Together 4 Good: Making Sense of Life and Faith

Sunday School Remix: Jesus Turns Water into Wine

What if the story of Jesus turning water into wine isn’t really about wine at all? In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate revisits one of the most talked-about (and most misunderstood) miracles in the Gospels: Jesus at the wedding in Cana. On the surface, it feels like a lighthearted story—Jesus keeps the party going. But when you slow down and look at the cultural, historical, and theological layers, something much deeper is happening. This is Jesus’ first miracle in the Gospel of John, and it’s not flashy on purpose. It happens quietly, in the background, at a wedding on the “wrong side of town.” And what Jesus is really doing isn’t showing off power—it’s protecting a family from deep, public shame. In a world shaped by honor and shame, running out of wine at a wedding wasn’t embarrassing—it was devastating. And Jesus steps in, not to draw attention to himself, but to restore dignity, preserve relationships, and quietly reveal the heart of God. In this episode, Pastor Nate explores: * Why Cana and Galilee matter more than we realize * How weddings connect to Old Testament messianic promises * Why shame—not wine—is the real crisis in this story * What Jesus reveals about himself by using purification jars * Why “the best wine saved for last” points to the cross and resurrection This story reminds us that Jesus doesn’t avoid our most vulnerable moments. He meets us there. He redeems what feels ruined. And he shows us, again and again, that Sunday School was just the beginning. 📖 Scripture: John 2:1–11 Chapters:  00:00 – Do You Ever Wonder If Jesus Just Liked to Party? 01:15 – Why This Story Makes People Uncomfortable 02:40 – Why This Is Jesus’ First Miracle (And Why That Matters) 03:45 – Why Cana and Galilee Matter 05:15 – Why a Wedding Is Theologically Important 06:45 – When the Wine Runs Out: Honor and Shame 09:10 – Jesus Steps In to Protect a Family From Shame 10:45 – “My Hour Has Not Yet Come” 12:10 – The Six Stone Jars and What They Symbolize 13:45 – Turning Purification Water Into New Wine 14:55 – Fill. Draw. Take. 16:20 – Why the Wine Is So Good 17:30 – Jesus Comes for Our Shame 18:45 – Why Christianity Was Never Meant to Be Shame-Based 20:10 – Sunday School Was Just the Beginning

Faith, Immigration, and the Power of Listening

Disclaimer: The audio is slightly less than optimal in this episode. Pastor Nate is aware of the issue and working on resolving it. In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate sits down with Deacon Debra to talk honestly and thoughtfully about immigration, social justice, and why the Bible keeps calling us back to compassion — especially for people on the move. Debra shares stories from Bethany’s Social Justice Ministry, reflects on why food and storytelling matter so deeply in faith formation, and introduces two upcoming events designed to help our congregation listen, learn, and engage without fear. This conversation isn’t about politics. It’s about Scripture, community, and learning how to see our neighbors the way God does. * Why immigration shows up everywhere in Scripture — from Abraham to Jesus * What children’s faith formation teaches us about repetition, grace, and growth * How reading The God Who Sees reframes biblical stories we think we already know * Why sharing food lowers defenses and opens deeper conversations * How Bethany is creating safe spaces for honest dialogue across differences 📖 Book Study – The God Who Sees Sunday, February 22 | After second service 🍽️ Cocina Libre Community Meal & Documentary Saturday, March 8 | Featuring immigrant chefs, shared storytelling, and guided discussion Both events are open to the congregation and wider community. Learn more here: https://www.bethany-denver.org/news 🎧 Listen, reflect, and join the conversation. Chapters 00:00 Welcome + why this conversation matters 02:45 Social Justice Ministry at Bethany 06:30 How children really learn faith 10:30 Immigration stories in the Bible 14:45 Why The God Who Sees reframes Scripture 19:00 Immigration, law, and Christian compassion 24:30 Food as storytelling and sacred practice 29:30 Why sharing meals changes conversations 33:00 Invitation to upcoming events

