The Word Made Fresh

What does it look like to practice faith the way a dancer practices technique? In this week's conversation, Rev. Jim Keat sits down with Rev. Adriene Thorne to explore Philippians 2 — home of the ancient Christ Hymn — and discover that Paul isn't asking us to believe the right things. He's asking us to move the right way.With dancers in worship, a community annual meeting on the horizon, and the wisdom of the studio floor, Rev. Adriene helps us see that imitating Christ is less about doctrine and more about the daily, embodied practice of showing up with humility, forgiveness, and love — until it becomes as natural as breathing.

What does it mean to be the church when nobody is doing it perfectly? This week on The Word Made Fresh, Rev. Jim Keat sits down with Dr. Jillian Langford to explore Philippians 1—a deeply personal letter from Paul written while in prison… and yet filled with joy, gratitude, and a surprising claim: “What does it matter? Just that Christ is proclaimed.” But does it really not matter how Christ is proclaimed? Together, Jim and Jillian wrestle with:What koinonia (community/partnership) really meansHow the early church embraced imperfectionWhether harmful theologies can still produce good fruitThe tension between discernment and judgmentWhat it looks like to be formed by a faith you’ve outgrownThis is an honest, nuanced conversation about faith, formation, and the messy beauty of community. 👉 Join us for worship, open Bible study, and virtual coffee hour to keep the conversation going. #Philippians #ProgressiveChristianity #FaithDeconstruction #ChurchCommunity #BibleStudy

What if faith wasn’t about proving you’re right—but staying curious?This week on The Word Made Fresh, Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim explore Acts 17, where Paul finds himself in Athens surrounded by unfamiliar beliefs, practices, and altars—including one to an “unknown god.”Instead of condemning or correcting, Paul does something unexpected:He affirms.He connects.He gets curious.In a world shaped by division, certainty, and the need to win, this conversation imagines a different way of engaging across difference—one rooted in humility, openness, and mutual transformation.They also wrestle with:• What it means to embody faith (not just think it)• How other traditions can deepen—not threaten—our own• Whether the real “conversion” in this story might be Paul himselfAnd maybe most importantly: What kind of God are we proclaiming if that God fits neatly inside our own box?

A few weeks after Easter, we return to the pulpit with a challenging and deeply honest conversation about Acts 16—the story of Paul, Silas, and a slave girl.But what if we’ve been reading this story wrong?Instead of focusing on Paul and Silas, Rev. Adriene Thorne invites us to center the unnamed enslaved girl—her exploitation, her “liberation,” and the unsettling question: what actually happened to her next?This episode wrestles with:• When “doing good” can still cause harm• The cost of liberation without long-term care• How power, gender, and class shape whose stories matter• Why the church struggles with suffering, lament, and complexity• The danger of turning every hardship into a neat redemption storyThis is not a feel-good sermon preview. It’s an invitation to sit in the tension, ask harder questions, and develop a deeper, more honest faith.Because sometimes suffering isn’t redemptive.Sometimes it’s just suffering.And maybe the work of the church is learning how to stay present in it—together.

What does Acts 2 have to do with Earth Day?In this episode of The Word Made Fresh Rev. Jim sits down with Rev. Derrick Weston—pastor, author, and leader with Creation Justice Ministries—to explore a bold and timely sermon: “Recruiting Terrorists.”This conversation dives into the idea of ecological conversion—a transformation of faith that moves beyond belief into action. Why has the church often stayed silent on environmental justice? What happens when faith challenges systems of power, profit, and exploitation? And how do we expand our understanding of “neighbor” to include not just people, but the planet itself?From Pentecost and mass transformation in Acts 2 to modern climate crisis realities, this episode challenges Christians to rethink what it means to follow Jesus in a world facing environmental collapse.You’ll explore:• Why environmental justice is a core faith issue• The danger of “comfortable” justice that doesn’t disrupt systems• How climate change is already impacting everyday life• The theological roots of ecological responsibility• What true conversion looks like todayIf you’ve ever wondered how faith connects to climate, justice, and real-world action—this conversation is for you.

