When Christmas is blue: A meditation of hope

Experiencing the fullness of God

What does it mean to be a connected church? In this episode, Joe talks with Jennifer Rodia about connectionalism and what it looks like to live it out in real life. Drawing on experiences from churches in New York to communities across Africa and beyond, they explore how connection shapes faith, community, and our understanding of God. In this episode: * How global relationships reveal a fuller picture of God * The shift from “serving others” to mutual community * Why listening across differences matters * The challenges—and gifts—of being a global church * How stepping outside our comfort zones can deepen faith At its core, this conversation is an invitation: to connect more deeply, listen more openly, and discover how God is at work beyond our own experience. ---------------------------------------- * Learn: Regionalization (UMC.org/Regionalization) [https://admin.resourceumc.org/sitecore/shell/Controls/Rich%20Text%20Editor/~/link.aspx?_id=B362300F62674C8486D1089B4FA30D07&_z=z]: How The UMC is organizing to better reflect our worldwide connections. * Engage: Global Ministries of The UMC  [https://admin.resourceumc.org/sitecore/shell/Controls/Rich%20Text%20Editor/~/link.aspx?_id=FDEB270ADEF24CD5BBCB0266A55A99A9&_z=z]is a great place to learn about the church around the world. * Stay informed: Sign up for United Methodist News Digest [https://admin.resourceumc.org/sitecore/shell/Controls/Rich%20Text%20Editor/~/link.aspx?_id=E9FE1052EDBD48EBBC83F682B162F870&_z=z] and watch The Recap [https://admin.resourceumc.org/sitecore/shell/Controls/Rich%20Text%20Editor/~/link.aspx?_id=3428C430DBF440C0BE37D8311EDF4065&_z=z] to stay informed of our worldwide church. ---------------------------------------- More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here [https://www.umc.org/en/content/experiencing-the-fullness-of-god-gysis-ep-206]. Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org [gysis@umcom.org] Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org [https://www.umc.org/].

Living the Vision: An Introduction

Get Your Spirit in Shape is back for a new season. Join Crystal and Joe as they talk about what’s ahead and share about the Vision Statement of The United Methodist Church—how it helps us love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in everyday life. Learn more: UMC.org/Vision [https://www.umc.org/en/who-we-are/the-umc-vision] Resources for your church: ResourceUMC.org/Vision [https://www.resourceumc.org/en/umc-resources/vision-of-the-umc] Watch The Recap: UMC.org/TheRecap [https://www.umc.org/en/news-and-more/the-recap] More about this episode here [https://www.umc.org/en/content/living-the-vision-an-introduction-gysis-205]. Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org [gysis@umcom.org] Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org [https://www.umc.org/]. https://podcast.umc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/living-the-vision-introductions-gysis-205.mp3 [https://podcast.umc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/living-the-vision-introductions-gysis-205.mp3]

More than the worst thing we’ve done, part 2

In the second of a two-part episode, we take a look inside the rarely seen world of death row ministry as Rev. Hillary Taylor shares how she became a spiritual advisor and friend to Brad Sigmon, who was executed in South Carolina in March 2025. Join us for a powerful conversation as we reflect on grief, hope and the belief that people are more than the worst thing they’ve ever done. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here [https://www.umc.org/en/content/more-than-the-worst-thing-weve-done-part-2-with-hillary-taylor-gysis-ep-204]. Listen to part 1 of this podcast at https://www.umc.org/en/content/more-than-the-worst-thing-weve-done-with-hillary-taylor-gysis-ep-203. Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org [gysis@umcom.org] Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org [https://www.umc.org/].

More than the worst thing we’ve done, part 1

In the first of a two-part episode, we take a look inside the rarely seen world of death row ministry as Rev. Hillary Taylor shares how she became a spiritual advisor and friend to Brad Sigmon, who was executed in South Carolina in March 2025. Join us for a powerful conversation as we reflect on grief, hope and the belief that people are more than the worst thing they’ve ever done. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here [https://www.umc.org/en/content/more-than-the-worst-thing-weve-done-with-hillary-taylor-gysis-ep-203]. Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org [gysis@umcom.org] Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org [https://www.umc.org/].

When Christmas is blue: A meditation of hope

‘Tis the season for all things merry and bright. Except when you’re feeling sad, lonely and perhaps grieving. Retired United Methodist pastor and current spiritual director Cindy Serio discusses why Christmas can be a challenging season for some folks and shares a guided meditation that acknowledges that you might feel blue at this time of the year while offering encouragement for finding hope, even on the longest night. More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here [https://www.umc.org/en/content/when-christmas-is-blue-with-cindy-serio-gysis-202]. Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org [gysis@umcom.org] Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org [https://www.umc.org/].