Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church

In this episode of Awaken to Grace, Brian and Jen welcome Rev. Charlie Charles, an elder in the Florida Conference, for a rich conversation on peace as a fruit of the Spirit. Drawing on his childhood in 1980s Northern Ireland and experience of pastoral ministry, Charlie helps untangle the difference between the world's peace and the shalom Christ offers, a peace that doesn't remove us from turbulence, but steadies us from within it. Jen grounds the conversation in Wesley's vision of the Kingdom of God, where peace and joy arrive not through our striving but through full acceptance of God's saving love. Together, they explore John 20's breathtaking image of the risen Christ breathing peace into his fearful disciples before sending them out, and they offer the church a practical vision of peacemaking rooted in deep listening, courage, and the daily habits that keep us open to the Spirit's work. 3:26 — Shalom: beyond the absence of violence 5:10 — Peace as fruit: Wesley's Kingdom framework 17:47 — Breath, receive, release: the John 20 sending 27:54 — Listening and courage as peacemaking skills 38:50 — Daily habits and the cultivation of peace For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

In this episode, Brian and Derrick are joined by Alice Williams — former FLUMC Conference Co-Lay Leader and member of St. Luke's UMC in the Orlando — for a rich conversation on joy as a fruit of the Spirit. Alice draws on decades of life experience, including walking alongside her wife Debbie through cancer, to draw a clear line between happiness (an emotion tied to circumstances) and joy (a gift of the Spirit that cannot be taken away). The three explore how joy coexists with grief, how trust in Jesus makes "rejoice always" more than bumper sticker theology, and how practices like gratitude, abiding, and showing up for one another cultivate joy that overflows as witness to the world. Show Notes 0:30 — Happiness vs. joy: a foundational distinction 5:01 — Joy as what the Holy Spirit brings when it moves in 10:54 — Love, loss, and why joy and grief coexist 18:58 — Practices that cultivate joy: prayer, gratitude, humor, and burning bushes 27:29 — Joy as community witness: celebrating and being celebrated For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

Brian, Derrick, and Jenn open a new series on the Fruits of the Spirit by exploring love — not as sentiment, but as the fierce, sacrificial, truth-telling way of Jesus. Together they question a church culture that settles for surface-level niceness, and consider what it means to receive God's love so fully that it can't help but overflow in everyday acts of care — even in traffic, grocery lines, and tense meetings. As the first and foundational fruit, love isn't just one item on a list; it's the context that makes room for the other fruits to be borne in our lives. Show Notes 0:31 — Launching the Fruits of the Spirit series 1:44 — Fierce, scandalous love: defining love that looks like Jesus 4:39 — What churches get wrong: love is not conflict-avoidant 12:34 — Putting love in shoe leather: everyday practices 23:09 — Love as the root that animates every other fruit 25:34 — A love-forward witness in a polarized world For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

Easter isn't just a date on the calendar—it's a present reality that reorders everything. In this episode, Bishop Tom Berlin joins Brian Myers and Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams to explore what it means to live as Easter people every day. From Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb to the transformed disciples of Acts, they trace how resurrection power reshapes identity, challenges a cross-only faith, and moves us from self-striving to daily surrender. Along the way, they share honest reflections on spiritual practices, the marks of a resurrection community, and why joy—not duty—is the truest sign that we believe the tomb is empty. Show Notes 1:41 — Kingdom now, not just heaven later 4:40 — Baptismal identity over performance 10:28 — When the cross without resurrection loses power 12:52 — Daily surrender vs. New Year's resolution faith 26:30 — Marks of a resurrection community 29:20 — Joy as the sign of Easter living For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