What happens after Easter?In this episode of The Word Made Fresh, Rev. Jim Keat sits down with Rev. Mira Sawlani-Joyner to explore John 20:19–31, where the disciples are hiding behind locked doors, afraid of what comes next—even after the resurrection.Sound familiar?In a world filled with fear, uncertainty, political tension, and exhaustion, this conversation wrestles honestly with what it means to believe in resurrection when everything still feels fragile. From the disciples’ fear to Thomas’ doubt, from Mary’s witness to modern-day survival, this episode invites us to consider:• What do we do when fear makes us shut the door?• Why is doubt part of faith—not the opposite of it?• What does it mean to say “we’re still here” in a world that feels overwhelming?• How can we step back and see the bigger picture of our shared humanity?This is not a polished, easy Easter message. It’s real, grounded, and deeply hopeful.Because resurrection isn’t just something that happened—it’s something we’re still living into.👉 Join us as we reflect on faith, fear, survival, and the courage to keep showing up.

Easter is almost here—but what if resurrection isn’t just something that happened… or something we celebrate once a year?In this episode of The Word Made Fresh, Rev. Adriene Thorne and Jim Keat explore what it means to reimagine resurrection—not as a distant miracle, but as a lived, embodied reality. From Holy Week practices like foot washing and Tenebrae, to the power of imagination, forgiveness, and joy, this conversation invites you to see Easter in a whole new way.What if resurrection is about more than the empty tomb?What if it’s about how we live, what we imagine, and how we love—every single day?✨ Topics include:Why Easter isn’t just the “finish line” of LentThe role of the body in faith and worshipReimagining resurrection in everyday lifeHow imagination shapes forgiveness and possibilityCreating meaningful, embodied worship experiencesWhether you’re a lifelong Christian, a curious skeptic, or just looking for hope in a heavy world—this conversation is for you.👉 Join us for Holy Week and Easter at Riverside Church (in person or online)👉 Subscribe for weekly conversations on the lectionary and lived faith#Easter #Resurrection #HolyWeek #ProgressiveChristianity #FaithInPractice #TheWordMadeFresh

What if we didn’t skip straight to Easter?This week on The Word Made Fresh, Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat explore a surprising approach to Palm Sunday—one that turns toward the crucifixion instead of away from it. Drawing from John 19, this conversation invites us to slow down and sit with the hardest part of the story: suffering, grief, and the cross.In a world filled with pain, injustice, and uncertainty, this episode asks:Where is God in the midst of suffering?What does it mean for love to be “made public” on the cross?Why do we rush past Good Friday—and what happens when we don’t?Together, we reflect on how the crucifixion reveals a deeper, more powerful vision of grace—one that doesn’t ignore pain but meets us within it.If you’ve ever felt like faith focuses too much on the “happy ending,” this conversation offers a more honest and healing way through Holy Week.👉 Whether you’re preparing for Palm Sunday, Good Friday, or simply navigating your own “Good Friday moment,” this episode is for you.📖 Scripture: John 19:16b–22👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonates with you.

This Sunday is Pride Sunday! Listen in as Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim talk about this Sunday's text (Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-31) and what it's like to preach the same text six months later!Also, this is the Season Finale for The Word Made Fresh. But don't worry, we'll be back in September!

Get out of the boat! What does it mean to step away from fear and step into who God is calling you to be? Listen in as Rev. Jim Keat talks with this Sundays guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Paula Stone Williams, about the sermon she will be preaching from Matthew 14:22-33 as well as how she goes about writing a sermon and why you should be looking forward to experiencing this one!Rev. Dr. Paula Stone Williams is a Pastoral Counselor and internationally known speaker on gender equity and religious tolerance.  She lives in Lyons, Colorado, where she serves as Mayor Pro Tem.Paula has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, PBS, NBC, CNN,and many other media outlets.  Her TED talks have had over ten million views.  Paula’s memoir, As A Woman, What I Learned About Power, Sex, and the Patriarchy After I Transitioned, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2021.

Science fiction uses language and ideas from the future to talk about the present. And in many ways, apocalyptic literature does the same!Join Rev. Jim Keat as he reflects on the book of Revelation, this particular passage from chapter 21, and invites us all to learn more about Dr. Yii-Jan Lin, the guest preacher at The Riverside Church this Sunday.Be sure to join us for Open Bible Study at 9:30 am (onsite and online) as we talk with Dr. Lin about this text and her work: http://www.trcnyc.org/OpenBibleStudyAnd check out the full podcast with Dr. Lin over at Data Over Dogma : https://youtu.be/HIgF6uy4H3U?si=ggVDqFUpaeZysH3a

Are you in step with the Spirit?Sit down with Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim as they dive in to the of the letter to the Galatians, exploring the Work of the Flesh, the Fruit of the Spirit, and what it means to be in step with and guided by the Spirit.Bonus: you'll also hear Rev. Jim talk about his marathon strategy and some excellent podcasts that Rev. Adriene recommends.

