Rhythms of Humanity

After a long run of conversations exploring faith, doubt, and what it means to be human, Rhythms of Humanity is pressing pause – for now.In this final episode (at least for this season), Jon sits down with Pastor Joanne to reflect on the podcast: what they’ve appreciated, what surprised them, and why creating space for thoughtful, open-ended conversation still matters. They talk about the role of curiosity in faith, the tension of not having easy answers, and what it looks like to carry these kinds of conversations forward into whatever comes next. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

We’ve learned to value perspective, but what happens when truth starts to feel uncertain? This episode explores the tension between personal experience and shared reality, and why holding both might matter more than ever. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Every time violence erupts in the Middle East, it happens again: someone opens a Bible and starts connecting ancient prophecies to modern missiles. If you’re interested in a direct response to this, here’s a link to a great piece by Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee.In this episode, we step back and ask a deeper question. When scripture is used to justify war, what is faith actually supposed to look like? We reflect on anger, overwhelm, and the misuse of scripture before a conversation about compassion, resistance, and what people of faith are called to do when violence is carried out in God’s name. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Doors close. Plans change. And yet, hope remains. This episode explores where God’s presence is found, and how it lives through us. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Not one protest, but many small voices. This episode reflects on the slow turning taking place as more voices begin to speak honestly about ICE enforcement and its human cost. We explore how the gospel calls us beyond “being nice,” and how shared truth can become shared courage. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

After traveling to Minnesota, Pastor Kari Lipke brings back firsthand stories of what’s happening in Minnesota. We talk about what this moment is teaching faith communities, how to resist a defeated spirit, and what it means to treat our immigrant neighbors as people to accompany rather than problems to solve. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

In the wake of yet another killing by federal agents in Minneapolis, this episode arrives with a weight it didn’t originally carry. Recorded before those events, the conversation nonetheless speaks directly to the question many of us are sitting with right now: who do we want to be when the outcomes aren’t guaranteed? Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Hope is often treated like a mood or a mindset – something we can choose if we’re feeling optimistic enough. But when the world feels heavy, hope can start to wear thin, or even irresponsible.In this episode of Rhythms of Humanity, we explore what it takes to build a sturdier hope. A hope that stays present with grief and injustice without letting them be the only story we tell. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

A Christmas reflection on repetition, side characters, and finding meaning in a story we think we already know. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode we explore what changes when we ask who might be waiting for us. What it means to show up – not with answers or arguments, but with presence. How small, ordinary acts of generosity can ripple outward in ways we rarely see. And why living our values may say more than explaining them ever could.Pastor Joanne joins the conversation as we reflect on attention, time, creativity, and the quiet work of making faith visible in everyday moments. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Advent isn’t just a countdown—it’s a practice. This episode reflects on what’s worth waiting for, and the simple rhythms that help us stay open along the way. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Gratitude doesn’t always bloom on schedule. Sometimes it grows slowly, in the cracks of ordinary days. This episode explores how gratitude can become a practice of noticing what holds us together, even when we feel like we’re falling apart. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

When the powerful look the other way, ordinary people keep showing up. This episode of Rhythms of Humanity explores what it means to build the world we want, one step at a time. From the eye of a needle to the tables where we share what we have, we’re invited to imagine generosity not as charity, but as community. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

We protect ourselves in all kinds of ways — expecting too little, demanding too much, bracing for what might go wrong. But what if life’s real work is learning to stay open anyway? Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

We’re told to push through, to never give up, but what if wisdom sometimes sounds like the word enough? In this episode, we explore the quiet grace of recognizing when it’s time to release, why it’s so hard to know, and how faith invites us to trust the space that opens when we do. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

The idea of letting go sounds simple—maybe even freeing—but in practice it can be difficult. In this episode, Pastor Kari Lipke joins us to explore the wisdom of the seasons, asking what the falling leaves might teach us about when to release, when to hold on, and how letting go can sometimes prepare the way for new life. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Public life feels like it’s at a boil, with every word sparking outrage and every disagreement turning extreme. In this episode of Rhythms of Humanity, we explore how democracy endures not in the fire of extremes, but in the steadier rhythm of conversation, care, and the witness of communities willing to model another way. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