What does greed actually look like — and how do we recognize it in ourselves? In this episode of Awaken to Grace, Brian Myers and Derrick Scott III are joined by Bryant Manning, campus minister at the Wesley Foundation at FSU and TCC, for a conversation about selfishness, greed, and the liberating invitation of an open hand. From the story of Mary's costly gift and Judas's objection, to the practical challenge of stewarding things without being owned by them, the conversation moves between honest confession and genuine hope. Bryant and Derrick share personal practices — from prayer habits to the discipline of giving — that retrain the heart away from scarcity and toward trust. Whether you're grasping for things, time, or control, the good news is that the open hand is always possible. Show Notes 0:30 — Introducing Bryant Manning and the Wesley Foundation 3:26 — Greed defined: society's framework of self-first 6:29 — The Judas test: "Who is this really about?" 14:48 — Nice things vs. reliance on things: a stewardship distinction 27:31 — Derrick's Enneagram 5 confession: hoarding time 32:40 — Bryant's story: the anonymous donor and the open hand For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

In honor of Women's History Month, Derrick Scott III sits down with Rev. Dr. Andrea Byer-Thomas — ordained elder, pastor of Community UMC in Fort Pierce, and member of the Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) — for a wide-ranging conversation about the history, challenges, and ongoing work of women in United Methodist ministry. From Susanna Wesley to the landmark 1956 ordination milestone, from the first women who preached without sanction to the women still navigating resistance today, this episode is a celebration and a charge. Show Notes 0:00 — Introducing Rev. Dr. Andrea Byer-Thomas and COSROW 6:19 — Women's ordination timeline: from Susanna Wesley to 1956 9:47 — Challenges of the first ordained women: no roadmap, no mentors 17:06 — Why COSROW monitors the annual conference 22:49 — Women who shaped Andrea's call to ministry 33:45 — A word to young women discerning a call 37:21 — What the church needs from its men

When injustice feels overwhelming, the Christian response isn't to look away — it's to locate ourselves in God's redemptive work and take one faithful step. In this conversation, Brian Myers and Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams welcome Pastor José Nieves of First United Methodist Church in Kissimmee to explore what Scripture really says about justice, why the church keeps outsourcing it, and how proximity and partnership transform communities from the inside out. Show Notes: 0:00 — Introduction & episode overview 2:18 — Justice defined: God's intent vs. fallen reality 4:56 — Lament and action: why they belong together 6:47 — Unpacking Micah 6:8 in full context 17:50 — From 19 kids to 5,000: the 68 Hours of Hunger story 26:52 — Holy discontent and the call to proximity 34:20 — Weaving mercy and justice into congregational rhythms For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

When life doesn't go according to plan, how do we hold disappointment without being consumed by it? Brian Myers and Jenn Stiles Williams are joined by Marisa Gertz, Pastor of Care and Discipleship at Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville, for an honest conversation about waiting, lament, and the spiritual formation that happens in the in-between. Together they explore Psalm 42, biblical witnesses who waited well — and didn't — and the practices that keep us grounded in God's presence when answers are slow in coming. Show Notes 2:52 – Disappointment as part of being human 5:52 – Psalm 42 and the journey toward hope 13:22 – Biblical case studies: waiting well and not 17:50 – Practices for cultivating patience 21:29 – The WAITING acronym for leaders For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

Anger is a human emotion — even Jesus felt it. But what distinguishes righteous anger from destructive rage? In this episode, Brian Myers is joined by guest co-host Jessica Scott and Rev. Steve Price for a wise, hope-filled conversation rooted in the Wesleyan tradition. Together they examine the biblical roots of righteous anger, name common drivers of reactive rage, and explore practices — communion, silence, the pause, breath prayer — that tether our emotions to love. The goal isn't to suppress anger, but to surrender it to God and let it become fuel for healing. Show Notes: 0:11 — Episode introduction and framing  4:38 — Is all anger sinful?  5:34 — Righteous anger vs. sinful rage: the Wesleyan distinction  6:55 — Community practices: communion and table fellowship  10:42 — Personal practices: silence, solitude, and music  13:34 — The pause, James 1:19, and breath prayer  18:22 — Anger directed at behavior, not person — and toward restoration For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