You foolish Galatians!Dive in to Galatians 3 with Rev. Jim and Rev. Jabe as they explore how it is coming to life in the sermon Rev. Jabe will be preaching this Sunday. Consider this conversation a mini seminary class -- buckle up and get ready to wade into the theological deep end!Join us on Sunday as we talk more about this text: http://www.trcnyc.org/SundayMorningWorship

Galatians! A new book but a familiar story -- what is the solution for church conflict? Listen in as Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim talk about this Sunday's text (Galatians 1:13-17; 2:11-21). And bonus conversation -- what exactly does it mean to be "crucified with Christ?" Listen in to find out!

Listen in as Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat reflect on a text that neither of them are preaching. But you're in luck, because this Sunday's preacher is one that we will all be eager to hear -- Rev. Dr. Andrea White!And be sure to keep listening to this extra-long and extra-special episode as Rev. Adriene tells Rev. Jim all about the why and how of her approach to preaching. If you ever wanted to learn how to preach a sermon Rev. Adriene style, this is the episode for you!

It's all about trust.Listen in as Rev. Jim talks with Rev. Adriene about the sermon she will be preaching this Sunday at The Riverside Church. Put on your running shes as we follow Phillip sprinting down the wilderness road to talk with the Ethiopian Eunuch.

What can we learn from older adults?That is one question we will have answered this Sunday at The Riverside Church. Rev. Tim Dalton will step into the pulpit as we celebrate Older Adults Month for a sermon filled with the voices and stories of older adults from our Riverside community.Join Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim as they sit down with Rev. Tim to talk about this coming Sunday and the story of the first Christians at Antioch. What does it mean to find our way in the midst of fear and uncertainty? Who is this "Saul" character and why isn't he called Paul yet? What happens when three pastors are all in the same room to talk about this Sunday at Riverside? Listen to this episode of The Word Made Fresh to find out!

What is Holy Humor Sunday? What is Rev. Jim planing for this sermon?Pull up a chair as he talks with Rev. Adriene about this coming Sunday at The Riverside Church.(And if you know anything about Rev. Jim's sermons, you know he has a surprise or two tucked up his sleeve!)

Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they look ahead to Easter Sunday.And yes, while this day is special, so is every day. While you might only hear the timpani and brass on Easter Sunday, we are intentional about bringing a little Easter magic into every Sunday (and every day!).Listen in as Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim talk about what you can expect this Sunday at Riverside! Visit http://www.trcnyc.org to learn more.

Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they take a closer look at the story of Jesus entrance into Jerusalem (Luke 19:29-44). And even though there aren't any palm branches in the text, we'll still e waving them on Sunday!

Join Rev. Jim Keat as he sits down with Minister Heelee Velez to talk about Luke 18:31—19:10, the story of Jesus healing a blind man and sharing a meal with a tax collector (Zacchaeus!) and the sermon she will be preaching on Sunday. And watch out, because she's got a secret about her sermon that she's not sharing! Leave a comment and let us know what you think it might be!

Jesus is talking about money, specifically one person who has it and one person does not. What is the relationship between the rich and the poor? How do they engage the world around them and what might God have in store for those on the extremes of an ever-expanding wealth gap in our world?Join Rev. Jim Keat as he rolls into this week's Narrative Lectionary text (Luke 16:19-31) and offers a few thoughts on Jesus' story of the rich man and Lazarus.

Join Rev. Jim Keat as he talks with Kathy Lin, a third year student at Union Theological Seminary, a second year intern at The Riverside Church, and this Sunday's preacher!What does it mean to be found by God when we think we're lost? How do we find ourselves in these stories of a lost sheep, coin, and two brothers? What might we learn when enter the story, not as the "prodigal son" but as the older brother?Listen in as they talk about this well known text in some fresh and exciting ways.

How do you look at the tricky parts of the Bible? Especially when they're the words of Jesus?!Join Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim in this week's episode of The Word Made Fresh as they join Jesus for a conversation about falling towers, fig trees, and lament. Stick around to hear Rev. Adriene share how the way she looks at the Bible changed and evolved over time (and how yours can too!).

The Good Samaritan – one of those stories we're often so familiar with that we miss some of the essential details. Join Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim on this 200th episode of The Word Made Fresh as they explore a fresh perspective on this well known story.