We’ve all heard it: “It’s God’s timing.” For some, those words feel like comfort. For others, they raise harder questions. Is it trust or a way of explaining things away?In this episode, we open space to reflect on how phrases like this shape the way we understand life’s twists and turns. Together, we’ll explore how community can support us without rushing to offer easy answers. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Summer fades into September, and along comes more than cooler mornings and shorter days. This season carries a kind of reset – a shift from play toward purpose, from freedom toward rhythm. But it’s not about leaving summer behind. It’s about carrying its spirit of joy and playfulness into the grounding energy of fall.In this episode, we talk about what it means to embrace a September reset – whether or not you have kids heading back to school. We’ll explore the beauty of transition, the balance of play and purpose, and the invitation to step into something new with hope and intention. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

As the rush of summer gives way to everyday routines, we pause to notice the gifts that quietly hold our lives together. So often we overlook the simple, steady contributions – our own and others’ – that make community possible. In this episode, we reflect on why we tend to devalue what we bring, how hidden gifts sustain us, and the power of recognizing them before they’re gone. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

James Dobson’s death has stirred up complicated feelings. His voice shaped how the world saw Christianity, often in ways that caused real harm. And in the eyes of many, that’s still what Christianity looks like. But what does it mean to follow Jesus when the label we carry lumps us in with beliefs we don’t share? In this episode, we wrestle with the temptation to defend the faith, why that may not be the most faithful response, and how living differently might be the truest witness we have. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

For a lot of people, “church” means a building, a service, and a set routine. You show up, you listen, you leave. But what if that’s never been the point? In this episode, we look at the church – not as the destination – but as the people who prepare one another to live differently in the world. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

What if closure is a myth? In this episode, we explore our obsession with resolution, the discomfort of unresolved grief, and the importance of simply staying present. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we explore how theology isn’t just something we believe – it’s something we live. It shows up in the everyday: in the way we handle disappointment, in what we say to ourselves when things go wrong, and in how we make meaning out of both beauty and pain.We often think of theology as something abstract. But the truth is, we carry theology with us into traffic jams, awkward conversations, hospital rooms, and late-night doubts. It’s the rhythm beneath our decisions, our reactions, and our hope.Pastor Joanne joins us to reflect on the difference between dogmatics and lived theology, and why good theology – honest, breathing, grace-soaked theology – matters now more than ever. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

The “big beautiful bill” passed – but for many, it feels more like a heartbreak than a victory.In this episode, we sit with the grief and the tension: not just over what the bill includes, but who it leaves behind. Immigrants, asylum seekers, the undocumented – sacrificed once again in the name of compromise.We talk about what it means when the same people are always the ones carved out, even when our side is in power. About how strategy can become erasure. About the stories we tell ourselves to stay comfortable on the “right side.” Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

As fireworks fill the sky and the pledge echoes across parades and backyards, we pause to reflect on the final words: “for all.” What does that promise really mean? Who has been left out? And what would it look like to live into the best ideas this country claims to stand for – not just for ourselves, but for each other?On this special Independence Day episode, Pastor Joanne Engquist joins us to talk about freedom, belonging, and the kind of hope that refuses to settle. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Cynicism sounds a lot like wisdom these days. It protects, deflects, and keeps expectations nice and low. But what happens when that rhythm becomes the default? When it stops being smart, and starts being a shield against hope, trust, and even each other?In this episode, we explore the pull of cynicism, why it’s not all bad, and what it might be costing us. Pastor Joanne joins to reflect on how optimism shows up – not in spite of hard things, but in the midst of them. Because maybe hope isn’t naïve. Maybe it’s defiant. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

In a world unraveling with war, displacement, and rising global violence, even grief feels risky. Lament – real, raw, untamed lament – is often treated like a political act. But what if it’s simply what keeps us human?In this episode, we explore the power of lament to name what’s broken, honor the stories too easily erased, and resist the demand to pick a side before we feel the ache. Pastor Joanne Engquist joins us to reflect on what the Psalms teach us about staying tender in brutal times, and why lament doesn’t need a disclaimer. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

This week, we reflect on the power of story — not as entertainment, but as evidence.We explore how personal stories disrupt assumptions, humanize statistics, and call us into something deeper than outrage: compassion, courage, and action.What does faithful courage look like in a moment like this?And how do we respond when basic human decency starts to feel rare?Resources & Links:* Northwest Immigrant Rights Project* Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network* El Centro de la Raza* Global Refuge Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

As loneliness rises and old structures fade, what kind of community are we being called to build? This isn't a lament for what was, it's a hopeful reckoning with what could be. Because maybe the real question isn’t how to get people to return, but how to show up differently now. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

