? This week, we explore what it means to be gathered together in all our differences, to be pushed beyond comfort, and to remember that the Spirit doesn’t belong to us—we’re invited to move with it.
Learning to Move Like Jesus // The Word Made Fresh (Philippians 2)
What does it look like to practice faith the way a dancer practices technique? In this week's conversation, Rev. Jim Keat sits down with Rev. Adriene Thorne to explore Philippians 2 — home of the ancient Christ Hymn — and discover that Paul isn't asking us to believe the right things. He's asking us to move the right way.With dancers in worship, a community annual meeting on the horizon, and the w
Imperfect Faith, Real Community // The Word Made Fresh (Philippians 1)
What does it mean to be the church when nobody is doing it perfectly? This week on The Word Made Fresh, Rev. Jim Keat sits down with Dr. Jillian Langford to explore Philippians 1—a deeply personal letter from Paul written while in prison… and yet filled with joy, gratitude, and a surprising claim: “What does it matter? Just that Christ is proclaimed.” But does it really not matter how Christ is pr
What If Faith Started with Curiosity Instead of Certainty? // The Word Made Fresh (Acts 17:16-31)
What if faith wasn’t about proving you’re right—but staying curious?This week on The Word Made Fresh, Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim explore Acts 17, where Paul finds himself in Athens surrounded by unfamiliar beliefs, practices, and altars—including one to an “unknown god.”Instead of condemning or correcting, Paul does something unexpected:He affirms.He connects.He gets curious.In a world shaped by di
Paul, the Slave Girl, and the Cost of “Freedom” // The Word Made Fresh (Acts 16:16-34)
A few weeks after Easter, we return to the pulpit with a challenging and deeply honest conversation about Acts 16—the story of Paul, Silas, and a slave girl.But what if we’ve been reading this story wrong?Instead of focusing on Paul and Silas, Rev. Adriene Thorne invites us to center the unnamed enslaved girl—her exploitation, her “liberation,” and the unsettling question: what actually happened t
Ecological Conversion: Is the Church Missing the Point? // The Word Made Fresh (Acts 2)
What does Acts 2 have to do with Earth Day?In this episode of The Word Made Fresh Rev. Jim sits down with Rev. Derrick Weston—pastor, author, and leader with Creation Justice Ministries—to explore a bold and timely sermon: “Recruiting Terrorists.”This conversation dives into the idea of ecological conversion—a transformation of faith that moves beyond belief into action. Why has the church often s
We’re Still Here: Finding Hope After Easter // The Word Made Fresh (John 20:19-31)
What happens after Easter?In this episode of The Word Made Fresh, Rev. Jim Keat sits down with Rev. Mira Sawlani-Joyner to explore John 20:19–31, where the disciples are hiding behind locked doors, afraid of what comes next—even after the resurrection.Sound familiar?In a world filled with fear, uncertainty, political tension, and exhaustion, this conversation wrestles honestly with what it means t
Easter Isn’t the Finish Line. It’s a New Beginning. // The Word Made Fresh (John 20)
Easter is almost here—but what if resurrection isn’t just something that happened… or something we celebrate once a year?In this episode of The Word Made Fresh, Rev. Adriene Thorne and Jim Keat explore what it means to reimagine resurrection—not as a distant miracle, but as a lived, embodied reality. From Holy Week practices like foot washing and Tenebrae, to the power of imagination, forgiveness,
Love Made Public: Finding God in Suffering // The Word Made Fresh: John 19
What if we didn’t skip straight to Easter?This week on The Word Made Fresh, Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat explore a surprising approach to Palm Sunday—one that turns toward the crucifixion instead of away from it. Drawing from John 19, this conversation invites us to slow down and sit with the hardest part of the story: suffering, grief, and the cross.In a world filled with pain, injustice
Pride Sunday! (Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-31)
This Sunday is Pride Sunday! Listen in as Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim talk about this Sunday's text (Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-31) and what it's like to preach the same text six months later!Also, this is the Season Finale for The Word Made Fresh. But don't worry, we'll be back in September!