Loneliness isn't a moral failure — it's a human experience, and it may be more widespread than we realize. In this episode of Awaken to Grace, Brian Myers, Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams, and Derrick Scott III take an honest, compassionate look at isolation and loneliness as real barriers to receiving and sharing God's grace. Drawing from the Psalms of lament, the theology of the Trinity, and the witness of the early church, the conversation explores why we're hardwired for community, how to take small but meaningful steps toward connection, and what it looks like when the local church becomes a genuine remedy for one of our generation's most pressing epidemics. Show Notes: 0:11 — Introducing loneliness as an obstacle to grace 4:49 — Solitude vs. loneliness: a critical distinction 9:15 — The Psalms of lament as a language for isolation 12:44 — Hardwired for community: the theology of the Trinity 19:09 — Corporate worship as a first step out of isolation 21:44 — Moving people from the crowd to community For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

Worry and fear can feel overwhelming — but you don't have to navigate them alone. In this episode of Awaken to Grace, Brian Myers is joined by Derrick Scott III and special guest Rev. Justin LaRosa, an ordained deacon and licensed clinical social worker, for a compassionate, hope-filled conversation about moving from fear to faith. Together they explore how to name anxiety without shame in faith communities, what Scripture says about God's peace, and practical tools — from silence and scripture-anchoring to body care and confession — that help us face anxious times with courage. This episode also addresses the critical role congregations play in creating space for mental health honesty and pointing people toward the care they need. Note: This episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If anxiety is persistent or disrupting daily life, seeking support from a licensed professional is a wise and faithful step. For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

In this episode, Brian Myers, Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams, and Derrick Scott III explore service as a means of grace — not an optional add-on to faith, but the very shape of it. Drawing on John 13, Matthew 25, James 2, and Wesley's theology of works of mercy, the conversation traces how serving others moves us from self-centeredness to other-centeredness, challenges our privilege and ego, and ultimately forms us in the likeness of Christ. From the foot-washing table to the food pantry, they offer a practical framework for discovering your unique calling to serve — and remind us that sometimes, the most sacred act is simply taking out the trash. 0:11 — Service as a Wesleyan means of grace 4:48 — John 13: Jesus's foot-washing as a paradigm shift for leadership 10:14 — Personal Sanctification: Why we need those we serve 13:08 — The Savior Complex: How service transforms the servant's heart 22:00 — Finding Your Calling: Gifts, burdens, place, and rhythm 27:13 — Opening the Door: Faithful service in the small, disruptive moments For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

In this special episode, Co-Conference Lay Leader Derrick Scott III sits down with Bishop Tom Berlin for a candid conversation about what's on his heart for the Florida Conference right now. From the spiritual and collaborative work behind appointment making, to the real and present impact of immigration policy on United Methodist congregations across Florida, to upcoming regional gatherings — Bishop Berlin offers honest, pastoral perspective on a season that feels like the world is spinning. He closes with a personal challenge for Ash Wednesday and Lent that may change how you enter this sacred season. 0:45 — Bishop Berlin recaps recent conference activity and engagements. 8:30 — Inside the appointment-making process. 12:30 — Immigration as a present reality in Florida United Methodist churches. 19:49 — Regional gatherings: bringing back what the conference heard from the people. 21:55 — Bishop Berlin's Ash Wednesday and Lenten challenge.

In a world built on hurry and hustle, God offers a different rhythm—one that restores our souls. Hosts Brian Myers and Jenn Stiles Williams are joined by Jim Cook, a trained spiritual director, to explore Sabbath as a gift rather than a burden. Jim shares how the book Sabbath has informed his understanding of holy rest, offering this acrostic: "Spirit Awareness Brings Blessings, Adding Truthful Holiness." The conversation moves from the ancient commands of Exodus to modern practices, exploring Sabbath through two anchors—creation rest (we are not machines) and Exodus freedom (we are not slaves). Discover what Sabbath is and isn't, practical ways to reclaim sacred time through family time, meditation, silence, and friendship, and the fruits of the Spirit that emerge when we honor God's rhythm. Jim closes with a beautiful haiku prayer: "May I honor time, the gift given for living as holy treasure." Show Notes 4:33 – Jim Cook introduces himself and shares how the book Sabbath shaped his spiritual life over 30+ years in the local church 8:10 – Reading Exodus 20:8-11 and Jim's Sabbath acrostic: Spirit Awareness Brings Blessings, Adding Truthful Holiness 11:03 – Two anchors of Sabbath: creation rest (we're not machines) and Exodus freedom (we're not slaves) 31:33 – What Sabbath is NOT—distinguishing between zoning out and true holy rest 32:28 – Practical Sabbath practices: family time, meditation, silence, labyrinth walking, and simple friendship 38:48 – Jim's closing haiku and the four-fold rhythm: cease, rest, delight, worship For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

