Skip to main content
Together 4 Good

Together 4 Good

By Bethany Lutheran Church

A podcast from Bethany Lutheran Church Cherry Hills Village, CO, specially designed to inspire, challenge, and uplift you during your daily walk of faith. This podcast features sermons, Bible Studies, interviews, and guided devotionals from members of the Bethany staff and community.

For more information about Bethany, visit our website: www.bethany-denver.org
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

PRAYER AND STUDY "Practice, Practice, Practice"

Together 4 GoodFeb 25, 2021

00:00
15:19
Good Friday Poem

Good Friday Poem

Throughout this Holy Week, Pastor Nate shares short poems that he's written that reflect on the various themes and stories throughout the week.

This episode is a poetic reflection on Good Friday.

Mar 29, 202403:31
Maundy Thursday Poem

Maundy Thursday Poem

Throughout this Holy Week, Pastor Nate shares short poems that he's written that reflect on the various themes and stories throughout the week.

This episode is a poetic reflection on the events of Maundy Thursday.

Mar 28, 202402:45
Holy Week Poem

Holy Week Poem

Throughout this Holy Week, Pastor Nate shares short poems that he's written that reflect on the various themes and stories throughout the week.


This episode is a poetic reflection on Matthew 21:18-22, the story of Jesus cursing the fig tree. An event that takes place on the day after Jesus entered Jerusalem.

Mar 26, 202405:03
Palm Sunday Poem

Palm Sunday Poem

Throughout this Holy Week, Pastor Nate shares short poems that he's written that reflect on the various themes and stories throughout the week. This episode is a poetic reflection on Palm Sunday.

Mar 24, 202403:09
Signs Along the Way with Rev Peyton Williams

Signs Along the Way with Rev Peyton Williams

In another edition of our Signs Along the Way podcast series, Colleen Maki records a conversation with Rev Peyton Williams. Peyton is the priest-in-charge at St Andrew's Episcopal Church in Richmond, VA. In this conversation, Peyton reflects on her journey to ordination, the story of Jonah, Holy Week, and much more.

Mar 19, 202439:55
Signs Along the Way with Nick Donkoh

Signs Along the Way with Nick Donkoh

As we continue our Signs Along the Way podcast series, Colleen Maki sits down with Nick Donkoh to talk about Nick's journey to his current role in the Community Resources Department of the Denver Public Library. Nick offers great reflection on how his thinking evolved as he was led from Denver to Mississippi to Nashville and then back to Denver.

Mar 12, 202422:07
Signs Along the Way with Kristen Arends

Signs Along the Way with Kristen Arends

Pastor Nate talks with his long-time friend, Kristen Arends about her many years of ministry and the journey to her current path as a seminary student. In their conversation, Kristen shares a host of valuable insights about the ways that God works within our stories and guides us, even if we can't notice it at first.

Mar 05, 202450:05
Signs Along The Way with Rev Drew Ludwig

Signs Along The Way with Rev Drew Ludwig

Pastor Nate talks with Rev Drew Ludwig about his experience moving from congregational ministry to working as a hospice chaplain. In their discussion, the two reflect on different ways of discerning God's call and understanding the different seasons of our life.

Feb 27, 202432:20
Bethany Storytellers with Stephanie Davy

Bethany Storytellers with Stephanie Davy

This episode is part of an ongoing series of podcasts called "Bethany Storytellers". In this month's edition, Colleen Maki sits down with Stephanie Davy, a long-time member of Bethany who grew up here and is now raising her children at Bethany. Stephanie sings in the chancel choir and serves as one of the Worship Committee representatives on the Ministry Council.
Feb 20, 202414:01
Arches | A Poets, Preachers, Prophets, and Practitioners episode

Arches | A Poets, Preachers, Prophets, and Practitioners episode

Thanks to your great response to the first Poets, Preachers, Prophets, and Practitioners episodes here's another episode in the series. This time we look at arches. An architectural feature that holds a lot of symbolism and meaningful for not only the ways we think about God, but also the ways that we dialogue with one another. Listen in as Pastor Nate provides a collage of voices that help us to dig into the spiritual significance of arches.