Get Out of the Boat with Rev. Dr. Paula Stone Williams (Matthew 14:22-33)
Get out of the boat! What does it mean to step away from fear and step into who God is calling you to be? Listen in as Rev. Jim Keat talks with this Sundays guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Paula Stone Williams, about the sermon she will be preaching from Matthew 14:22-33 as well as how she goes about writing a sermon and why you should be looking forward to experiencing this one!Rev. Dr. Paula Stone Will
Immigration & Apocalypse ft. Dr. Yii-Jan Lin (Revelation 21:22-27)
Science fiction uses language and ideas from the future to talk about the present. And in many ways, apocalyptic literature does the same!Join Rev. Jim Keat as he reflects on the book of Revelation, this particular passage from chapter 21, and invites us all to learn more about Dr. Yii-Jan Lin, the guest preacher at The Riverside Church this Sunday.Be sure to join us for Open Bible Study at 9:30 a
Are You In Step With the Spirit? (Galatians 4:1-7, 5:16-26)
Are you in step with the Spirit?Sit down with Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim as they dive in to the of the letter to the Galatians, exploring the Work of the Flesh, the Fruit of the Spirit, and what it means to be in step with and guided by the Spirit.Bonus: you'll also hear Rev. Jim talk about his marathon strategy and some excellent podcasts that Rev. Adriene recommends.
A Theological Deep Dive (Galatians 1:13-17; 2:11-21)
You foolish Galatians!Dive in to Galatians 3 with Rev. Jim and Rev. Jabe as they explore how it is coming to life in the sermon Rev. Jabe will be preaching this Sunday. Consider this conversation a mini seminary class -- buckle up and get ready to wade into the theological deep end!Join us on Sunday as we talk more about this text: http://www.trcnyc.org/SundayMorningWorship
The Solution for Church Conflict (Galatians 1:13-17; 2:11-21)
Galatians! A new book but a familiar story -- what is the solution for church conflict? Listen in as Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim talk about this Sunday's text (Galatians 1:13-17; 2:11-21). And bonus conversation -- what exactly does it mean to be "crucified with Christ?" Listen in to find out!
How to Preach a Sermon (Acts 15:1-18 )
Listen in as Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat reflect on a text that neither of them are preaching. But you're in luck, because this Sunday's preacher is one that we will all be eager to hear -- Rev. Dr. Andrea White!And be sure to keep listening to this extra-long and extra-special episode as Rev. Adriene tells Rev. Jim all about the why and how of her approach to preaching. If you ever want
It's All About Trust (Acts 8:26-39)
It's all about trust.Listen in as Rev. Jim talks with Rev. Adriene about the sermon she will be preaching this Sunday at The Riverside Church. Put on your running shes as we follow Phillip sprinting down the wilderness road to talk with the Ethiopian Eunuch.
What Can We Learn From Older Adults? (Acts 11:19-30)
What can we learn from older adults?That is one question we will have answered this Sunday at The Riverside Church. Rev. Tim Dalton will step into the pulpit as we celebrate Older Adults Month for a sermon filled with the voices and stories of older adults from our Riverside community.Join Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim as they sit down with Rev. Tim to talk about this coming Sunday and the story of th
Holy Humor Sunday (Luke 24:13-35)
What is Holy Humor Sunday? What is Rev. Jim planing for this sermon?Pull up a chair as he talks with Rev. Adriene about this coming Sunday at The Riverside Church.(And if you know anything about Rev. Jim's sermons, you know he has a surprise or two tucked up his sleeve!)