Free throws for Jesus? Yep, you read that right.Listen in as Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim offer a fresh take on the story of Jesus' transfiguration. And yes, it all leads to shooting free throws for Jesus. (Or something like that.)

Join Rev. Jim Keat as he talks with Rev. Dr. John J. Thatamanil about the sermon he will be preaching this Sunday at The Riverside Church, focusing on Luke 7:36-50. The passage recounts Jesus dining at Simon the Pharisee’s house when a woman, labeled a sinner by Simon, anoints Jesus' feet with perfume and tears. Reverend Dr. John Thatamanil, guest preacher and professor at Union Theological Seminary, discusses how Jesus continually disrupts social expectations by associating with those deemed “the wrong sorts.” He challenges the notion of accepting Jesus while rejecting the company he keeps, emphasizing that the only one calling the woman a sinner is Simon, not Jesus himself. This raises questions about how society labels and marginalizes people, and whether those judgments align with Jesus' perspective.Dr. Thatamanil and the host explore the deeply intimate and scandalous nature of the woman’s actions, highlighting the physicality and radical love expressed in the passage. They discuss how Jesus not only accepts but welcomes such an extravagant display of love, suggesting that Christianity often sanitizes or ignores the bodily and emotional depth of faith. The conversation touches on how this passage confronts traditional notions of orderly love, contrasting it with a love that is boundary-breaking, embodied, and passionate. The discussion also critiques how some theologians and political figures, like JD Vance, attempt to impose a rigid, hierarchical order on love, in contrast to the radical inclusivity demonstrated by Jesus.As the conversation concludes, Dr. Thatamanil reflects on how encountering infinite love in human form would shatter our categories and expectations, pushing us toward a more radical and transformative way of loving. He draws attention to the woman’s act of pouring out costly perfume—symbolizing an extravagant, self-giving love that challenges societal norms. The episode invites listeners to consider what it truly means to love God with all one’s strength, including the embodied, passionate, and scandalous dimensions of love that Jesus himself embraces. The upcoming sermon at Riverside promises to explore these themes in depth, offering a provocative and deeply theological reflection on this striking New Testament passage.

Sometimes we have a good idea where the sermon is headed when we record an episode of The Word Made Fresh. And other times we know the text and maybe have an inkling of an idea and then we just see what emerges from the conversation. This episode is definitely the latter. Listen in as Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim talk about the stories from Luke 7:1-17 and they both share ideas that blow each other away.

What happens when Jesus and his disciples break the rules? And why is it sometimes necessary to break the rules that stand in the way of justice?Join Rev. Adriene Throne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk with Minister Heelee Velez, the Associate Director of Education and Faith Formation at The Riverside Church, about the sermon she will be preaching this Sunday.

What does it mean to be a disciple? And what does it mean to preach the first Sunday after President Trump's (second) inauguration? Listen in as Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim talk all about it!

Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about all the ways you can find hope and inspiration this MLK Weekend at The Riverside Church. From a guest preacher on Sunday to an interfaith panel and the Broadway Inspirational Voices on Monday, this weekend at Riverside will fill you up so you can overflow with love and justice in the days, weeks, months, and (four) years to come.Visit http://www.trcnyc.org to learn more.

Let's talk about the baptism of Jesus! Anyone hungry for honey-dipped locusts? Because John he Baptizer sure is!Sit down with Rev. Jim Keat as he talks with Rev. Tim Dalton about the sermon he will be preaching this Sunday. You'll get a glimpse at what you might hear from the pulpit on Sunday as well as some fun facts about this text that you might not have noticed  before!

Listen in as Rev. Adriene and Rev. Jim talk about the sermon she will be preaching this Sunday at The Riverside Church.

Join Rev. Jim Keat as he talks with Rev. Dr. Lisa M. Weaver about the Narrative Lectionary text for Sunday, December 29, 2024 and the sermon she will be preaching. This is a conversation between two self-declared Bible geeks that you won't want to miss!