Feb 13, 202423:42
Water | A poets, preachers, prophets and practitioners episode

Water | A poets, preachers, prophets and practitioners episode

This is a new type of podcast episode that Pastor Nate has been thinking about for some time. In this episode we will explore one big theme from a number of different angles. We will hear from poets, prophets, preachers, and practitioners about water. Explore the ways that water connects to our life of faith and understanding of God from a variety of perspectives in this unique podcast format.
Feb 06, 202426:39
Pastor Gary’s thoughts on Stewardship

Pastor Gary’s thoughts on Stewardship

In this special episode, Pastor Gary shares his thoughts on an essential element of our life of faith: stewardship.
Jan 30, 202423:21
Join in January with Deacon Debra
Jan 23, 202416:21
Genesis 11 Bible Study

Genesis 11 Bible Study

This week Pastor Nate shares a Bible Study episode, looking at the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. This story Carrie’s some unique messages about God’s hope for our world and the ways that our differences protect us from idolatry.
Jan 16, 202415:51
Bethany Storytellers with Anja Oss

Bethany Storytellers with Anja Oss

This episode is part of an ongoing series of podcasts called "Bethany Storytellers". In this month's edition, Colleen Maki sits down with Anja Oss, a young adult who grew up at Bethany, to talk about her experiences here and her current passions and commitments at Bethany.

Jan 09, 202411:45
New Year’s Examen

New Year’s Examen

In this special new year episode, Pastor Nate offers a guided meditation that serves as a means of prayerfully examining the past year. Based on the St Ignatius Examen, this guided time of prayer and reflection is the perfect way for you to look back on 2023 and move into 2024 with a sense of God’s presence in your life. Take a quiet 15 minutes to listen and pray through this New Year’s Examen.
Jan 02, 202411:17
Christmas Luke 2 Scripture Meditation

Christmas Luke 2 Scripture Meditation

Merry Christmas! This is a rebroadcast of a scripture meditation based on the Luke 2 Christmas Gospel. Rest and relax into the promises of this sacred story.

Dec 25, 202310:52
Advent 4 Love Lectio Divina
Dec 19, 202312:10
Advent 3 Joy Lectio Divina

Advent 3 Joy Lectio Divina

This Advent podcast is a guided Bible study that invites you to listen and reflect on a reading from Psalm 126. Through readings, reflections, prayers, and music you'll be led through a devotional time that reflects on the Advent theme of joy. Track: "Eclipse", HUKU

Music provided by https://Slip.stream

Free Download/Stream: https://get.slip.stream/ktH3TE

Dec 12, 202310:15
Advent 2 Peace Lectio Divina

Advent 2 Peace Lectio Divina

This Advent podcast is a guided Bible study that invites you to listen and reflect on a reading from Philippians 4:4-9. Through readings, reflections, prayers, and music you'll be led through a devotional time that reflects on the Advent theme of peace. Track: "Luna Rise Part One", Dream Songs

Music provided by https://Slip.stream

Free Download/Stream: https://get.slip.stream/ahoKwK

Dec 05, 202311:36
Advent 1 Hope Lectio Divina
Nov 28, 202311:11
Special Episode: Welcome Deacon Debra!

Special Episode: Welcome Deacon Debra!

In this special episode of the Together 4 Good podcast, Deacon Debra Alba sits down with Pastor Nate to share her story and sense of call. We are so excited to celebrate Debra's installation as Deacon on Sunday, November 26th. Listen in to hear Debra's story and unique sense of call.

Nov 24, 202329:14
Gratitude as a Spiritual Practice

Gratitude as a Spiritual Practice

This is a special Thanksgiving episode that we are rebroadcast just in time for the holiday! Listen in as Pastor Nate shares some thoughts on the importance of gratitude and some Bible verses that call us to be thankful. Stay tuned until the end to hear from various Bethany staff members on what they are grateful for this year.
Nov 21, 202317:16
Bethany Storytellers with Dave Craven

Bethany Storytellers with Dave Craven

This episode is part of an ongoing series of podcasts called "Bethany Storytellers". In this month's edition, Colleen Maki sits down with Dave Craven, the current Bethany Council President, to hear about how his years of involvement at Bethany have deeply enriched his life.

Nov 14, 202322:12
Law and Gospel explained with Pastor Nate

Law and Gospel explained with Pastor Nate

Pastor Nate shares some insights about the theological concept of Law and Gospel. This would have been part of his Lutheran mini-retreat but he ran out of time. So, listen in this week for some fun stories and a careful explanation of how Lutherans read the scripture.

Nov 07, 202321:01
The Liv Project with Bryan Jaster and Carol Haller

The Liv Project with Bryan Jaster and Carol Haller

Bethany's Director of Faith Formation Bryan Jaster sits down with Carol Haller to talk about an upcoming event at Bethany called "The Liv Project". This is a local organization that is doing important work with teen mental health and suicide prevention. On November 11 and 12, Bethany will be hosting workshops led by The Liv Project to further our commitment to caring for the mental health of youth at Bethany.