What's So Special About Easter? (Luke 24:1-12)
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they look ahead to Easter Sunday.And yes, while this day is special, so is every day. While you might only hear the timpani and brass on Easter Sunday, we are intentional about bringing a little Easter magic into every Sunday (and every day!).Listen in as Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim talk about what you can expect this Sunday at Riverside! Visit http://ww
Palm Sunday: Join the Protest (Luke 19:29-44)
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they take a closer look at the story of Jesus entrance into Jerusalem (Luke 19:29-44). And even though there aren't any palm branches in the text, we'll still e waving them on Sunday!
It's About Restoration (Luke 18:31—19:10)
Join Rev. Jim Keat as he sits down with Minister Heelee Velez to talk about Luke 18:31—19:10, the story of Jesus healing a blind man and sharing a meal with a tax collector (Zacchaeus!) and the sermon she will be preaching on Sunday. And watch out, because she's got a secret about her sermon that she's not sharing! Leave a comment and let us know what you think it might be!
The Distance Between the Rich and the Poor (Luke 16:19-31)
Jesus is talking about money, specifically one person who has it and one person does not. What is the relationship between the rich and the poor? How do they engage the world around them and what might God have in store for those on the extremes of an ever-expanding wealth gap in our world?Join Rev. Jim Keat as he rolls into this week's Narrative Lectionary text (Luke 16:19-31) and offers a few th
Lost and Found (Luke 15:13-35)
Join Rev. Jim Keat as he talks with Kathy Lin, a third year student at Union Theological Seminary, a second year intern at The Riverside Church, and this Sunday's preacher!What does it mean to be found by God when we think we're lost? How do we find ourselves in these stories of a lost sheep, coin, and two brothers? What might we learn when enter the story, not as the "prodigal son" but as the old
Everything Happens For A Reason Is Not Good Theology! (Luke 13:1-9, 31-35)
How do you look at the tricky parts of the Bible? Especially when they're the words of Jesus?!Join Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim in this week's episode of The Word Made Fresh as they join Jesus for a conversation about falling towers, fig trees, and lament. Stick around to hear Rev. Adriene share how the way she looks at the Bible changed and evolved over time (and how yours can too!).
The Good Samaritan: Justice Is More Than Kindness (Luke 10:25-42)
The Good Samaritan – one of those stories we're often so familiar with that we miss some of the essential details. Join Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim on this 200th episode of The Word Made Fresh as they explore a fresh perspective on this well known story.
Free Throws for Jesus (Luke 9:28-45)
Free throws for Jesus? Yep, you read that right.Listen in as Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim offer a fresh take on the story of Jesus' transfiguration. And yes, it all leads to shooting free throws for Jesus. (Or something like that.)
Caressing the Divine (Luke 7:36-50)
Join Rev. Jim Keat as he talks with Rev. Dr. John J. Thatamanil about the sermon he will be preaching this Sunday at The Riverside Church, focusing on Luke 7:36-50. The passage recounts Jesus dining at Simon the Pharisee’s house when a woman, labeled a sinner by Simon, anoints Jesus' feet with perfume and tears. Reverend Dr. John Thatamanil, guest preacher and professor at Union Theological Semina
Jesus Thinks This Is Amazing (Luke 7:1-17)
Sometimes we have a good idea where the sermon is headed when we record an episode of The Word Made Fresh. And other times we know the text and maybe have an inkling of an idea and then we just see what emerges from the conversation. This episode is definitely the latter. Listen in as Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim talk about the stories from Luke 7:1-17 and they both share ideas that blow each other a
Jesus Breaks the Rules (Luke 6:1-16)
What happens when Jesus and his disciples break the rules? And why is it sometimes necessary to break the rules that stand in the way of justice?Join Rev. Adriene Throne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk with Minister Heelee Velez, the Associate Director of Education and Faith Formation at The Riverside Church, about the sermon she will be preaching this Sunday.
What It Means to Be a Disciple (Luke 5:1-11)
What does it mean to be a disciple? And what does it mean to preach the first Sunday after President Trump's (second) inauguration? Listen in as Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim talk all about it!