Join us for a deep dive into Luke 1:26-45—“Blessed is she who believed”—as we explore Mary’s extraordinary agency, faith, and leadership in the story of the Annunciation. This week’s reflection on the fourth Sunday of Advent focuses on Mary’s powerful role in the Christmas narrative, her relationship with Elizabeth, and the broader implications for women in leadership and faith.We’ll also touch on the transformative power of women’s relationships, inspired by Adrienne Rich and Sojourner Truth, and consider how Mary’s story challenges traditional narratives about women’s roles in the church and beyond.💡 Highlights:The Beatitude of Mary: Blessed is she who believed.Mary’s agency and permission-giving in her dialogue with God.The supportive relationship between Mary and Elizabeth as a model for women’s solidarity.Reflections on the importance of diverse voices in interpreting scripture.✨ Upcoming Services:🎄 Sunday Worship (Dec. 22): Music at 10:30 am ET, Worship at 11:00 am ET🎄 Christmas Eve Services (Dec. 24):4:00 pm ET: Family-Friendly Service with Jazz & Nativity7:00 pm ET: Traditional Lessons & Carols📍 Find more details and join us online or in person at http://www.trcnyc.org

Rev. Thorne is back in the pulpit and she's picking up the same scroll that Jesus read from in Luke 4. Only the Narrative Lectionary has us reading a bit further, exploring some aspects of this often familiar passage that you might be less familiar with!Listen in as Rev. Thorne and Rev. Keat talk about this Sunday's sermon at Riverside and all the reasons why you should stick around on Sunday and join us for our annual Candlelight Carol Festival!Visit https://www.trcnyc.org/event/candlelight/ to learn more about Candlelight and purchase your tickets today!

Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about the subtle yet significant differences between the Christmas stories found in Matthew and Luke. Or in the words of Rev. Jim, don't mix your magi and your shepherds!They go on to talk about this Sunday at The Riverside Church, where the children will proclaim the good news in our annual Christmas pageant. This is a Sunday you never want to miss!And if that wasn't enough, they pull back the curtain and talk more about how Riverside has come to center children in worship, not just once or twice a year but every single Sunday.Enjoy!

Life is filled with waiting, especially now -- waiting to see what will happen when a new president steps into office, waiting to see exactly what his staff and administration will do in our country and around the world, waiting for another headline and another injustice and another "fill in the blank."Advent is a season of waiting, typically waiting for the birth of Jesus at Christmas but also waiting for God to show up in the midst of this world (which is really what the Christmas story is all about!). This year the Narrative Lectionary invites us to begin advent with Daniel in the lion's den, a story filled with waiting.As we find ourselves waiting in our lives and our world, as we sit with Daniel and the king and the administrators and their waiting in this story, we just might find that what we are waiting for isn't far off in  a distant future, but it is always and already here, a present hope for what is to come, God with us and within us, as close as our very breath, calling us to action here and now and never just someday.Stop waiting and push play. Watch the latest episode of The Word Made Fresh and listen in as Rev. Adriene talks with Rev. Jim about what he will be preaching this Sunday at The Riverside Church. (And yes, you read that correctly. Rev. Jim will be in the building to preach!)

This week's Narrative Lectionary text offers a deep cut of a story, where Jehudi cuts the scrool with a penknife and throws the pieces into the fire. Only that's the not the end of the story. God tells Jeremiah to dictate the words so they can be written again.The work of an artist is not to do it once, but to do it again, and again, and again. Put in the reps. Practice and keep practicing. You cut the scroll? Write it again. After all, hard times require furious dancing.Hard times might feel a little closer than we would like, especially for black and brown people, queer folx, women. And it is in the midst of these hard times that we hear Jeremiah's words, reminding us that the days are coming when God will make a new covenant, because even -- especially in the midst of trouble and turmoil -- God is doing something new. And the best part, God is inviting us to help bring this newness to life.We need the artists, the poets, the dancers, the writers. Put in the reps. Do it again. Because hard times most definitely require furious dancing.Listen in as Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat talk more about this on the latest episode of The Word Made Fresh, offering a glimpse at what you might hear from the pulpit on Sunday at The Riverside Church.

Why is it that we tend to hear God most clearly when everything has fallen apart? Oh, that's what you've been saying all along. It's not that God wasn't always speaking, but that we weren't always listening, or perhaps just not knowing exactly how to hear or what to listen for. But when a major events happens -- the death of a King, in the context of Isaiah, or the election of a new President, in the context of all of us -- what do we hear from God?One thing we hear in this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text (Isaiah 6:1-8) is that God is holy and the whole earth is full of God's glory. No matter what reality we encounter around us, God is holy and the whole earth is still full of God's glory. The challenge, often, is having eyes to see it, ears to hear it, and the courage to respond to: "Here am I; send me!"Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk with Rev. Dr. Lisa Weaver about the sermon she is preaching this Sunday. And be sure to stick around to the end of the video as they all share ways that they are caring for themslves during a tense and tumultuous time like this.

