Ivanhoe Church Speaks serves to highlight, particularly through contemporary context, how scripture speaks to us in every age. Hosts Shelley Groh and Pastor Kris offer their insight into a scripture passage and, through their discussion, summarize meaning for their lives and actions they will take in response. Listen in and find those points which resonate strongly in your life.
Our podcast expresses our understanding of God’s extravagant welcome by living out an inclusive church for today, sharing hope for tomorrow, and welcoming others into the journey revealed through Jesus Christ and empowered by the “still speaking” Holy Spirit. Hosts Shelley and Pastor Kris offer insights into scripture and discuss its meaning for their lives and the action it inspires. Listen for nudges God has placed before you.
Thursday Mar 19, 2020
Thursday Mar 19, 2020
Amidst the social isolation in the COVID-19 quarantine, Pastor Kris and Shelley discuss the anointing of Christ in the week before his crucifixion. As the contemporary story of business closings accelerates, this ancient story of radical grace is one that offers hope. We are called to be a community even in times of physical separation; especially now, we need to act with generosity, showing love for our family and community. This week, take a moment to be a Mary, woman from the city, offering extraordinary kindness to others.
Thursday Apr 16, 2020
Thursday Apr 16, 2020
In John 20: 19-3, Pastor Kris and Shelley find resonance in our sequestering with the story of Thomas and the disciples: even when we lock ourselves inside, Jesus finds us. As Thomas sought reassurance, the resurrection reveals a God that is still creating and re-creating. Sheltering at home has brought us new understandings even as it has separated us physically. As for Thomas, a loving Christ breathes the Holy Spirit into us, wherever we are.
Thursday Apr 23, 2020
Thursday Apr 23, 2020
In Pastor Kris and Shelley's discussion, we are invited along the walk to Emmaus. As these disciples were kept from recognizing him, Jesus seems to savor the walk, offering not only instruction but presence: we find a story not of doing but of being. Speaking to our time, Luke 24:13–35 describes how our pain and grief may prevent us from seeing the blessings we are granted. It is through an offer of presence, inviting this stranger into their community for dinner, that they find the risen Christ. May it be so with you.
Thursday Apr 30, 2020
Thursday Apr 30, 2020
Pastor Kris and Shelley discuss the beloved Psalm 23, eloquence for all times. Today, we are led through dark valleys in God’s shelter. In both visual arrangement and metaphorical significance, the center, the heart, of this poem is the phrase, “You are with me.” The Psalm reminds us that we always have and always will …
Thursday May 07, 2020
Thursday May 07, 2020
Pastor Kris and Shelley discuss John 14:1-14, where, like Phillip, even as we have lived in God's presence, we miss the obvious. Jesus asks us to see beyond our presumptions: God is so much greater than our collective perspectives; there will be many rooms made ready. We have in Jesus a picture of loving God that guides us today and offers hope for tomorrow.
Thursday May 28, 2020
Thursday May 28, 2020
Pastor Kris and Shelley discuss Pentecost, the birth of the church from Acts 2:1-2, whereby, as tongues of fire were distributed among all people, each was given understanding to hear God's message. This fire represents many things: deep passion, a way to bring light to an injustice, a clearing of the old to make way for the new. Pentecost is the empowerment of what we are born to do: to take up–with passion–Jesus's call to love everyone. Every one.
Thursday Jun 04, 2020
Thursday Jun 04, 2020
Pastor Kris and Shelley discuss Ezekiel 31: 3-7 and how great nations thrived in this majestic tree's shade. Ezekiel's poetic call for hope recognizes that beauty is not merely a cultural element but a spiritual restorative. This week, let beauty re-awaken you, lift your dulled spirits, and refill your spiritual well so that you may nourish others.
Thursday Jun 25, 2020
Thursday Jun 25, 2020
This week, Pastor Kris and Shelley speak of our summer worship theme, Beguiled by Beauty, and how our spiritual life may be deepened when we set aside time for wonder and awe at God's creation.
This podcast series highlights the contemporary bearing that scripture has in our lives. Pastor Kris and Shelley Groh explore in discussion how a weekly lectionary passage has found expression in their lives.