In a time when rights are being rolled back and fear feels louder than compassion, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed–like nothing we do can make a real difference. But what if hope isn’t a feeling? What if it’s something we practice?In this episode, we revisit the urgent issue of hunger–but through a new lens: connection, dignity, and justice. Pastor Joanne Engquist joins us to talk about feeding families in crisis, why food justice goes far beyond charity, and how programs like Give.Share.Eat. are quietly disrupting cycles of fear and scarcity.We’re a small church with limited resources, but we’ve helped distribute over 600,000 meals. That’s a lot of hope in motion. And maybe that’s the real point: not to wait until we feel hopeful, but to build it – one shared table at a time.Visit GiveShareEat.com to learn more. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

In a world where hunger persists even in seemingly prosperous communities, we’re digging deeper into the realities of food insecurity and what it means for our neighbors. Join us as we discuss the stories behind the statistics and the power of collective action.Want to make a difference?Volunteer for the next Give.Share.Eat. meal packing event on May 30-31. Visit GiveShareEat.com to sign up and learn more.Looking for more resources? Check out Northwest Harvest to see how you can support the fight against hunger. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

One rhythm we all deal with is being stuck in a routine—a kind of predictable monotony that, at first, feels comfortable or even necessary. Just like life, sometimes faith feels vibrant, and other times, it’s stuck on repeat. In this episode, we’re exploring what it means to keep showing up when faith feels more like muscle memory than conviction. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

As church attendance declines and familiar patterns fade, many faith communities are asking hard questions—about purpose, connection, and what it means to still be here. In this episode, we explore the tension of measuring the invisible—the quiet faithfulness of the remnant, the shifting metrics of effectiveness, and the stubborn hope that something meaningful is still happening, even if we can’t count it. If the old measures no longer apply, how do we know when we're still on the right path? Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

What does it mean to live as a citizen shaped by faith—not fear or empire? In this reflection, we wrestle with exhaustion, neighborliness, and the stubborn hope that real change starts from the ground up. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

We love Easter’s joy, but what about the part of the story we’d rather skip? This Good Friday, we lean into the tension, the silence, and the strange kind of honesty that still speaks. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

In this final episode of our Manna and Mercy series, we revisit the idea of God’s dream—not as a far-off destination, but as something we’re called to live into here and now. I reflect on how my own thinking has shifted over the course of this journey, from waiting for the dream to arrive to realizing it shows up when we make it real.We also return to a moment from an earlier conversation with Pastor Susan and Pastor Joanne that helped reframe everything.If you’ve ever struggled with hope in a world that feels heavy—this one’s for you. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

We’re continuing our journey through Manna and Mercy—unpacking its deceptively simple but deeply radical message. As we explore the rise and fall of rulers, the voices of prophets, and the arrival of Jesus, one thing becomes clear: we keep learning the same lessons… and we keep failing to act.A people cry out for a leader to save them. A promise of power and order. A system that starts with hope and ends in corruption. Again. And again.And here we are—watching democracy unravel, watching the church get hijacked by empire, watching the same cycle repeat.But what if we’ve been looking in the wrong place all along? What if the answer isn’t at the top of the pyramid, but at the bottom?In this episode, we explore:🔥 How Dan Erlander’s Manna and Mercy reveals a deceptively simple but radical truth⚡ The prophets we’ve ignored—again and again🛑 White Christian Nationalism and its hijacking of faith🕊 Why God doesn’t enter from the top, but from the lowest and most vulnerable placesSo here’s the real question: Where are you looking for hope?Join the conversation on The Expedition, and let’s figure this out together. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Sabbath isn’t just a personal break—it’s a declaration of freedom.Think about where the Israelites had just come from—Egypt. Under Pharaoh, they were human machines—valued only for what they could produce. No rest, no margin, just endless quotas.But in the wilderness, God gives them a gift: A day to stop. A reminder that they are more than their labor. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