MLK Weekend at Riverside (Luke 4:14-30)
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about all the ways you can find hope and inspiration this MLK Weekend at The Riverside Church. From a guest preacher on Sunday to an interfaith panel and the Broadway Inspirational Voices on Monday, this weekend at Riverside will fill you up so you can overflow with love and justice in the days, weeks, months, and (four) years to come.Visit h
Jesus Gets Baptized! (Luke 3:1-22)
Let's talk about the baptism of Jesus! Anyone hungry for honey-dipped locusts? Because John he Baptizer sure is!Sit down with Rev. Jim Keat as he talks with Rev. Tim Dalton about the sermon he will be preaching this Sunday. You'll get a glimpse at what you might hear from the pulpit on Sunday as well as some fun facts about this text that you might not have noticed before!
Where is Jesus?! (Luke 2:41-52)
Listen in as Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim talk about the sermon she will be preaching this Sunday at The Riverside Church.
Unexpected Prophets (Luke 2:21-38)
Join Rev. Jim Keat as he talks with Rev. Dr. Lisa M. Weaver about the Narrative Lectionary text for Sunday, December 29, 2024 and the sermon she will be preaching. This is a conversation between two self-declared Bible geeks that you won't want to miss!
Blessed Is She Who Believed (Luke 1:26-45)
Join us for a deep dive into Luke 1:26-45—“Blessed is she who believed”—as we explore Mary’s extraordinary agency, faith, and leadership in the story of the Annunciation. This week’s reflection on the fourth Sunday of Advent focuses on Mary’s powerful role in the Christmas narrative, her relationship with Elizabeth, and the broader implications for women in leadership and faith.We’ll also touch on
Everyone is a Minister! (Isaiah 61:1-11)
Rev. Thorne is back in the pulpit and she's picking up the same scroll that Jesus read from in Luke 4. Only the Narrative Lectionary has us reading a bit further, exploring some aspects of this often familiar passage that you might be less familiar with!Listen in as Rev. Thorne and Rev. Keat talk about this Sunday's sermon at Riverside and all the reasons why you should stick around on Sunday and
Shepherds, Magi, and Kids -- Oh My! (Matthew 2:1-12 & Luke 2:4-16)
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about the subtle yet significant differences between the Christmas stories found in Matthew and Luke. Or in the words of Rev. Jim, don't mix your magi and your shepherds!They go on to talk about this Sunday at The Riverside Church, where the children will proclaim the good news in our annual Christmas pageant. This is a Sunday you never want
What Are You Waiting For? (Daniel 6:6-27)
Life is filled with waiting, especially now -- waiting to see what will happen when a new president steps into office, waiting to see exactly what his staff and administration will do in our country and around the world, waiting for another headline and another injustice and another "fill in the blank."Advent is a season of waiting, typically waiting for the birth of Jesus at Christmas but also wa
Furious Dancing (Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-28; 31:31-34)
This week's Narrative Lectionary text offers a deep cut of a story, where Jehudi cuts the scrool with a penknife and throws the pieces into the fire. Only that's the not the end of the story. God tells Jeremiah to dictate the words so they can be written again.The work of an artist is not to do it once, but to do it again, and again, and again. Put in the reps. Practice and keep practicing. You cu
Hearing God When The World Erupts (Isaiah 6:1-8)
Why is it that we tend to hear God most clearly when everything has fallen apart? Oh, that's what you've been saying all along. It's not that God wasn't always speaking, but that we weren't always listening, or perhaps just not knowing exactly how to hear or what to listen for. But when a major events happens -- the death of a King, in the context of Isaiah, or the election of a new President, in
Jonah: The Most Human Prophet (Jonah 1:1-17; 3:1-10)
Jonah's call is clear, from the very first verses of the book: "Go at once to that great city and cry out against it." While we tend to think of this book as the story of a man being swallowed by a whale (which it's not, because it was just a big fish, not a whale!), this story is an invitation for us all to see ourselves as Jonah, reluctant to go where God is calling, seeing the world through our
Hey there, Elijah! (1 Kings 17:1-16)
What happens when two pastors talk about the Bible and the impending election? Watch this episode of The Word Made Fresh to find out!
