Searching the Sacred

Learning to Pray Pt 1: Hypocrites and Heathens | Matthew 6

Season 3 | Learning to Pray Pt 1: Hypocrites and Heathens | Matthew 6
We are rounding out season 3 with a special three-part conversation on prayer. In Matthew 6, Jesus is in the midst of the Sermon on the Mount and he talks about how and where and what to pray. 
Part 1 of our conversation focuses on verses 5-8, which lead up to the Lord's Prayer. Jesus tells his followers not to pray like the hypocrites who are attempting to draw attention to themselves, or like the heathens who use many words trying to get their god to listen and respond. 
How are we like the hypocrites and the heathens? What is prayer?
In part 2 (coming later this week), we will focus on the first half of the Lord's Prayer.
 
__
We have started a Patreon site for those who would like to financially support this podcast. Click HERE to find our site and become a patron.
__
This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith…
40 Orchards, with Steph and Lisa, invites people to wrestle through Biblical texts using the ancient Jewish concepts of midrash.
In a 40 Orchards study, every question is safe, everyone is welcome, and every voice is valued. We believe there’s room for all of us. No person and no question is off limits—because we know that together we can expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. 
You can learn more about 40 Orchards and sign-up for a study by going to 40orchards.org.
Processing Faith is a space created by Jason Steffenhagen for people to do exactly that…process their faith. It’s not one thing…but more like a good recipe. It’s like 1 part pastoral care, 1 part theological exploration, and 1 part wrestling with all the questions. 
You can learn more about Processing Faith and sign-up for a free 45 min session by going to processingfaith.com.

Why A Test? | Genesis 22

Season 3 | Why A Test? | Genesis 22
Why does God test Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac?
This story is troubling on multiple levels...and has left many wondering what it could mean. We don't solve it, but we do enjoy asking some good questions.
 
__
We have started a Patreon site for those who would like to financially support this podcast. Click HERE to find our site and become a patron.
__
This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith…
40 Orchards, with Steph and Lisa, invites people to wrestle through Biblical texts using the ancient Jewish concepts of midrash.
In a 40 Orchards study, every question is safe, everyone is welcome, and every voice is valued. We believe there’s room for all of us. No person and no question is off limits—because we know that together we can expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. 
You can learn more about 40 Orchards and sign-up for a study by going to 40orchards.org.
Processing Faith is a space created by Jason Steffenhagen for people to do exactly that…process their faith. It’s not one thing…but more like a good recipe. It’s like 1 part pastoral care, 1 part theological exploration, and 1 part wrestling with all the questions. 
You can learn more about Processing Faith and sign-up for a free 45 min session by going to processingfaith.com.

Wrestling with Salvation | Joshua 1

Season 3 | Wrestling with Salvation | Joshua 1
What would it look like to reimagine Jesus by looking at two people who carried his name - Joshua and Isaiah? 
The courage and strength expected of Joshua might be different from the battle-ready context that we often have assumed. And what does it mean to call people towards salvation when they have gone so far astray?
 
__
We have started a Patreon site for those who would like to financially support this podcast. Click HERE to find our site and become a patron.
__
This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith…
40 Orchards, with Steph and Lisa, invites people to wrestle through Biblical texts using the ancient Jewish concepts of midrash.
In a 40 Orchards study, every question is safe, everyone is welcome, and every voice is valued. We believe there’s room for all of us. No person and no question is off limits—because we know that together we can expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. 
You can learn more about 40 Orchards and sign-up for a study by going to 40orchards.org.
Processing Faith is a space created by Jason Steffenhagen for people to do exactly that…process their faith. It’s not one thing…but more like a good recipe. It’s like 1 part pastoral care, 1 part theological exploration, and 1 part wrestling with all the questions. 
You can learn more about Processing Faith and sign-up for a free 45 min session by going to processingfaith.com.
 

The Grandmothering of Jesus | John 21

Season 3 | The Grandmothering of Jesus | John 21
In John 21, the disciples - led by Simon Peter - are going fishing. Why? They've just witnessed the death and resurrection of Jesus, he's appeared to them at least two different times, and they decide to go fishing. 
It's easy in these moments to judge the disciples behavior. Maybe we would like to think we would have done something more purposeful or spiritually minded. But do we really know how potentially confusing and challenging these days after Jesus returns would be? 
And so we find the disciples fishing, and Jesus offers to make them some food. What could this moment be about?
 
__
We have started a Patreon site for those who would like to financially support this podcast. Click HERE to find our site and become a patron.
__
This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith…
40 Orchards, with Steph and Lisa, invites people to wrestle through Biblical texts using the ancient Jewish concepts of midrash.
In a 40 Orchards study, every question is safe, everyone is welcome, and every voice is valued. We believe there’s room for all of us. No person and no question is off limits—because we know that together we can expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. 
You can learn more about 40 Orchards and sign-up for a study by going to 40orchards.org.
Processing Faith is a space created by Jason Steffenhagen for people to do exactly that…process their faith. It’s not one thing…but more like a good recipe. It’s like 1 part pastoral care, 1 part theological exploration, and 1 part wrestling with all the questions. 
You can learn more about Processing Faith and sign-up for a free 45 min session by going to processingfaith.com.