In this episode of The Laity Space Podcast, host Jessica Scott sits down with Bev Bommer, the North East District Director of Lay Servant Ministries and volunteer coordinator for the upcoming Fresh Expressions National Gathering. Bev explains how fresh expressions—whether in dog parks, dinner churches, tattoo parlors, or recovery facilities—meet people where they are and create authentic communities of faith for those who may never walk through church doors. Bev shares her hope and excitement about seeing a fresh spirit energizing laity throughout The United Methodist Church. Show Notes 4:01 - What is Fresh Expressions?  8:28 - Surprising expressions of church 10:00 - All Together Now: Fresh Expressions UM National Gathering  16:42 - The priesthood of all believers 22:40 - Hope for The United Methodist Church For more information on All Together Now" Fresh Expressions National Gathering, check out https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/altogethernow. The Laity Space Podcast is presented by Florida Conference Board of Laity and produced by the team at Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. For more information, go to laityspace.org.

Fasting isn't punishment—it's making space. Brian Myers and Derrick Scott III welcome Rev. Carlene Barbeau, an ordained deacon in the Florida Conference and school chaplain for a conversation about the spiritual purpose of this ancient practice. Together they explore what separates spiritual fasting from dieting, unpack Isaiah 58's vision of fasting joined to justice and mercy, and share personal stories of transformation—from workplace prayer meetings to a Lenten fast from anger that brought unexpected healing. With Lent approaching, this episode offers practical wisdom for choosing a fast aligned with your season, maintaining healthy guardrails, and celebrating the feast that awaits on the other side. Show Notes: 03:45 Carlene defines spiritual fasting: taking something off your overflowing plate so God can put what God wants there instead. 08:38 Isaiah 58 reframes fasting—not about looking deprived, but about freeing the oppressed, sharing food with the hungry, and turning our eyes from ourselves toward God and community. 12:59 Carlene shares two transformative fasts: the Daniel fast that taught her to see God's provision in every meal, and the Lenten fast from anger that healed a broken relationship with her father. 17:50 Guardrails for healthy fasting: choosing something genuinely challenging without becoming a martyr, and recognizing when the fast itself becomes an idol. 27:45 After the fast comes the feast—celebrating in community and sharing testimony of what God revealed during the season of surrender. 33:09 Final encouragement: you cannot fail at a fast. If you prayed one extra moment, it's a success. In this episode, Brian Myers, Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams, and Derrick Scott III explore service as a means of grace — not an optional add-on to faith, but the very shape of it. Drawing on John 13, Matthew 25, James 2, and Wesley's theology of works of mercy, the conversation traces how serving others moves us from self-centeredness to other-centeredness, challenges our privilege and ego, and ultimately forms us in the likeness of Christ. From the foot-washing table to the food pantry, they offer a practical framework for discovering your unique calling to serve — and remind us that sometimes, the most sacred act is simply taking out the trash. 0:11 — Service as a Wesleyan means of grace 4:48 — John 13: Jesus's foot-washing as a paradigm shift for leadership 10:14 — Personal Sanctification: Why we need those we serve 13:08 — The Savior Complex: How service transforms the servant's heart 22:00 — Finding Your Calling: Gifts, burdens, place, and rhythm 27:13 — Opening the Door: Faithful service in the small, disruptive moments For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

