The Gift of Hope

The Gift of Light

Bishop Ortiz shares the scripture of the three magi who come to visit the new born Jesus as we celebrate Epiphany. Also known as "Three Kings' Day", epiphany is a special time of celebrations, music and fellowship for the people of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Bishop Ortiz shares her love for this special day and what it means to come together because of our differences, not in spite of them.

The Gift of Time

Bishop Ortiz leads us in devotion based on the scripture of 1 Kings Chapter 19-Elijah Flees. This year, and even the last 5 years, may have been filled with grief, loss, trauma, and frustration so the temptation to figuratively lay under the broom tree and simply give up is great! We have all understood this temptation firsthand. Yet we also understand the Lord’s imperative, “Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.” Time apart in prayer is like bread and water in desert land. You are invited to be nourished by coming to the One who holds our days and tomorrows in their hands.

The Gift of Family

The Gospel of Matthew begins with a family tree from Abraham to Jesus. Between the recitation of names, we also hear the story of God at work in our world from generation to generation. The Advent and Christmas seasons highlight the significance of family and chosen family who support us through it all. These organizations are building healthy families by providing accessible housing, outdoor programs & family retreats, as well as emergency shelters for those experiencing domestic violence. Through education and funding, families can truly thrive as they loved on and provided a safe space to live out their call. Guests on this episode: * Dani Colón | Chief Executive Strategist of Shelter House * Diana Edelblute | Associate Director of Mar-Lu-Ridge Camp and Retreat Center * Chuck Moler | Board President of Good Shepherd Housing Foundation * Monica Springman | Director of Programs of Caroline Furnace Camp & Retreat Center

The Gift of Hope

Hope is not passive, it is active. Hope is also not an individual act but communal call. In the prison system which can seem so incredibly hopeless, the Community of St. Dysmas works to share the gifts of hope and forgiveness for all of God's beloved people. Rev. Beck shares actual responses from the congregation about what they believe hope is and can be. Langley Park, Maryland has become a safe haven for migrants from El Salvador, Guatemala and other countries of Central America. Several organizations are sharing resources to serve this community through many meals, ESL classes, and worship to offer a new home of faith and hope.

The Gifts of Speech and Silence

Encountering the angel of the Lord, Zechariah was struck speechless. His imposed silence became a time to reflect on the wonders of God. Like Zechariah, we are called at times to be silent and listen, at other times to shout with joy. In their ministries with refugees, asylum seekers and low-income elderly, our partners share why it is incredibly necessary to listen to those we advocate for FIRST before we lift up our voices for justice and peace on their behalf. Guests on this episode: * Christine Dunn | Director of Community Engagement at Lutheran Social Services NCA * Christy Zeitz | CEO of Fellowship Square Foundation