Jonah's call is clear, from the very first verses of the book: "Go at once to that great city and cry out against it." While we tend to think of this book as the story of a man being swallowed by a whale (which it's not, because it was just a big fish, not a whale!), this story is an invitation for us all to see ourselves as Jonah, reluctant to go where God is calling, seeing the world through our implicit biases, and hopefully open to a God who goes out of bounds to show love and mercy even upon our enemies.Pull up a chair and listen in and Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat talk about this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary Text and explore its impications for our lives and our world, especially on this side of the election.

What happens when two pastors talk about the Bible and the impending election? Watch this episode of The Word Made Fresh to find out!

What does it mean to be a person of faith when we are days away from the next election?Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about what to expect this Sunday at The Riverside Church -- Rev. Dr. William Barber, II is preaching and Rev. Dr. Brian Kaylor is leading a lunch and learn on his book, Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism. Yep, all that on a single Sunday!And even if you can't join us on Sunday (onsite or online!), make sure that you are registered to vote! (And then make a plan to ensure that you do!)

What is Children's Sabbath and why do we celebrate it at Riverside?Join over half the Riverside clergy team – Rev. Adriene Thorne, Rev. Jim Keat, Rev. Jabe Ziino, and Minister Heelee Velez – as they talk about Children's Sabbath and what you can expect this Sunday at Riverside. (Spoiler: it's going to be amazing!)And this is one episode that you will want to watch to the very end as Jabe and Heelee have an epic showdown in an unforgettable game of Theomoji!

Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about this Sunday's sermon and the Narrative Lectionary text, 1 Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20; 2:1-10.

Join Rev. Jim Keat and Rev. Mira Sawlani-Joyner as they talk about Exodus 32 and the story of the golden calf. This narrative illustrates the people's anxiety during Moses' absence and their turn to idolatry, prompting a discussion on the human tendency to react violently in times of crisis. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy, suggesting that rather than immediately condemning the people's actions, it's essential to understand their desperation and the context of their fears.Connecting this theme to World Communion Sunday, this conversation highlights the importance of recognizing shared pain and trauma across diverse communities, particularly in the wake of global violence. They advocate for a shift from retributive justice to restorative practices, calling for a compassionate response that fosters understanding and reconciliation. By focusing on empathy and connection, they envision a future rooted in love and justice, encouraging listeners to engage in meaningful dialogue and community-building efforts.

What is happening to the children?That's the question Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat are asking, both to this Sunday's Narrative Lectionary text and to the world around us. Join them for another weekly conversation as they take a look at what you might hear in this Sunday's sermon, share some ideas of your own, borrow whatever is useful for your context, and open yourself up to be challenged and inspired by this fresh perspective on a well known story from the book of Exodus.

Let's talk about Joseph. His story makes up such a significant part of the book of Genesis, yet he is rarely the first character that comes to mind when we think of this book. But watch out, because Rev. Adriene is going to tell Rev. Jim about a way to look at Joseph that just might change the way you see him and his story forever. What happens when you cozy up to the dreams of empire? And how would you tell this story to a six year old?Keep listening to this episode of The Word Made Fresh to find out!

We're back!Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat return for another season of The Word Made Fresh, the weekly show where they talk about the upcoming Narrative Lectionary text and give you a glimpse of what to expect this Sunday at The Riverside Church. In this episode they talk about the first time God makes a joke, what it means to have a dynamic view of creation, and all the delicious flavors you can expect at Homecoming Sunday.Enjoy the conversation. And then we hope to see you on Sunday!- - -Visit http://www.trcnyc.org for more digital ministry resources to fuel your work for love and justice.Follow us on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/RiversideNYCFollow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RiversideNYFollow us on TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@riversidenycDownload a bulletin: http://www.trcnyc.org/bulletinsWatch The Word Made Fresh: http://www.trcnyc.org/TheWordMadeFreshWatch Bible in a Minute: http://www.trcnyc.org/BibleInAMinuteWatch 52 Weeks Of Ministries: https://www.trcnyc.org/52weeksofministries/Make a donation: http://www.trcnyc.org/donate

This Sunday we are celebrating Pride!Join Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Jim Keat as they talk about some of the ways we will be celebrating Pride Sunday at Riverside as well as a quick dip into 1 John 3:1-7 and how this particular Sunday frames the text in such a wonderful way.