In a world saturated with constant noise, choosing silence becomes a radical spiritual act. Host Brian Myers welcomes Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams and guest Rev. Stuart Upton to explore how intentional quiet calms the soul and creates space to hear God's voice. The conversation examines both internal noise (the competing voices and soundtracks in our heads) and external noise (notifications, news cycles, and social media), framing silence as an act of sacred resistance. Drawing from scripture passages like Elijah's encounter with God in 1 Kings 19 and the Psalms' call to "be still," the panel discusses practical ways to audit the noise in our lives, identify "thin spaces" where heaven feels near, and cultivate silence as a posture of expectation rather than escape. The episode concludes with a guided moment of communal silence and prayer. Show Notes: 03:58 – Internal vs. external noise and silence as sacred resistance 10:35 – Conducting a "noise audit" in life, work, and worship 19:20 – Scripture on silence: Elijah, Psalms, and Ecclesiastes 29:29 – Practical steps for beginning a silence practice 39:45 – Closing prayer with a communal moment of silence For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

We’re sharing a special episode the Laity Space Webinar Series. Recorded in November 2025, Derrick Scott III is joined by Bishop Tom Berlin along with Rev. Dr. Brett Opalinski and James Ridgway as they discuss the upcoming Wesleyan Heritage Pilgrimage that will take place in the Fall 2026. This tour is being designed specifically with the laity in mind but clergy are also invited to attend. For more information on the Wesleyan Heritage Pilgrimage for Laity, check out https://www.flumc.org/wesley-heritage-pilgrimage. The Laity Space Podcast is presented by Florida Conference Board of Laity and produced by the team at Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. For more information, go to laityspace.org.

If the Bible feels intimidating, overwhelming, or stale—you're not alone. In this episode, Brian Myers and Derrick Scott III welcome Reverend Meghan Killingsworth to explore Scripture engagement as something far more than a solo study exercise. Together, they discuss why reading the Bible with others transforms the experience, how to sit with a text long enough for it to read you back, and what to do when Scripture has been used to cause harm. From Lectio Divina to "dislocated exegesis" (reading the same passage in different locations), this conversation offers practical wisdom for making Scripture come alive in everyday moments—not just on Sundays. Show Notes 04:19 - The gift of Scripture memorization 07:17 - Why reading Scripture in community changes everything 10:46 - Historical practices: Lectionary, Lectio Divina, and reading in different places 17:08 - Meditating on Scripture: Holding small portions for longer periods 27:50 - Finding yourself in biblical characters—even the ones you don't like 36:43 - For those harmed by Scripture: "Take your Bible back" For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

Episode Description: If your prayer life feels like a transaction—a wish list you hand to God—you're not alone. In this episode, Brian Myers and Jenn Stiles Williams welcome Reverend Alex Shanks to explore prayer as something far more dynamic: an ongoing conversation with God. Together, they discuss how to pray honestly when we're tired, frustrated, or spiritually dry, and why silence might be exactly what our souls need. This conversation offers practical wisdom for deepening your prayer life, from centering prayers to "flash prayers" with strangers, and reminds us that prayer isn't about eloquence—it's about showing up as we are. Show Notes 02:25 - What is prayer? Moving beyond transaction to relationship 11:13 - What to do when prayer feels hard or God seems distant 21:56 - The gift of silence: Befriending the darkness in prayer 30:00 - Flash prayers and praying out loud in community 37:35 - Using tools like the Awaken to Grace devotional 43:48 - Closing with ACTS prayer: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakenedtograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

In this special Epiphany episode, we're honored to share a post-Christmas message from Bishop Tom Berlin. While Christmas celebrations have ended and decorations are packed away, Bishop Berlin reminds us that the Incarnation isn't just a nice story—it's the world-altering reality that God has entered our darkness. Drawing from John's Gospel, he explores what happens when we truly awaken to the fact that Jesus is real, not merely a seasonal sentiment. He shares powerful stories from Florida Conference churches responding to darkness with light and issues a challenge for the year ahead: to let the beauty of Christ condition our souls and shine through our lives into a world that desperately needs it. Whether you saw this message in your own congregation sometime between Christmas and the New Year, or this is your first time hearing it, be inspired by this encouragement for our witness in 2026. Enjoy! Show Notes 02:15 - The surprise claim of the Incarnation: God has entered the world 06:45 - The marching band story: Finding our true note in a cold time 10:25 - Living in darkness: Economic worry, fear, and contempt in our society 13:40 - The light that darkness cannot overcome 16:20 - Stories of churches bringing light: Too many volunteers and ministry in motion 18:45 - Awakening to grace: Letting our light shine in 2026