We're spending the next 6 weeks at Gethsemane Lutheran Church exploring Manna and Mercy by Dan Erlander—a brief history of God's promise to heal the universe—as part of our Lenten devotion. This week, we started with "Beginnings." Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Faith is often called a journey, perhaps because it’s less about reaching a destination and more like a hike—winding and uncertain, full of uphill struggles and unexpected vistas. In the wilderness that is life, every step is a lesson in trust, every dry spell a reminder of our dependence on God’s provision. The path leads us away from what is familiar and safe, stripping us of the comforts and illusions we cling to. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Much of what we see happening in the world today—political turmoil, economic inequality, migration crises, environmental destruction, and deep social divisions—has striking parallels in the Bible. Scripture is filled with stories of people struggling with oppression, injustice, and the challenge of living faithfully in a broken world. From Pharaoh’s enslavement of the Israelites to the prophets’ cries against corruption, the Bible repeatedly confronts power imbalances, wealth hoarding, and the marginalization of the vulnerable. Jesus himself embodied a radical vision of justice and inclusion, breaking down social barriers and calling people to a life shaped by mercy. The story is still unfolding, and the question remains: how will we respond? Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Over these first few weeks of Trump’s presidency, the relentless flood of headlines and notifications has made it nearly impossible to process one crisis before the next one hits. Perhaps it’s a deliberate strategy—designed to wear people down until exhaustion sets in. When every update feels like an emergency, the temptation is to stay plugged in, constantly refreshing, constantly reacting. But we can’t sustain this pace without burning out. In a culture built around constant connection and productivity, knowing when to unplug, even briefly, is critical. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

The use of lies to achieve desired outcomes exposes how society processes conflict, power, and accountability—often prioritizing short-term gains or ideological victories over long-term integrity. When deception is normalized, truth becomes negotiable, bent to fit personal or political agendas. This reflects a deeper societal tendency to seek comforting narratives rather than confront difficult truths, contributing to the growing erosion of trust in institutions once relied upon to mediate facts. So, how do we stand for truth and integrity in a world where lies seem to dominate? Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

This week, we’re exploring moral courage. As harmful policies and rhetoric target marginalized communities, silence enables oppression. Defending those at risk takes more than good intentions—it requires tough, uncomfortable conversations. It means confronting harmful beliefs, even when it risks tension with friends, family, and leaders. But in a society that values politeness and shies away from controversy, how do we find the courage to speak up? Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

In times of uncertainty, when the future feels like shifting sand, how do we navigate the delicate balance between self-care and caring for others? How do we make space for our own well-being while remaining present for those who need us? These questions invite us to reflect on the ways we show up for ourselves and others, challenging us to find a balance that feels authentic and sustainable in an ever-changing world. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

 This week, we're diving into the role of faith in times of crisis. While the typical answer might highlight faith as a source of hope and peace, I can’t help but wonder: is its true power found in driving action, building connection, and demanding justice? As firefighting efforts continue, Lutheran Disaster Response is on the ground, working with the Southwest California Synod, Pacifica Synod, and local partners to address the immediate and long-term needs of those affected. You can learn more and support the work here.Please take a minute to watch this message from Bishop Brenda Boss from the Southwest California Synod. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

Resolutions and intentions are different in how they focus and how flexible they are. A resolution is usually a specific goal, like "I’m going to volunteer x hours" or "read x books of the Bible." It’s all about the outcome and whether you hit the target. Intentions, on the other hand, are more about your mindset and values, like "be more engaged in my community." They focus on the journey, not just the end result, and give you flexibility. If life gets busy, an intention might lead you to do smaller, meaningful things—like donating supplies or supporting a cause online—without feeling bad about not meeting a set goal.In this episode, Pastor Joanne discusses The Merton PrayerMy Lord God,I have no idea where I am going.I do not see the road ahead of me.I cannot know for certain where it will end.nor do I really know myself,and the fact that I think I am following your willdoes not mean that I am actually doing so.But I believe that the desire to please youdoes in fact please you.And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,though I may know nothing about it.Therefore will I trust you always thoughI may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.I will not fear, for you are ever with me,and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.“The Merton Prayer” from Thoughts in Solitude Copyright © 1956, 1958 by The Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

This week, we're exploring hope—a quiet yet powerful belief that better things are possible, even in the face of uncertainty or hardship. During the holiday season, hope takes on a special glow, reminding us of renewal, connection, and the promise of new beginnings. It’s not about denying life’s struggles but about finding light amid the darkness—like the twinkle of holiday lights on the longest nights. Rooted in resilience and joy, hope inspires us to persevere, cherish moments of peace, and believe in brighter days ahead. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe

While the world seems to hum with merriment, some of us find ourselves longing for space to pause, reflect, and simply sit with the complexities of life. Today, we’re going to explore a practice that meets us in those moments, offering quiet comfort and a flicker of hope in the darkest nights. Get full access to The Expedition at gethsemanelutheranchurch.substack.com/subscribe