Sunday School Remix: Doubting Thomas

In this Sunday School Remix episode, Pastor Nate revisits one of the most misunderstood disciples in the Bible. The story of Thomas (John 20:19-31) is often used as a warning about doubt—but what if it’s actually a story about trauma, fairness, and Jesus meeting people exactly where they are? Through fresh storytelling and historical context, this episode reframes Thomas not as weak in faith, but deeply human. After witnessing the brutal crucifixion of Jesus, Thomas isn’t asking for proof out of stubbornness—he’s asking for healing. This episode explores: * Why Thomas gets an unfair reputation * How trauma shapes faith and belief * What it means that Jesus comes back just for one person * Why doubt, questions, and locked doors are not barriers for Jesus * How this story speaks to anyone who has ever felt left out, unsure, or behind in their faith If you’ve ever thought, “I wish my faith felt easier,” or “Why don’t I experience God the way others do?”—this episode is for you. Sunday school was just the beginning. Faith is still unfolding. 00:00 – Intro: What If Thomas Was Just Having a Bad Week? 01:05 – Why Pastors Always Preach This Text 02:10 – Why Thomas Wasn’t There03:00 – Roman Crucifixion & Trauma 04:45 – Why Doubt Makes Sense 06:15 – From “Doubting” to Honest Thomas 07:30 – Jesus Comes Back for the One 09:00 – Jesus, the God of Locked Doors 10:45 – Breaking the Fourth Wall in John’s Gospel 12:15 – What This Story Asks of Us Today 13:30 – Closing: Sunday School Was Just the Beginning

Why Grace Isn’t About Doing More: A Conversation with Addison Andrix

The episode everyone has been waiting for is finally here. In this conversation, I sit down with Addison Andrix, Bethany’s newly hired Coordinator of Confirmation, High School, and Young Adult Ministry. Addison shares his story and what brings him to Bethany Lutheran Church. Addison grew up Lutheran in Minnesota and stayed connected to church through high school. And as most college kids he drifted a bit before finding his way back and rediscovering a deeper relationship with God through prayer, rest, Scripture, and community.  During this conversation we talk about: * Growing up with faith as routine and stability * How ministry can quietly turn into a job * The difference between religious participation and a relationship with God * Why pray isn’t magic, but it does reorient us * Grace vs. performance (and why God isn’t keeping score) * What Sabbath can teach us about the freedom to stop pretending we’re in control * Why unconditional love is both central to faith and incredibly hard to live out This conversation is more than meeting Addison, it’s about grace, burnout, trust and learning to navigate faith in real life. 🎧 Listen now and help us welcome Addison Andrix to Bethany Lutheran Church. Learn more at https://bethany-denver.org [https://bethany-denver.org] Chapters: 00:00 – Meet Addison Andrix 02:10 – Growing Up Lutheran 05:15 – When Faith Turns Into a Job 08:45 – Prayer and Perspective 11:30 – College, Burnout, and Drifting Without Leaving 14:20 – “Caffeine and Jesus” 16:05 – Grace vs. Performance 18:10 – Rest, Sabbath, and Letting Things Be Good Enough 20:05 – Unconditional Love 22:00 – Why Addison Is Excited for Ministry 23:00 – Final Thoughts + How to Connect

Why Would Anyone Choose Seminary Today? A Conversation with a First-Year Seminarian

In this episode of Together 4 Good, I’m joined by Kate Souther, who just completed her first semester at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia.  During our conversation we talk about what seminary is really like, why theology still matters, and how faith can grow not just through prayer and worship, but also through reading, studying, and thinking deeply.  Kate shares her experience studying pastoral care, Christian history, and contextual education. She reflects on her work with refugee children in an afterschool program and gained the knowledge that play, presence, and community impact ministry.  We also talked about calling: how Kate first fell in love with theology in middle school, how being told “no” pushed her into becoming a Pastor, and what draws her into the idea of being a parish pastor.  You’ll learn: * Why seminary still matters * How theology connects to everyday life * What is means to feel “where you’re supposed to be” * How faith can be strengthened through learning Connect with us wherever you get your podcasts and for more on Bethany Lutheran Church in Denver, CO visit: https://linktr.ee/bethanydenver