Running For Your Soul | 1 Kings 19

Season 3 | Running For Your Soul | 1 Kings 19
Welcome to Season 3 of Searching the Sacred. To get this season started, we have a special guest joining us...Sarah Nichols, a teacher with 40 Orchards.
In this episode we explore 2 Kings 19 and the story of Elijah, who is running away from Ahab and Jezebel. 
What is our relationship with power? How far would we be willing to run to find our souls? What might be needed for this journey?
__
We have started a Patreon site for those who would like to financially support this podcast. Click HERE to find our site and become a patron.
__
This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith…
40 Orchards, with Steph and Lisa, invites people to wrestle through Biblical texts using the ancient Jewish concepts of midrash.
In a 40 Orchards study, every question is safe, everyone is welcome, and every voice is valued. We believe there’s room for all of us. No person and no question is off limits—because we know that together we can expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. 
You can learn more about 40 Orchards and sign-up for a study by going to 40orchards.org.
Processing Faith is a space created by Jason Steffenhagen for people to do exactly that…process their faith. It’s not one thing…but more like a good recipe. It’s like 1 part pastoral care, 1 part theological exploration, and 1 part wrestling with all the questions. 
You can learn more about Processing Faith and sign-up for a free 45 min session by going to processingfaith.com.

Jesus Playing Jazz: The significance of the Passover in framing the Eucharist | Mark 14

Bonus | Jesus Playing Jazz: The significance of the Passover in framing the Eucharist | Mark 14
Did you know that the Bible actually has the instruction to 'kill the passover'? Not the 'passover lamb', but just the 'passover'. And this phrase is in the text multiple times...even in the New Testament. What could this possibly mean? And what could the significance be for Jesus' invitation in the Upper Room?
This special bonus episode is coming just prior to Holy Week 2022.
We are joined by scholar and friend of the podcast, Nathan Fisher...our first guest appearance on Searching the Sacred!
As mentioned at the beginning of the episode, we have started a Patreon site for those who would like to financially support this podcast. Click HERE to find our site and become a patron. Any monthly donation will come with a free PDF for how to host a Seder meal. 
As mentioned in the middle of the episode, 40 Orchards is hosting a special Holy Week scripture circle focused on The Lord's Supper. This will take place on Wednesday, April 13th. You can sign-up HERE.
__
This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith…
40 Orchards, with Steph and Lisa, invites people to wrestle through Biblical texts using the ancient Jewish concepts of midrash.
In a 40 Orchards study, every question is safe, everyone is welcome, and every voice is valued. We believe there’s room for all of us. No person and no question is off limits—because we know that together we can expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. 
You can learn more about 40 Orchards and sign-up for a study by going to 40orchards.org.
Processing Faith is a space created by Jason Steffenhagen for people to do exactly that…process their faith. It’s not one thing…but more like a good recipe. It’s like 1 part pastoral care, 1 part theological exploration, and 1 part wrestling with all the questions. 
You can learn more about Processing Faith and sign-up for a free 45 min session by going to processingfaith.com.

Let’s All Be Weirdos | Genesis 14

Season 2 | Let’s All Be Weirdos | Genesis 14
Pop Quiz... Where is the first use of the title priest, the first use of the word shalom, and the first place where bread and wine are offered together? If you guessed Genesis 14 and the story of Melchizedek...then you've been studying with 40 Orchards! 
In Hebrews 5, the Christ is named as being in the line of Melchizedek. But who is this seemingly important, but rarely mentioned character?
The story of Melchizedek can help us explore the story of Abram.
The story of Melchizedek can help us unpack who Jesus is and the ever-present Christ.
The story of Melchizedek can offer us questions about how we show up in the world.
__
This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith…
40 Orchards, with Steph and Lisa, invites people to wrestle through Biblical texts using the ancient Jewish concepts of midrash.
In a 40 Orchards study, every question is safe, everyone is welcome, and every voice is valued. We believe there’s room for all of us. No person and no question is off limits—because we know that together we can expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. 
You can learn more about 40 Orchards and sign-up for a study by going to 40orchards.org.
Processing Faith is a space created by Jason Steffenhagen for people to do exactly that…process their faith. It’s not one thing…but more like a good recipe. It’s like 1 part pastoral care, 1 part theological exploration, and 1 part wrestling with all the questions. 
You can learn more about Processing Faith and sign-up for a free 45 min session by going to processingfaith.com.