Politics, Faith, and Life in General: An Invitation to Wrestle
What does it mean to be a person of faith when we are days away from the next election?Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about what to expect this Sunday at The Riverside Church -- Rev. Dr. William Barber, II is preaching and Rev. Dr. Brian Kaylor is leading a lunch and learn on his book, Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism. Yep, all
What Is Children's Sabbath? (Mark 10:13-16)
What is Children's Sabbath and why do we celebrate it at Riverside?Join over half the Riverside clergy team – Rev. Adriene Thorne, Rev. Jim Keat, Rev. Jabe Ziino, and Minister Heelee Velez – as they talk about Children's Sabbath and what you can expect this Sunday at Riverside. (Spoiler: it's going to be amazing!)And this is one episode that you will want to watch to the very end as Jabe and Heele
The Things Prayed For and Not Received (1 Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20; 2:1-10)
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about this Sunday's sermon and the Narrative Lectionary text, 1 Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20; 2:1-10.
Faith Over Fear (Exodus 32:1-14)
Join Rev. Jim Keat and Rev. Mira Sawlani-Joyner as they talk about Exodus 32 and the story of the golden calf. This narrative illustrates the people's anxiety during Moses' absence and their turn to idolatry, prompting a discussion on the human tendency to react violently in times of crisis. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy, suggesting that rather than immediately condemning the pe
What Is Happening to the Children?! // Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8
What is happening to the children?That's the question Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat are asking, both to this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text and to the world around us. Join them for another weekly conversation as they take a look at what you might hear in this Sunday's sermon, share some ideas of your own, borrow whatever is useful for your context, and open yourself up to be challenge
Let's Talk About Joseph (
Let's talk about Joseph. His story makes up such a significant part of the book of Genesis, yet he is rarely the first character that comes to mind when we think of this book. But watch out, because Rev. Adriene is going to tell Rev. Jim about a way to look at Joseph that just might change the way you see him and his story forever. What happens when you cozy up to the dreams of empire? And how wou
🎉 HOMECOMING SUNDAY (Genesis 15:1-6)
We're back!Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat return for another season of The Word Made Fresh, the weekly show where they talk about the upcoming Narrative Lectionary text and give you a glimpse of what to expect this Sunday at The Riverside Church. In this episode they talk about the first time God makes a joke, what it means to have a dynamic view of creation, and all the delicious flavors y
🏳️🌈 Pride Sunday (1 John 3:1-7)
This Sunday we are celebrating Pride!Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about some of the ways we will be celebrating Pride Sunday at Riverside as well as a quick dip into 1 John 3:1-7 and how this particular Sunday frames the text in such a wonderful way.
The "S" Word (1 John 1:1-2:2)
Let's talk about the "S" word.No, not that one. We're talking about sin.While some streams of Christianity can't get enough, in our liberal mainline Protestant bubble we tend to avoid this world, especially when it refers to the personal implications. So rather than avoiding it, let's dive in and talk about it. What is confession and why are we invited to confess our sins? Join Rev. Adriene Thorne
Juneteenth
What is Juneteenth and why are we including it in worship on Sunday?You'll learn all that and more in this episode of The Word Made Fresh. Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about what to expect on Sunday, June 16 at The Riverside Church. From a guest preacher to why we include Juneteenth but not Father's Day and more, this conversation will have you taking notes on all the ne
What Is God's Name? (Luke 11:2-4)
What is God's name? And what does it mean to keep it holy?These are some of the questions Rev. Jim Keat explores with Rev. Jabe Ziino on this episode of The Word Made Fresh. Wait, who is Rev. Jabe Ziino?He is one of the newest additions to the clergy team at Riverside. In this episode you will hear about the sermon he is preaching but you will also get to know him, what he brings to Riverside, and
Preaching After Palestine: Do not repay anyone evil for evil (Romans 12:9-17)
This Sunday we will welcome Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow into theh pulpit at The Riverside Church. But before he steps into the pulpit Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat were excited to sit down with him to talk about his upcoming sermon and everything that he will bring. Rev. Bruce recently returned from his second trip to Palestine and while a trip to a country in the midst of conflict is not requir
The Revolutionary Prayer of Jesus (Luke 11:2-4)
Let's talk about the revolutionary prayer of Jesus, more commonly known as the Lord's Prayer. Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they explore the first two words of this prayer – Our Father – and dip their toe in a few other well-known but often-misunderstood sections. And be sure to watch to the very end to know what phrase to drop in the comments!
