One Georgia UMC Podcast

Connecting with Maddie Henderson Herlong

In today's episode, Bishop Dease and Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz talk with Rev. Maddie Henderson Herlong, Christian Chaplain in the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life.  "There is hope for the church! ... Young people are yearning for church," said Maddie. "Let's listen to them more. They have something to say and they have something to offer."

Connecting with Darren Hensley

In today's episode, Bishop Dease and Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz talk with Rev. Darren Hensley, a North Georgia clergyperson who serves as an attorney in the US Bankruptcy Court.  "People who come to Bankruptcy Court don't want to be there. It could be the result of a decision, a mistake, a divorce, a death, a setback - and they are in a very real sense broken. It's where I'm called to ministry," he said. "I can't always be explicit, but meeting people at this time in their life, I can offer an assurance through my words and actions that in the midst of this situation, Christ is present."

Connecting with Karen Hoyt

Today, Bishop Robin Dease and host Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz talk with Rev. Karen Hoyt, a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) chaplain at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.  "I signed up to be a volunteer chaplain at Piedmont Hospital near where I lived. I felt a spark when I walked in that hospital. I knew God had called me to be there," she said. "I went back to school to seminary." In the NICU, "I feel like we go from Good Friday to Easter Sunday many times. So many Holy moments."

Connecting with Columbus Burns

Today, Bishop Robin Dease and host Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz talk with Rev. Columbus Burns, Director of Pastoral Care at St Joseph/Candler Hospital in Savannah where he's served for the past 31 years.   "For me, some of my most sacred moments as a chaplain have been standing or sitting by the bedside of the patients who are hurting or dying. There are no words. It's the ministry of presence."

Connecting with Emily Kelly

Today, Bishop Robin Dease and host Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz talk with Rev. Emily Kelly, a North Georgia Conference clergyperson who serves as a chaplain for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. "I want to see and hear the person I'm sitting with," said Emily. "That's what all humans crave. That's what I crave. To be seen, to be heard, and to be valued. So that's what I hope to provide the youth--and the staff." Listen to learn more about Emily's ministry and her "why" (and who won a game of spades - Emily or Bishop Dease?)