Join Pastor Arik this week has he lifts up the stories of some of the first responders on September 11, 2001. As we look back on that fateful day, 23 years ago, let us lift up those first responders who gave so much to help those in danger.
As the school year kicks off, this week Pastor Arik takes a look at the importance of Christian Education and having a place where our kids feel loved and supported, no matter what comes their way.
As Pastor Arik recovers from a nasty virus, this week he re-releases an episode from back in the day when his family was fighting off a bug, right before Sage's baptism. Listen in and stay healthy, friends!
This week Pastor Arik looks at the power that language has in shaping our reality, especially when it comes to the power of names. Join him as he looks at several biblical examples of names and how there is deeper meaning found within.
In this week's episode, Pastor Arik looks at the history and origins of lobotomies, and how it became known as the "surgery of the soul." Diving into the theory of the collective unconscious, join Pastor Arik as he explores a theory of where the soul resides.
In the aftermath of this past weekend's events, Pastor Arik takes a few minutes to reflect upon the radically nonviolent nature of our faith. Take care of yourselves, everyone.
With the 4th of July being celebrated this week, Pastor Arik uses the opportunity to examine the dangers of civil religion and why we need to be intentional about what becomes an object of our worship.
As Pastor Arik reflects upon a busy weekend, he lifts up those that made the many church events a resounding success. Join him as he embraces a spirit of gratitude for all those who gave of their time and energy this week.
As we celebrate Juneteenth today, this week Pastor Arik takes a look at the history of the holiday and why we need to hold the celebration of the day in tension with the sorrow of slavery.
As PRIDE month begins, this week Pastor Arik looks at why this is such an important month to celebrate as a faith community. Join him as he looks at how far we have come and how much further we have left to go.
This week, as Pastor Arik prepares for our first outdoor worship service of the year, he does a bit of reflecting on why he loves gardening and the process of watching things grow. Join him as he explores the parallels between growing a garden and tending to the garden of our soul.
In preparation for the first meeting of our church book club later this week, on this episode Pastor Arik takes a look at the book of Job and the reason what it still remains relevant to us in our world, today.
With Mother's Day approaching this weekend, this week Pastor Arik looks at why he uses the holiday as an opportunity to celebrate the women in our lives as a whole, and offers up two poems from incredible poets that speak to the power of women in the world.
As Pastor Arik worked from a coffee shop to try to get past his writer's block, he experienced an interesting phenomenon. Join him as he explores what "sonder" is and how it is something that can help us be more mindful in our lives.
This upcoming Sunday afternoon, Ankeny UCC will be hosting the Central Association's Spring Meeting, followed by the installation service for Pastor Arik. Join him this week as he looks at what an installation service is all about, and why he finds it so special.
With Easter now behind us, this upcoming Sunday we will hear the story of doubting Thomas. Join Pastor Arik this week as he explores a different approach to the story, and why doubt is so important to us as people of faith.
With Holy Week upon us, this week Pastor Arik shares one of his favorite poems by the poet Sh'maya, titled, "The Shattered Grave"
With the upcoming Holy Week events taking much of Pastor Arik's time and focus, this week he releases an old interview from years ago when he sat down with a dear friend and coworker. Join us this week as Pastor Arik sits down with Ronald Gibson, an incredibly intelligent man and a talented organist, as they discuss Ron's life journey and his passion for music
With St. Patrick's Day approaching on Sunday, this week Pastor Arik looks at the origins of the holiday and how it has transformed into the celebration we have here, today.
As new life returns to our world, this week Pastor Arik examines the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Join him as he explores how painful moments of deconstruction can create fertile ground for the new life that is coming next.
This week Pastor Arik revisits an old interview he did with his best friend, Dr. Michael Sinklier, from eight years ago. Listen in to this old episode where they discussed Michael's faith journey, his passions, and some of his more memorable medical stories.
This week Pastor Arik examines how our routines can sometimes leave us feeling in a rut. As he explores an example in his own life, he encourages us to find ways to live intentionally in the present moment, and to live every day to the fullest.
Today is Ash Wednesday AND Valentine's Day! This week Pastor Arik looks at how these seemingly opposite holidays actually work well when brought together. Join him as he explores how embracing our mortality makes those relationships in our lives, even better.
As Lent approaches next week, this week Pastor Arik centers himself (and hopefully the listeners!) by leading a guided meditation. Find some time and a place to get comfortable before listening in to this week's episode!
In the midst of revamping the website and updating the church's logo, this week Pastor Arik looks at how the cross became the symbol of the Christian faith, and why the church's new logo will step away from this imagery.