Listen in as Bryan and Carol discuss this great organization and important work.

Oct 31, 202313:16
Storytellers of Bethany with Kris Carr
Oct 24, 202314:17
Denver Rescue Mission with Madeline Brown

Denver Rescue Mission with Madeline Brown

In the final episode of our series of conversations about Bethany partner organizations, Pastor Nate speaks with Madeline Brown about her work with Denver Rescue Mission. Listen in as the two discuss the wholistic approach of this incredible organization and the ways that serving others develops our own capacity for grace and compassion.
Oct 17, 202316:02
Habitat for Humanity with Kevin Dempsey

Habitat for Humanity with Kevin Dempsey

Bethany's Be The Blessing event is drawing closer (October 21st!) so we continue with another interview from one of our team leads that day. In this episode, Pastor Nate interviews Kevin Dempsey about his ongoing work with Habitat for Humanity. In their conversation, you'll hear about some of the history of Habitat for Humanity, the great work they do throughout the country, and how Kevin's faith has changed as he's volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for many years.


Oct 10, 202324:19
Project C.U.R.E. with Al Youngdahl

Project C.U.R.E. with Al Youngdahl

This week, as we continue, our series of Be the Blessing podcast interviews, Pastor Nate sits down with Al Youngdahl to talk about his ongoing work with Project C.U.R.E. and the ways that serving with this organization has strengthened Al's faith over the year.

Project C.U.R.E. is a locally-based organization that gathers and provides medical supplies to different organizations throughout the world that are in need. Listen in as Al describes the incredible work Project C.U.R.E. does throughout the world and the ways that you could be involved with Project C.U.R.E. during Bethany's Be The Blessing event on 10/21.


Oct 03, 202321:16
Extreme Community Makeover with Anja Oss

Extreme Community Makeover with Anja Oss

Our new podcast series continues as we prepare for Bethany's Be the Blessing Event on 10/21. In this episode, Pastor Nate interviews long-time Bethany member, Anja Oss, about her involvement with Extreme Community Makeover. This is a great organization that works to transform entire neighborhoods of the city through different clean-up and house maintenance projects. Listen in as Anja discusses the ways that working with this organization has strengthened and enriched her life of faith.


Sep 26, 202316:54
Project Angel Heart with Jean Scott

Project Angel Heart with Jean Scott

Our new series of podcast episodes explores different outreach ministries that Bethany will be serving on 10/21 as part of our Be the Blessing event. This episode is a conversation with Jean Scott about her involvement with Project Angel Heart, a local organization that delivers food to individuals with specific medical needs. Listen in as Jean shares her heart for this organization and the ways that serving at Project Angel Heart has strengthened her faith.

Sep 19, 202313:06
Peacemaking with Colleen Maki and Rev. Anita Peebles

Peacemaking with Colleen Maki and Rev. Anita Peebles

Colleen Maki, Bethany’s Coordinator of Media, and friend Rev. Anita Peebles spent time reminiscing about the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America – Bautistas por la Paz summer conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Colleen was able to attend with generous financial support from Bethany for continuing education and Rev. Anita has been a part of BPFNA-Bautistas por la Paz for many years. Tune in to learn more about progressive Baptists, ecumenical peacemaking, resources for young peacemakers, and more. Let’s move mountains together!

Sep 12, 202330:42
A week at Rainbow Trail with Evelyn & Solomon Preisinger

A week at Rainbow Trail with Evelyn & Solomon Preisinger

As summer draws to a close, Pastor Nate brings his two oldest children on to the podcast and talks with them about their experience at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp earlier this summer. The two had a great week and loved the ways that they were empowered to lead and grew in their understanding of God’s grace during their week at Rainbow.
Sep 05, 202320:50
Identity, Belonging, and Purpose with the Faith Formation Team

Identity, Belonging, and Purpose with the Faith Formation Team

The Bethany Faith Formation team has been hard at work designing our ministries for the fall. The team sits down to talk about the big questions people ask and how our ministry this fall seeks to help people in understanding their God given identity, belonging, and purpose.
Aug 29, 202314:52
Forgiveness and Unity, a Bible Study on Matthew 18:21-35

