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In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone are joined by Andre Francois, who has been the chair of the Stewardship Committee for many years. We explore how to recognize and use the gifts God has placed within you. We share practical insight on discovering your strengths, serving with purpose, and honoring God through everyday stewardship. It’s an encouraging, focused conversation that reminds you that your gifts were meant to be used. 

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone welcome our guest, the newly installed Bishop Melissa Stoller, from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, to discuss her new role as bishop, expectations for the future of the synod and the ELCA and much more!

This episode sounds scary! The wrath of God! Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone share what this 'wrath' truly means and why it is so prevalent within the biblical narrative. Further, what is this 'wrath' intended to create in us and our behavior? In this episode, myths are dispelled, and the true understanding of the wrath of God is discussed.

In this episode, special guest Pastor Erin Evans shares her experience and insight on the topic of Children in Church with Pastor Dan Smail and Pastor Wendy Farone. Discussion surrounds integrating and engaging children within the church, whether they are very young or nearly adults, through teaching, explaining, and becoming a part of the church body. There are insights and some tips on how to find the joy of having "Children in Church"!

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone share what makes Lutheranism distinctive! Discussions of these distinctions include a brief history, Luther's perspective that we are saved by grace through faith alone, and why we are called to "Sin Boldly" because we trust in God's grace, as well as other related topics. Bonus: A behind-the-scenes clip of our prerecording banter! Resources: Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland H. Bainton            The Reformation: A History by Diarmaid MacCulloch

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone welcome Chaplain Gaea Thompson, who serves as Manager of Pastoral Care at UPMC Presbyterian/Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh. Chaplain Gaea guides us through the work and important care of the hospital chaplain as a "Physician of the Soul."  The discussion is rich in guiding us toward understanding the role of serving in a hospital setting and serving those who may be at their most vulnerable moment.  

Guest Lynn Holden, Spiritual Director, joins Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone to discuss spiritual direction as the building of a relationship through which one person, the spiritual director, guides another toward the presence and call of God in all of life. Lynn shares the difference between counseling and spiritual direction, how one becomes a spiritual director, and the importance of gaining a deeper connection through the understanding of one's place in the world. Find a spiritual director at Spiritual Direction International. https://www.sdicompanions.org/find-a-spiritual-director-companion/

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone discuss a central doctrine of the Lutheran Church. There are a lot of 'churchy' words in just the episode title! Not to worry, we make it easy to understand! Justification by faith is a divine act by which God declares us righteous or in right relationship by offering us grace. Being in right relationship doesn't mean that we are just 'good people' or that we do 'good things' (and we should do both), but that through grace we are forgiven through our belief in Christ and made righteous! Listen and it will make more sense! 

Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone are thrilled to transition our podcast to a new brand format under the Title Understanding Church. In this episode, discussion surrounds memories and experiences from the beginning of Bethlehem Backchat to present day intentions for a reimagined approach. Come laugh with us as we review where we have been and the future curiosities we plan to explore and understand. 

Just in time for Lent and Easter! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone discuss the psychological, physical, and spiritual impact of carrying guilt and shame. Do we understand the difference between guilt and shame? They are often used interchangeably but there is truly a difference. Why are we unable to let some things go? We will identify the difference and discuss the avenue through Christ can guide us through the sinner and saint side of being a Christian and, in particular, a Lutheran. 

The Advent of the birth of Christ begins a new church (liturgical) year! Throughout the church year, we experience a rhythm and structure that guide our learning, praise, and thanksgiving through Christ's birth, death, and resurrection and the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit. This podcast walks through the church year from Advent to Christmas, Epiphany to Lent and Easter to Pentecost and what all of that means so that we can gain even greater relationship with our Lord through worship awareness.

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone, review what healing is all about as it relates to Jesus. It is a bit complex, and it surely requires a little contemplation and understanding. Discussion involves the difference between curing and healing. Further, sharing is offered on Jesus' teaching and healing focusing on common questions around this topic. What does 'healing' actually mean? If we ask for healing, why don't we get it sometimes? How do we contend with long-term struggles or illness?  Discernment is suggested in those who claim that they can heal through demonstrative acts. We are so glad that you are listening and learning with us! 

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone discuss the two types of doubt including self-doubt and a doubt in God. We have all experienced doubt in one or both of these types as it relates to discernment and hope in being the best we can be. Discussion surrounds how to view doubt so that it can be a learning and blessing opportunity in spiritual growth and faithfulness. 

We suffer in many ways. We can gain comfort in knowing that there is hope in Christ and that our community can offer support in such times. When we are struggling, we are never alone. What does the scripture say about how to handle such emotions and situations. In this episode, Pastor Dan and Vicar Wendy Farone offer insight and consideration as we "make our light so shine" in the world. Are you an Eeyore, a Pooh, or a Tigger? Great perspectives and insights offered as we think about our lives in this Kingdom. 

In this episode, Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone discuss the offerings available through Lutheran Senior Life with our guest, fellow Lutheran, Vice-President of Development and President of Lutheran Senior Life Foundation, Jane Bittcher. You will be amazed at how much is offered whether you are a senior at 50 or 90-years old, you love a senior, or are interested in making plans for when you will be a senior.  They also offer support for those who are interested in adoption or becoming a Foster Care parent. There are programs and locations available all-around southwestern Pennsylvania. Take a look at this important ministry at www.lutheranseniorlife.org and request a tour, consider volunteering, or offering financial support.