Perspectives Podcast, Season 2, Episode 14: Who Is the Good News For - Those Who Labor and Dream

In this week’s Perspectives Pastors Podcast, Rev. Hannah and Rev. Brittany continue talking about the Good News of the Christmas story - asking who it’s for, how we can connect it to our daily life, and how we can help it live on so it can fully develop into Jesus’ vision. This time, they’re looking through the lens of the laborers and dreamers - those living on the margins who are often overlooked and the last to receive good news.
It’s a discussion that’s inspired by Luke 2:8-20, when the angels appear to the shepherds, choosing these lowly laborers to be the first to hear about the birth of the Messiah. As with previous episodes, this digital Bible study is one that piques curiosity and challenges our preconceived notions of the Gospel story: Who it’s for, who we can learn it from, and how we might deliver it outside the walls of the church.
If this or other podcast episodes from First United Methodist Church of San Diego (‪@FirstChurchSanDiego‬ ) give you something you’d like to discuss with others, be sure to head over to Patreon ( / fumcsd ) where you can connect with our online community and unlock some additional inspiration. Or connect with our in-person Convergence group (www.fumcsd.org.... Either way, we invite you to think about these questions:
1. What are you pondering in your heart?
2. Where do you find God in your labor?
3. What’s your dream for this Christmas?
What is Patreon?
Our online community has started to grow, so we’ve launched a Patreon channel! Located at Patreon.com/fumcsd, it’s a place where you can discuss the ideas from each episode, access some additional resources, and help support our digital ministry. When you become a free member, you’ll unlock the ability to discuss answers posed in each week’s podcast episode. There is also an option to unlock some extras by becoming a paid supporter at $5 or $10 per month.
#podcast #christianpodcast #christianmessages #biblestudy #advent #gospelofluke #christmas #progressivechurch #progressivechristianity #methodistchurch #sandiegochurch #onlinechurch #fumcsd

[@MeghanClaussen]

So much to think about with this episode ... it made me realize how many details of Biblical stories I've never stopped to ponder. I don't recall ever asking myself "why the shepherds?" even though it's a logical question. This is inspiring me to slow down and examine every detail going forward.

[@teunvandesteeg7836]

Almost 20 years I am busy to increase attention to one of the worst tragedies in the world: the persecution of christians. I follow the messages of OPEN DOORS, an organization which gives attention to this enormous dayly tragedy. In my homeland The Netherlands years ago I wrote emails to about 90 referends all over several places in the Netherlands to stand up and make protest against the huge persecution of christians. But almost no referend did respond. I read that in several Islamitic countries and also in China, christianity is growing in spite of killings, burning houses etc.
Its my hope for christmas, Christ will send his Holy Spirit, every day again to stand up for his followers. Thanks for your conversation.

[@KeyserTheRedBeard]

Impressive content, First Church San Diego. Looking forward to your next upload. I crushed the thumbs up icon on your video. Keep up the wonderful work. Your insights into the significance of the shepherds in the Christmas story really resonated. How do you think the modern church can better embrace the marginalized voices that the angels first proclaimed the good news to?

[@FirstChurchSanDiego]

Thank you for your comments!
We think it's important for todays churches to be out in the community and encouraging their congregants to do the same. Our website outlines the work that we've been doing (www.fumcsd.org/about/) - but here is a brief overview:
We've established a Racial Justice endowment to get much needed funds to local organizations who are dedicated to bringing racial and social justice to the greater San Diego BIPOC community. We also have a Sankofa Pilgrimage to bring racial justice education to our congregants and other community members interested in learning more about harmful practices and institutional racism that has occurred in the US - both historically and today.
We also are involved in some ministries providing food and resources to our unhoused neighbors, have launched a free arts enrichment program for neighborhood youth, and are working toward an expanded affordable housing program (we currently have two affordable housing cottages).