Understanding Church
Understanding Church is an evolution of the Bethlehem Backchat podcast. We talk about life in the quirky community known as the Christian church. Special guests are featured to add topic specific depth to the conversation. We are a caring and compassionate platform for all, and an avenue through which we can truly "understand church" and all that term implies. Welcome!
Episodes
65 episodes
Guilt and Shame; Grace and Mercy
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 ...
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38:25
The Church Year and Other Churchy Stuff
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 ...
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45:11
How Does Jesus Heal People?
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 ...
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54:16
Doubt
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...
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36:06
Concerning Suffering
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 emotion...
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45:02
Lutheran Senior Life is Amazing!
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...
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30:01
Christ Has Died, Christ Has Risen; Christ Will Come Again.
In this episode, Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone discuss the promise that "Christ Has Died." [We know that from Good Friday]; "Christ Has Risen." [Yes! Risen Indeed!] and "Christ Will Come Again." OK, when? What does all that mean? We also talk abo...
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43:52
Understanding the Psalms
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss how to engage in the Psalms. They are unique and need to be approached in a way different from other scriptures. Are the Psalms poetry, songs, or prayers? How do we read them to get the...
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37:38
Josh Kenst on Mission in Senegal, West Africa
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone speak with Josh Kenst, who is serving as a missionary/volunteer in Senegal, West Africa. Josh is part of the YAGM (Young Adults in Global Mission) initiative through the ELCA. His mission is fo...
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44:13
Spiritual But Not Religious or Spiritual AND Religious
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the common phrase, "I'm spiritual but not religious." What does that actually mean? Discussion surrounds the cultural meaning of 'spiritual' compared to the Christian meaning of 'spirit...
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41:55
How to Listen to a Sermon
Listening for specific things within a sermon can help you get the most out of the sermon message! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone offer suggestions that may plant a seed that helps your understanding grow. We will discuss th...
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40:45
Seeking Spiritual Counsel
Life is stressful and we all need help getting through difficult times! In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the importance of reaching out for guidance and support when needed. Our special guest, Mark Heinbockel of ...
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46:35
Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Sayings That are not Biblical
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss those sayings that we say all the time that are not often used as the scripture intended or are not biblical at all! Does God close a door and open a window? Does everything happen for ...
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46:06
Atonement: A Relationship Restored
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss "at-one-ment" in other words, atonement. God promises us relationship with Him and He is faithful in doing so. But, we keep messing up--it is in our human nature. How do we reconcile or...
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38:46
Easter the Reason for the Season
Just in time for Easter! Pastor Dan and Wendy Farone explain the background and backstory of Holy Week. Maundy Thursday through Easter Sunday are described so that full meaning and understanding can be experienced in worship. This is a podcast ...
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46:17
Chatting with the Bethlehem Youth
This year our 8th grade confirmands reach their formal learning toward becoming official members of the church. They have participated in 3 full years of learning about the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), the New Testament, and Lutheranism. Durin...
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26:38
Pastor Dan Goes to Israel
In this episode Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss the Pastor's recent trip to Israel. A 13-hour trip to Tel Aviv, bus rides, security checks and travel in general seems to be worth the experience of visiting the Holy Land. Pastor Dan of...
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43:58
Why is Jesus' Birth Such a Big Deal?
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone answer many questions surrounding the true 'reason for the season' including: Why did Jesus have to be born in the first place? Why did God send Jesus as an infant? Why send Jesus into a place ...
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32:43
You'll Never Experience Worship the Same Way Again! Part 2
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone summarize the key points from Part 1 and discuss the meaning and significance in the worship service. This includes the pillars of worship including the Gathering, Word, Meal, and Sending. The ...
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37:43
You'll Never Experience Worship the Same Way Again! Part 1
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone walk through the first half of a worship service using the bulletin as a guide. Download a bulletin
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54:54
Is God Mad at Me?
Have you ever said, "What have I done to deserve this? God must be mad at me?" Does God get mad at us and punish us for our behaviors? During this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone offer some guidance in this commonly misunderstood con...
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37:45
Is Free Will a Good Thing?
We are free to choose, right? What are the consequences of our decisions? Are we making the correct ones? God gives humans the ability to choose. Therefore, humans do have free will. But, in our sinful, human nature, do we really make the ones ...
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38:17
Getting Right With God
In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Wendy Farone discuss what it means to 'get right with God.' Many believe that being a 'good person' or doing 'good things' makes one righteous. Lutheran tradition is that we have "justification by grace thr...
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32:00
