Affirming Methodism

Brittany and Pastor Marianne sit down with Susan Cherin of The LOTUS Project and Nicole DePietro of RAH! Theatre Company to talk about what draws people to theater, why youth performance spaces matter, and how a church building becomes something more when it opens its doors to the community.Upcoming Shows:LOTUS - Willy Wonka Jr. | May 8th - 9thRAH! - Carrie | June 11th - 13th

What does it look like when a church takes seriously its belief in redemption, dignity, and second chances — not just as words, but as a way of life? Rev. Dustin Mailman joins Brittany and Marianne to talk about Deep Time Coffee, a ministry walking alongside people impacted by incarceration through employment, community, and restored belonging. They explore what people actually need after reentry, how the church can interrupt stigma instead of reinforcing it, and why genuine welcome means more than an open door on Sunday morning.

This month on Affirming Methodism, Marianne sits down with Rev. Darryl Dayson of South Tryon Community UMC in Charlotte. From his formation in campus ministry at App Wesley to his leadership in justice and advocacy today, Darryl shares what makes a local church truly vital—especially in a time shaped by rising Christian Nationalism and deep community need. Together, they explore outreach, anti-racism, hope in ministry, and how the Church can clearly proclaim the liberating Gospel in this crucial moment.

This month on Affirming Methodism, we’re joined by Rev. Brian Combs, Lead Pastor of Haywood Street Congregation in Asheville, NC, for a deep conversation about radical hospitality and what it means to center people pushed to the margins. Together, we explore moving beyond charity and saviorism toward mutuality, shared leadership, and true belonging—and what it costs, challenges, and renews the church when making space becomes the heart of faith.

Rev. Joel Simpson joins Affirming Methodism for a powerful conversation on faith that refuses to stay confined to the pulpit. As a pastor, moral-justice organizer, preacher, and scholar, Joel reflects on the moments that shaped his calling to move from sermons to organizing, protest, and deep community engagement—including his recent arrest in Washington, DC. Together, we explore the tension between belief and action, the risks of prophetic ministry, and how the church can faithfully engage justice work rooted in hope, courage, and collective action.

In this month’s episode of Affirming Methodism, Marianne & Tracy sit down with Patti Kreis to explore the story and impact of Light of Christ’s Angel Tree—how it strengthens our partnerships, supports families locally and globally, and reflects our mission as a church. We also hear from Kayla, Alyssa, and Mikah, three of our young “angels,” as they share why this ministry matters and what it means to them to help lead our congregation in generosity this season.

This month on Affirming Methodism, we’re joined by Brittany Bethel and Makena Bellamy of Cross Connection to explore the inspiring transformation happening at Parkview Community Center. Through adaptive leadership and deep listening to the neighborhood’s needs, Parkview has become a living example of faith in action—where God’s presence is seen in community connection, compassion, and new life emerging in unexpected ways. Tune in to hear how this story of transformation invites us all to expand our understanding of who God is and what’s possible when the Church opens its heart to the world around it.

In this month’s episode of Affirming Methodism, hosts Marianne and Taylor sit down with Rev. Nathan Arledge, Senior Pastor of Harrison UMC, to talk about what it means to be an outward-focused missional church. Together, they explore how congregations can respond to injustice, gun violence, racism, and human rights violations with advocacy, hospitality, and action. Rev. Arledge shares stories of leading mission efforts in response to natural disasters and alongside immigrant communities, as well as his vision for how churches like Light of Christ and Harrison can partner in justice and mercy.

This month on Affirming Methodism, host Marianne is joined by guest co-host Tracy Vassil, our Director of Children’s Ministry and a former teacher, for a conversation about the education system in North Carolina. Together with two LOC members who are current teachers, we discuss the challenges educators and students face today and how the church can play a meaningful role in supporting them both inside and outside the classroom.

In this month’s episode of Affirming Methodism, we’re joined by Allie Black, Marisa Romanat, and Austin Romanat—directors for this summer for Cross Connection. They share life updates, reflect on how Light of Christ and Cross Connection have shaped their journeys, and offer a look into what’s ahead for their summer of service. Tune in to hear how we can support and pray for them as they lead with love and purpose.

In this month’s episode of Affirming Methodism, we’re joined by Rev. Dawn Hand, Director of Equity and Justice for the Western NC Conference. We talk about her past ministries, her passion for justice, and how her work is shaping a more inclusive future for our churches and communities.

This month on Affirming Methodism, we’re joined by Rev. Emily Bagwell, Director of Resource Management & Development at Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN). We discuss her role at RMN, their current initiatives, and their vision for the future. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the impact and ongoing mission of RMN in creating a more just and affirming church.

In this month's episode of Affirming Methodism, Marianne is joined by Neil Hartly, Hope Gamble, and Kyle Romanat to discuss their recent trip to Boone, NC, where they put their faith into action by helping communities affected by Hurricane Helene.

This month, we are joined by Reverend David Hockett of Davidson UMC to explore the United Methodist practice of Open Table. Together, we discuss what it means to welcome all to Christ’s table and how we can embody this radical hospitality in our daily lives.

In this special year-end episode of Affirming Methodism, co-hosts Marianne and Taylor share their favorite moments with guests from 2024. They also celebrate Light of Christ UMC’s historic vote to become a Reconciling Church and dive into the importance of this milestone for the church’s mission and community.

This month on Affirming Methodism, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Light of Christ UMC with a special conversation featuring former pastors Rev. Dr. Maria Hanlin, Rev. Beth Crissman, and Rev. Kyle Thompson. Together, we look back on their impactful years at LOC, discuss our present growth, and envision the future paths for our church community.

In this episode of Affirming Methodism, we welcome Bishop David Wilson of the Great Plains Conference, the first Native American bishop in the United Methodist Church. Together, we explore the historical injustices and displacement Indigenous peoples have faced, including the role the church has played. Bishop Wilson shares his insights on healing, reconciliation, and how the intersection of Indigenous identity and faith can shape a more inclusive and just future for the church.

In this episode of Affirming Methodism, Juan Rodriguez and Kyle Romanat join us to explore the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month. Together, we dive into the cultural and spiritual differences between churches in the United States and those in Latin America, and reflect on how diverse worship practices shape a vibrant faith community.

In this lighthearted and laughter-filled episode of Affirming Methodism, we sit down with our Director of Kids Ministry, Grace Zelen, to explore what she’s doing with LOC Kids. We also hear from parents—Holly & Kelly Brady and Melissa Sage; kids—Reese & Taryn Brady, Robby Sage, and Grace Raudales; and volunteer—Melissa Sage. We dive into the vibrant happenings in the ministry today and share our hopes and dreams for its future. This episode is filled with the infectious energy that only kids can bring!

In this episode, we welcome Bishop Ken Carter and Kim Ingram from the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. We delve into the recent General Conference and explore a renewed vision for creating vitality in local congregations. Our guests share their insights on embracing inclusivity, and fostering a community that reflects the diverse body of Christ. Join us as we discuss how the church can thrive in today's world by upholding the principles of love and acceptance.

In this episode, we sit down with Rev. Sarah Howell-Miller to explore the innovative and inclusive work being done at Green Street United Methodist Church. Discover how they're fostering a welcoming community, advocating for social justice, and redefining what it means to be a church in today's world. Join us for an inspiring conversation on faith, activism, and the power of community.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Ophelia Hu Kinney as we delve into the rich tapestry of intersecting identities. Ophelia, shares her insights on navigating faith, embracing queerness, and honoring her Asian American heritage. Together, we explore the challenges and triumphs of living authentically at the crossroads of these powerful identities.

In preparation for the upcoming United Methodist General Conference we sat down with Carter Ellis, a delegate from the Western North Carolina Conference, to discuss how we can be in prayer for the upcoming global gathering of our church.

This month we decided to reflect on some of our previous episodes and dream about the future. We also announce that our co-host Brittany Bethel is taking a step back from Affirming Methodism to launch her own podcast with Carolina Cross Connection called Daring Grace. While we will miss Brittany, we are so excited to hear from our new co-host Taylor Whitley. Check out Daring Grace

In honor of Black History Month, we're delving into the vital importance of acknowledging Black history and addressing the systemic racism that has plagued our country and our Church. Thank you to all of our friends who participated in this conversation: Nina Johnson, Jade Mason, Javier Castelan, Marcela Meneses, Meghan Butler, JoAnn McMillan, & Adam Sepanski.

This month, we are joined by Dan Huang and Christopher Raleigh, two Light of Christ members who are also mental health professionals, to talk about the intersection of faith and mental health.

For December, we asked some of our friends who live alone how we can best support them. You'll here from Patti Kreis, Denise Hembree, and Sylvester James tell us what Light of Christ's community means to them. TW: Suicide

This month, we had the privilege to sit down and talk with Miriam & Michele Ciscato and Marcela Meneses & Javier Castelan, two immigrant families in our congregation. They share how they came to be part of our community and ways that we can continue to affirm and support all cultures.

This month we sat down with Jen Hedrick of and Allison and John Brady of Light of Christ, to hear how the disaffiliation process impacted them.

This month we had the opportunity to learn from Val Rosenquist, M.DIV., PH.D., who is the Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC. Val shares how First UMC embraces diversity and advocacy in the Charlotte area.

This month we hear from Toni Stone- Brinson and Kim Lindsley about being LGBTQ+ members of the church. TW: Suicide, Religious Trauma

This month we had an insightful conversation about navigating your faith in middle and high school with two students from Light of Christ, Austin Romanat and Camille Barber.

This month we talk with Marissa Romanat and Colton Brinson, two college students at Light of Christ, about navigating personal faith while in school.

This month, we sit down with Denise Hembree and Nina Johnson, to discuss where we started and how we envision our future.

Rev. Marianne Romanat and Dr. Brittany Bethel introduce Affirming Methodism and share their vision for the podcast.