As we step into a new year, what does it mean to truly recommit our lives to God? In this episode, Brian Myers and Derrick Scott III welcome Warren Pattison to explore the rich Wesleyan tradition of covenant renewal. Together, they unpack Wesley's powerful covenant prayer, discuss how to prepare our hearts for genuine surrender, and discover practical ways to renew our covenant with God—not just on New Year's Day, but on any ordinary Tuesday. This conversation offers wisdom for living with open hands, avoiding spiritual burnout, and remembering that we belong to a God whose faithfulness never fails. Show Notes 02:54 - What is covenant? Understanding God's grace-filled relationship with us 10:42 - Preparing our hearts: Letting go of security, status, and control 12:06 - Reading Wesley's covenant prayer: "I am no longer my own but thine" 18:28 - From personal renewal to corporate witness: The church's covenant together 24:27 - Daily practices for renewing covenant on ordinary days 28:42 - Setting healthy boundaries: Avoiding perfectionism while staying faithful For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakenedtograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

Christmas is over, but we remain an Advent people—rooted in Christ's first coming and alert for His coming again. In this episode, Brian Myers and Derrick Scott III welcome Will Clark to explore what it means to live faithfully in the "already and not yet" of God's kingdom. Together, they discuss where we see God's kingdom breaking through today, where we feel the ache of what's still to come, and how holy expectation can fuel our ordinary days. This conversation offers practical wisdom for scheduling our lives around Jesus and staying awake to grace as we enter a new year. Show Notes 03:23 - Understanding the "already and not yet" of God's kingdom 06:50 - Where do you see the kingdom already at work today? 14:38 - Where do you feel the ache of the not yet? 19:51 - How anticipation of Christ's return changes our priorities 24:52 - Small faithful steps instead of grand New Year's resolutions 29:18 - Final words: A compass for living between the Advents For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakenedtograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

In this special Christmas episode, hosts Brian Myers and Jenn Stiles Williams are joined by Bishop Tom Berlin to explore the profound mystery of the Incarnation—God becoming flesh and dwelling among us. They discuss what it means that God chose to enter the world as a vulnerable baby, how "Emmanuel" (God with us) shapes our daily lives, and why wonder is an essential spiritual practice. From the humility of the manger to the call to embody Christ's love in ordinary moments, this conversation invites us to experience Christmas not just as a story from 2000 years ago, but as God's ongoing presence breaking into our neighborhoods today. Enjoy! Show Notes 00:12 - Introduction to the Incarnation and welcoming Bishop Tom Berlin 02:11 - Bishop Berlin explains what the Incarnation means and how the Gospels present it differently 08:41 - Discussion of "God with us" (Emmanuel) and what that means in our current moment 19:13 - How the Incarnation shapes our everyday bodies, work, and tasks 25:07 - Wonder as a neglected spiritual practice and keeping humility in view 34:13 - Final thoughts: Finding moments of stillness, peace, and practicing eyes-wide-open wonder For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakenedtograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