Welcome to Midian | Exodus 2

Season 2 | Welcome to Midian | Exodus 2
How does Moses become MOSES? In Exodus chapter 2, we see Moses - son of Israelite slaves, raised in Pharaoh's palace - walk out the gate and see the burden of slavery on his people. And he reacts. This moment starts a chain reaction that launches Moses into the wilderness, to the land of Midian. And it's in Midian that God will prepare him to lead the people. 
What does it mean to see? How do we wake up to the world around us that is unjust?
What does it mean to leave all that we've known? How do we trust that God will continue to use us if we leave the familiar?
___
This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith…
40 Orchards, with Steph and Lisa, invites people to wrestle through Biblical texts using the ancient Jewish concepts of midrash.
In a 40 Orchards study, every question is safe, everyone is welcome, and every voice is valued. We believe there’s room for all of us. No person and no question is off limits—because we know that together we can expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. 
You can learn more about 40 Orchards and sign-up for a study by going to 40orchards.org.
Processing Faith is a space created by Jason Steffenhagen for people to do exactly that…process their faith. It’s not one thing…but more like a good recipe. It’s like 1 part pastoral care, 1 part theological exploration, and 1 part wrestling with all the questions. 
You can learn more about Processing Faith and sign-up for a free 45 min session by going to processingfaith.com.

When The Donkey Starts To Talk | Numbers 22

Season 2 | When The Donkey Starts To Talk | Numbers 22
Some stories are just so odd that it's just easier to ignore them and move on...why try to make sense of something or try to understand a spiritual truth about something that can't possibly be real?! 
In Numbers 22, the people of Israel are on the verge of entering the Promised Land after 40 years in the wilderness. A neighboring king gets nervous as they approach so he hires a guy named Balaam, who is able to see visions and give prophecies, to go scare Israel away. God tells Balaam not to go, but he eventually goes anyway. On the way, the path gets narrower and narrower...and the donkey sees the angel of the Lord. The donkey avoids the angel, but Balaam (who can't see the angel) strikes the donkey on three separate occasions. At this point the Lord speaks to Balaam through the donkey! 
Are we listening for what God has for us? Are we heading down a path that God might have warned us about, but we just don't seem to be getting the message? Are there donkeys in our lives that are trying to point us in the right direction? 
This is a passage about discernment!
Also...We put the 'explicit' designation on this podcast because we use the term 'ass' to refer to the donkey. This was done based on the translation we used. We didn't want to get into trouble...hence the label. We also wanted to catch your attention in case you listen to this in the presence of younger ears and aren't ready to explain how a donkey had a different name back in the day...or why Lisa seems to have a potty mouth!
___
This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith…
40 Orchards, with Steph and Lisa, invites people to wrestle through Biblical texts using the ancient Jewish concepts of midrash.
In a 40 Orchards study, every question is safe, everyone is welcome, and every voice is valued. We believe there’s room for all of us. No person and no question is off limits—because we know that together we can expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. 
You can learn more about 40 Orchards and sign-up for a study by going to 40orchards.org.
Processing Faith is a space created by Jason Steffenhagen for people to do exactly that…process their faith. It’s not one thing…but more like a good recipe. It’s like 1 part pastoral care, 1 part theological exploration, and 1 part wrestling with all the questions. 
You can learn more about Processing Faith and sign-up for a free 45 min session by going to processingfaith.com.

Sometimes Talking About The Prophets Makes You Say Things | Jeremiah 1

Season 2 | Sometimes Talking About The Prophets Makes You Say Things | Jeremiah 1
Jeremiah is called to be a prophet. But he's called to be a prophet of doom and gloom in the midst of one of the greatest reclamation moments of Israel's fraught history. The timing seems off. But what if the timing isn't off, what if Jeremiah is preparing the people for the unthinkable - exile. And in preparing them for exile, he's showing them that God is present, that God is still with them. 
This conversation struck a few chords with how some may be perceiving of the church in America today (or at least some iterations of the church). And like Jeremiah, though the outlook may seem bleak, the fact that we are engaging these questions points to the hope we have for a re-imagination. 
In this episode we spend time in Jeremiah 1 and Numbers 16 and 17 (but there's some confusion about which verses we read in Numbers 17...you'll see why). 
___
This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith…
40 Orchards, with Steph and Lisa, invites people to wrestle through Biblical texts using the ancient Jewish concepts of midrash.
In a 40 Orchards study, every question is safe, everyone is welcome, and every voice is valued. We believe there’s room for all of us. No person and no question is off limits—because we know that together we can expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. 
You can learn more about 40 Orchards and sign-up for a study by going to 40orchards.org.
Processing Faith is a space created by Jason Steffenhagen for people to do exactly that…process their faith. It’s not one thing…but more like a good recipe. It’s like 1 part pastoral care, 1 part theological exploration, and 1 part wrestling with all the questions. 
You can learn more about Processing Faith and sign-up for a free 45 min session by going to processingfaith.com.