Pentecost and Spiritual Gifts (Acts 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 12:1-13)
What is Pentecost? What are Spiritual Gifts?By the end of this episode of The Word Made Fresh you will know the answer to them both!Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about this coming Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text, why you should wear something red, and the perfect alignment of the church's annual budget meeting on this particular Sunday.Enjoy!
Let's Talk About the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-26, 51-58)
What do you believe about the resurrection?Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they dive into 1 Corinthians 15 and all the ways Paul talks about the resurrection. Enjoy some laughs, learn something new, and get ready to join us on Sunday as Rev. Thorne steps into the pulpit with the sermon you can hear her start writing in this conversation.
All You Need Is Love (1 Corinthians 13)
Love is patient. Love is kind.Yep, you've probably heard this one before. But here's the thing: 1 Corinthians 13 was not written for weddings! This well known chapter was written to a church, to a group of people navigating the messy and real and conflict-filled reality that we find in our lives and our world and especially in our faith communities.Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as the
Can Churches Ever Avoid Conflict? (Acts 18:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18)
Welcome to Corinth! This week begins the first of four weeks in the letter to the church in Corinth (otherwise known as 1 Corinthians). Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they explore a few verses from the first chapter (1 Cor. 1:10-18) and explore the particularities of a two thousand year old letter that wasn't written to us! Also, Rev. Jim has some fun facts to share about why 1 Cori
The Spirituality of Earth Day (Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)
Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim are covering a lot with this one, so buckle up (which is a reference to something Rev. Jim will talk about later on in the video) because here we go.First, we have a guest preacher joining us this Sunday at Riverside. Kaitlin Curtice is an award-winning author, poet-storyteller, and public speaker. As an enrolled citizen of the Potawatomi nation, Kaitlin writes on the int
Solving Problems vs. Treating Symptoms (Acts 3:1-10)
What happens when Rev. Jim talks to himself about the Bible? Watch this episode of The Word Made Fresh to find out! Join Rev. Jim (and Rev. Jim) as he (they?) talk about this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text (Acts 3:1-10) and how a story about Peter healing someone outside the temple gates might still possible (or even necessary) in our world today.
Holy Humor Sunday with Rev. Jane Ann Groom (Acts 1:1-16)
What is Holy Humor Sunday? Who is Rev. Jane Ann Groom? And does Rev. Jim know any good Bible jokes? You'll know the answer to all three of these questions (and more) after you watch this week's episode of The Word Made Fresh!Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they sit down with this Sunday's guest preacher, glance through the history of Holy Humor Sunday, and focus on the story of Jesus
Easter Sunday: Terror and Amazement (Mark 16:1-8)
This is a big one: Easter Sunday! But at the same time it's just another Sunday.It's just another Sunday to preach the good news of God's love. It's just another Sunday to be invited to see life springing up in the midst of death. It's just another Sunday to enjoy community as we gather on site or online.Easter is important, but really, it's just another Sunday.Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Ji
Palms in the Street, Perfume on the Feet (Mark 11:1-11; 14:3-9)
From waving palm branches to pouring expensive perfume on someone's feet, this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text gives us the energy of the crowd and the intimacy of a meal. Jon Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about this text, how Rev. Thorne is approaching her sermon, when feet actually mean feet (and when they don't), and the the significant difference between "hosanna" and "
Stay Woke: Life Goes On (Mark 13:1-8, 24-37)
We're moments away from entering Jerusalem, and with it comes an impending death on a cross. But before we get caught up in that momentum, Jesus takes a moment to remind us that life goes on and that God is always in the business of life flourishing and even if these stones (Jesus' body) will crumble, stay woke because you just might see something being rebuilt.With a text like this you know it's
What Question Are You Asking? (Mark 12:28-44)
How many narratives can we squeeze into this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary? Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they find out!This text invites starts with a pop quiz on which commandment is the most important, offers the very practical and timeless advice to stop devour the houses of widows, and ends with Jesus' observation on a widow giving all her money - a single penny - and what she
Death and Taxes (Mark 12:1-17)
The Bible is not a children's book. It's filled with stories about murder and trick questions about whether or not you should pay taxes. And this week's text, Mark 12:1-17, dives in deep with an R-rated parable and some trickster Pharisees and Herodians trying (and failing) to set Jesus up for tax evasion.Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about Rev. Throne's upcoming sermon a
Do You Want to be Famous? (Mark 10:32-52)
“I don't think I could think of a single thing that's more isolating than being famous.” —Lady GagaWhat does Lady Gaga have to do with this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text? Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they discuss the sermon she will be preaching on Sunday and how it intersects with Lady Gaga's thoughts on fame.And bonus, they're in the same place for this recording! Woohoo!
What Does Jesus Want You to Give Up? (Mark 10:17-31)
"This story is about Jesus and Jeff Bezos."That's how Rev. Jim Keat summarizes this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text, Mark 10:17-31. Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and she talks with Rev Jim about the sermon he is preaching on Sunday, February 18 at The Riverside Church. Their conversation captures so many nuances about this particular passage to the first Sunday in Lent to Love Poured Out to flying g
Can Jesus Heal Them Both?
An older woman has had an "issue of blood." A young girl has unexpectedly died.Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they discuss Mark 5:21-43, how Jesus brings healing and wholeness to both of these women, and how everyone – especially men – can approach and learn from a text like this.
Do We Really Want Them To Be Healed? (Mark 5:1-20)
What happens when Jesus heals someone who has been troubled by demons and ostracized from his community? It's not good for the nearby herd of pigs and the local community doesn't seem to welcome this healing as much as we would think.Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they discuss this Sunday's text, Mark 5:1-20, and a refreshing way to approach the story of Jesus and the Gerasene Demon
Why Did Jesus Tell Parables? (Mark 4:1-34)
A parable is a story rooted in the world from which it is told that continues to flourish in our whatever time and place it is encountered. In Mark 4 we hear Jesus telling four different parables and on Sunday, January 21 Rev. Adriene Thorne will preach from one (or all?) of them!Listen in as she talks with Rev. Jim Keat about her upcoming sermon, the nature of parables and why they are still powe
Making Space for Justice with Rev. Karlos Nichols (Mark 2:1-12)
What does it mean to make space for justice? And what walls need to be remodeled in order for those who need justice to have access to it?Join Rev. Jim Keat as he talks with guest preacher Rev. Karlos Nichols about the sermon he will be preaching on Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday at The Riverside Church.
From the Bell Tower! (Mark 1:21-45)
Baptism & Epiphany
Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they discuss Epiphany Sunday, the Baptism of Jesus, and more.
Heavy Love (Luke 1:5-25, 57-80)
Before we get to Christmas Eve take a moment and step into the final Sunday of Advent, where it's all about love. Only this love is a bit heavy.
Let's Talk About Joy! (Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10-13)
"The people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the peoples weeping."How do you hold joy and sorrow? It's easy to find ourselves consumed or overwhelmed with one of them, but to be human is to experience them both. Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they discuss this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text and how it intersects with the third Sunday of Adven
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