In this episode of Awaken to Grace, hosts Brian Myers and Jenn Stiles Williams are joined by Rev. Will Clark from Isle Faith United Methodist Church in Jacksonville to explore incarnate love during the fourth week of Advent. They discuss how Advent love differs from sentiment—it's God's concrete, costly decision to be with us and for us in Jesus. Jenn offers her "controversial take" that love should precede joy because fierce, radical love produces joy rooted in God's strength. Drawing on John 3:16-17, Joseph's obedient love, and reflections on reconciliation, they examine how love is active presence, protection, and truthful companionship. The conversation includes personal stories of courageous presence—Jenn accepting a new conference role, Will trusting God to love his daughter from afar, and Brian stepping into podcast ministry. They discuss practical ways to embody Christ's love through daily reflection, "holy ears," healthy boundaries, and the call for laity to carry incarnate love into public spaces. They conclude with reflections on how Joseph gave his whole life to this story and a prayer for lighting the fourth Advent candle. Show Notes: [0:05] Introduction: The Incarnate Love of Advent - The Reason for It All [3:39] Jenn's Controversial Take: Love Before Joy [7:16] Courageous Presence: Where Has God's Love Moved You? [14:52] John 3:16 for Weary Hearts: God Came Not to Judge but to Save [20:53] Living Out Love: Daily Obedience and "Dear God...Amen" [31:07] Joseph's Obedient Love: Giving His Name and His Whole Life For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakenedtograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

In this episode of Awaken to Grace, hosts Brian Myers and Derrick Scott III are joined once again by Rev. Dr. Debbie Allen to explore the theme of joy during the third week of Advent. They discuss how Advent joy differs from happiness—it's a Spirit-given gladness rooted in God's presence and promises that can flourish even in difficult circumstances. Drawing on Mary's Magnificat, Isaiah 35, and James 5, they examine how joy and justice are intertwined, how joy can be defiant in the face of opposition, and why God's joy takes sides with the marginalized. The conversation includes personal stories of joy blossoming from hard ground, practical disciplines like journaling gratitude and singing lustily in worship, and Brian's humorous confession about the rose-colored Advent candle. They conclude by reflecting on patience as the greenhouse where joy takes root and offering a prayer for lighting the third Advent candle.  For more on the year-long Awakened to Grace series, check out awakenedtograce.org. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Show Notes: 00:11 - Welcome and introduction to the third week of Advent: the disruptive joy of Advent 02:36 - What is joy? Distinguishing joy from happiness and connecting it to God's presence 09:30 - Stories of joy blossoming from hard ground in difficult family moments 14:58 - Mary's Magnificat: An anthem of defiant joy and justice 21:10 - How joy and justice go together—returning to God's intended goodness 25:25 - Practices for cultivating joy: journaling gratitude, singing lustily, and being present

In this episode of Awaken to Grace, hosts Brian Myers and Derrick Scott III are joined by Rev. Dr. Debbie Allen, Southwest District Superintendent, for a conversation about the second week of Advent. They explore the biblical concept of peace drawing on Isaiah 11 and John the Baptist's call to prepare the way through repentance. The conversation reframes repentance as reorientation, and discusses practical ways to be peacemakers during the busy holiday season, including the importance of intentionality, slowing down, and practices like labyrinth prayer walks. They conclude by reflecting on lighting the second Advent candle and offering a prayer for peace in our homes, churches, and world. For more on the year-long Awakened to Grace series, check out awakenedtograce.org. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley.

In this episode of Awaken to Grace, hosts Brian Myers, Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams, and Derrick Scott III kick off the Advent season with a conversation about hope. They explore Advent as a time of waiting, expectation, and preparation for Christ's coming, discussing how it invites honest reflection about the brokenness in our world while resisting cynicism through gospel-centered hope. Drawing on Romans 13 and Charles Wesley's hymn "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus," they emphasize the communal nature of hope—how we can share and borrow each other's hope when our own runs low—and conclude by discussing the symbolism of lighting the first Advent candle as piercing darkness with light. For more on the year-long Awakened to Grace series, check out awakenedtograce.org. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley.

Join hosts Brian Myers, Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams, and Derrick Scott III as they launch the Awaken to Grace podcast. The hosts share how this podcast began with Brian's questions about Wesleyan faith and connects to the broader "Awakened to Grace" year-long initiative for the Florida Conference. This weekly podcast promises real, authentic conversations about grace and what it means to be United Methodists in Florida today. For info on the series, check out awakentograce.org. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley.