PODCAST · religion
The Essentials
by James Heroux
These are reflections on faith and life from a pastor who wants to explore how we can bring more hope and love to the world. How do we put our best foot forward each day? Let’s take a look at The Essentials.
Episodes
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What is Love?
Jesus final command for his followers is to love each other in the same way that he has loved them. At our best, the Moravian Church embodies this command as we say, "In all things, love."
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Solomon's Porch
Jesus provides a new path during a discussion at Solomon's Porch. Those listening would rather grab stones to get rid of him than do something new. Does that sound familiar?
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Comfort the Afflicted
Pastors often see themselves being called to "comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable." Could we provide better comfort if we reimagined who is truly afflicted?
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All Saint's Day
We hear a lot about a few saints (Hus, Comenius, and Zinzendorf) within the history of the Moravian Church. Who else from our past can inspire us today?
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The Other Church
The Moravian Church can feel like it is on the "outside" when it comes to the churches with influence in the United States today. I'd say we are right where we need to be.
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Reflections
What do you see when you look into a mirror? Chances are its not what other people see when they look at you. While it is easy to see our flaws, we'd be wise to see ourselves the way others see us.
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Not Turning Back
Jesus has a teaching for his followers that is so difficult to comprehend that some turn away and desert him. When faith brings us unanswered questions, are we going to turn away from Jesus as well?
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Moravian Music Sunday
As we reflect on some memorable Moravian music that has been around for hundreds of years, we celebrate those who are creating new Moravian music today.
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Shake it Off
Jesus offers some great advice for when we face rejection: shake it off and move on.
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Family We Choose
Jesus expands how we understand our family and who we are meant to care for. How can churches be the accepting family that people are looking for?
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Following the Rules
As Jesus gets criticized for breaking the Sabbath, we are allowed to consider if rules occasionally hold us back from going something good.
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Good Shepherd
As the Good Shepherd, Jesus cares for us. He also says that he has others that he needs to welcome into his fold. Should the church focus on receiving his care for ourselves or extending his care to others?
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Learning from Our Scars
Jesus appears to his disciples after the resurrection and proves his identity by showing them his wounds. He make use of the pain in his past. How do we let the scars of our past shape our lives today?
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Being the Good News
Mark's gospel originally ended with the promise that Jesus had risen, but it lacked the various ways he appeared to his followers. Mark's audience was frustrated by the lack of proof he provided. In the same way, people today feel they need more evidence in order to believe in Jesus, and we are...
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Palm Sunday
Jesus' impressive and memorable entrance into Jerusalem was made possible by two disciples doing the humble work of finding a colt for him to ride. Our ministry depending on the work that isn't glamorous, but is incredibly valuable.
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Moravian 101: Today's Moravian Church
We discuss the current structure and scope of the worldwide Moravian Church.
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Letting Go
Jesus shares with his followers that a grain of wheat only grows once it falls to the ground and dies. Is there something we need to be willing to let go of in order for new life to begin?
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Moravian 101: Comenius and Zinzendorf
John Amos Comenius shaped the way the world approaches education, and Count Zinzendorf sparked a mission movement that inspired generations. Our session for this week takes a look at these key figures in Moravian history.
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Unapologetic Jesus
Jesus storms into the temple, flips over tables, and has zero hesitation about making God's kingdom known on earth. The church would do well to boldly follow his example today.
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The Essentials of the Unity
Luke of Prague became a key leader for the Unity as the 16th century began. His work helps frame our theology still today. We can hear his teachings as we recite the unofficial Moravian motto: In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, love.
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Take Up Your Cross
We will tackle a few verses in scripture that the lectionary would rather have us avoid. What is our response to passages in the bible that make us uncomfortable? As always, Jesus sets a good example for us to follow.
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Moravian 101: Founding the Unity
We are excited to take a deeper dive into Moravian history and theology during this season of Lent. Our first session covers the movement of Jan Hus and the key leaders who expanded on his work to eventually found the Unity of the Brethren - what would be known as the Moravian Church today.
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To the Valley
All is well during those mountaintop moments in our lives. We're to stay there as long as possible, but life goes to the valley. Thankfully, Jesus goes with us.
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Being Present
When we can't find a solution or make things better, it can be an incredibly helpless feeling. Jesus reminds us that just being present with those who are hurting can have an amazing impact.
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Silencing Those Voices
As Jesus boldly stands up to an evil voice and silences it, how can we block out the voices in our lives seeking to do us harm?
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Fishing for People
When they drop their nets to follow Jesus, the disciples are told they will fish for people. Rather than catch people and convert them to Christianity, Jesus is asking them to hook and remove those those who are perpetuating systems of injustice in their world.
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Pointing to the Light
John the Baptist has one job: help people find the light. We need to do the same.
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Comfort from the Wilderness
John the Baptist brings a message of great comfort from an unexpected place. The wilderness in our lives isn't absent of peace, we just need to be willing to hear it.
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Advent of Hope
Waiting can be a challenge. Waiting with no finish line in sight can feel impossible. How can we make sense of and make the most of our season on anticipation?
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Responding to Hate
An ugly scene took place in Madison this week as Neo-Nazis marched near the capitol. The communities who are the targets of such hate need our support, and I hope we can find a meaningful way to respond.
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Hello From Madison
Welcome back! After a short break moving from one congregation to another, the podcast has resumed. Here's a few words about my hopes for the Glenwood Moravian Community Church and our ministry together.
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Freedom Moravian
I had the privilege of spending my first five years in ministry as the pastor of the Freedom Moravian Church. This was our last Sunday together, and we took some time to wish each other well in our future ministries.
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Change Your Mind
With the help of Moses, God was able to choose a path of peace instead of destruction. How can we mirror that voice to mediate conflict in our world today?
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Caring for the Vineyard
It can be challenging to witness the things we love under unexpected or unplanned change. How can we look for new life when we reach a reality that we didn't intend?
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Authority
When Jesus did the most loving and life-giving thing, the leaders challenged his authority. We have to decide if we are meant to follow rules/norms or produce hope in every action.
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What God Provides
From manna in the wilderness to wages for our daily work, we explore how God provides for us this week and if we are content to embrace what we have without comparing ourselves to others.
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Forgiveness
Peter asks Jesus a little about forgiveness. Even when it seems impossible, it turns out to be exactly what we need to offer.
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Traditions
Traditions hold such tremendous value to us; especially when we experience them as more than a connection to the past, but as a promise and comfort for the present.
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Call Stories
Are we willing to be curious about what God has in store for us? Or do we think we have it figured out already. I think the world would love to know that the church wants to ask questions to find a better understanding.
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Oil Change
Sometimes we are enlightened at the most random of places - even when we're waiting for our oil to get changed.
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Who Is Jesus?
The crowds were obsessed with understanding who Jesus was. All these years later, how does what we know about Jesus compare?
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Bring Them In
Jesus was willing to change his approach, to learn from experience, and to take a risk in order to bring outsiders into God's love. Our calling is to do the same.
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Renewal
With a strong sense of renewal in 1727, the Moravian Church pushed forward with a bold new mission that they carried across the globe. Could the hope of renewal take root in our churches today?
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Wrestling with God
Jacob earns a new name and a new sense of direction by wrestling with God and refusing to let go.
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Mustard Seeds
Even something as small as a mustard seed can see miraculous growth with the proper attention. We're called to make the most of each and every little day in this life.
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Pulling Weeds
In a world full of weeds, Jesus calls us to plant something good rather than rip something out.
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When We Disagree
When we disagree and go our separate ways, we eliminate any chance at maintaining community. My hope is that our differences inspire conversations that help produce a better understanding of each other.
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Planting Seeds
The parable of the sower reminds us to be generous with our seeds of faith. Even when it feels like nothing will take root when you share God's word, it is always the right thing to do.
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Grandma's Marathon
After nearly 20 years of running, I finally ran the race I have been looking for. Here's to putting the work in and finding those dreams that you've been working toward.
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Rest
It can sometimes be a struggle to accept the rest we deserve. Jesus invites us to erase any guilt that comes with taking care of ourselves.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
These are reflections on faith and life from a pastor who wants to explore how we can bring more hope and love to the world. How do we put our best foot forward each day? Let’s take a look at The Essentials.
HOSTED BY
James Heroux
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Essentials have?
The Essentials currently has 66 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Essentials about?
These are reflections on faith and life from a pastor who wants to explore how we can bring more hope and love to the world. How do we put our best foot forward each day? Let’s take a look at The Essentials.
How often does The Essentials release new episodes?
The Essentials has 66 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Essentials?
You can listen to The Essentials on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Essentials?
The Essentials is created and hosted by James Heroux.
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