Forgiveness and Unity, a Bible Study on Matthew 18:21-35

In this Bible Study episode, Pastor Nate looks at one of Jesus’ parables about forgiveness and breaks down the ways that these words from Jesus point us to cultivating a life that builds unity. Listen in and learn about the subtle nuances of Matthew 18:21-35.
Aug 22, 202323:26
Thoughts on a New School Year

Thoughts on a New School Year

In this episode, Pastor Nate reflects on the many emails people have this time of year as transitions and changes take place. Whether your starting a new grade level this fall or seeing a change in another area of life, what does our faith have to say about times like these?
Aug 15, 202312:26
The Nones: Doing versus Believing with Courtney Byers

The Nones: Doing versus Believing with Courtney Byers

In our next installment of conversations with The Nones, Pastor Nate talks with his long time friend and fellow high school church nerd Courtney Byers! The two discuss some of their shared memories from working at Camp together and on The Board of the Lutheran Youth Organization but also dive into Courtney’s faith journey that led her away from organized religion for a time and recently back to a church community.
Aug 08, 202356:45
The Nones: Seeing the Needs Around Us with Erik Anderson

The Nones: Seeing the Needs Around Us with Erik Anderson

Pastor Nate once again welcomes on a long-time friend to discuss his relationship with the church and the practice of faith. This is another installment in The Nones podcast series, as we talk with people who currently do not have a religious affiliation. Listen in as Erik shares about his experiences seeing the needs of the world and how that changed his connection to faith.

Aug 01, 202333:20
The Nones: Authentic Questioning with Rachel Olsen

The Nones: Authentic Questioning with Rachel Olsen

Pastor Nate continues the Nones podcast series with an exceptional guest: his older sister, Rachel! The two discuss their upbringings as people who were at church every Sunday (and 3-4 times on Christmas Eve) and then the questions and quest for answers that Rachel encountered through high school and college. Rachel talks about why she isn't involved in church today and how she finds spiritual connection through gardening. This is a great episode filled with many valuable insights.

Jul 25, 202339:29
Midsummer Reflection: what we are learning from the Nones

Midsummer Reflection: what we are learning from the Nones

Pastor Nate offers some reflections and insights about what we’ve learned from the None interviews over the past weeks. What can the church do differently to better serve the people who walk through our doors?
Jul 18, 202322:21
The Nones: You don’t have it all figured out with Coach Jen

The Nones: You don’t have it all figured out with Coach Jen

Pastor Nate continues the Nones podcast series as he sits down with his friend (and daughter’s basketball coach) Coach Jen. The two discuss Jen’s life growing up in the church, why she moved away from church attendance, and how she finds spirituality and community today.
Jul 11, 202334:29
BIBLE STUDY: We are Called, Matthew 4:12-22

BIBLE STUDY: We are Called, Matthew 4:12-22

A new sermon series will begin at Bethany on Sunday, July 9th where we will be exploring the different work that God calls us to do in the world. In preparation for this series, Pastor Nate shares a Bible study that explores the unique details of when Jesus first called his disciples (as found in Matthew 4:12-22). What were they thinking when this strange man invited them to "follow me" one day? Stay tuned until the very end of the episode as Pastor Nate shares a poem reflecting on the passage of this study.

Jul 04, 202326:05
The Nones: Connection, Community, and the ongoing journey with Andy Fitch

The Nones: Connection, Community, and the ongoing journey with Andy Fitch

"The Nones" is a term used for people not affiliated with any religious tradition. In this podcast series, Pastor Nate interviews different long-time friends who no longer attend church, learning why they left and whether or not they still have spiritual components in their life.


Jun 27, 202350:50
The Nones: The Unknown and Yearly Themes with Shelley Wilson

The Nones: The Unknown and Yearly Themes with Shelley Wilson

"The Nones" is a term used for people not affiliated with any religious tradition. In this podcast series, Pastor Nate interviews different long-time friends who no longer attend church, learning why they left and whether or not they still have spiritual components in their life.

In this episode, Pastor Nate talks with his long-time friend, Shelley Wilson. Shelley is a Hospice Pharmacist and a deep thinker. Together the two talk about the fear of the unknown, the importance of community, and Shelley's passion for yearly themes.

Jun 20, 202327:46
Clergy in the Car Having Coffee part 2

Clergy in the Car Having Coffee part 2

This is the second installment of our clergy in the car having coffee podcast episode. This time Pastor Gary interviews Pastor Nate about his journey of faith, experiences in ministry, and favorite vacation spots.
Jun 13, 202343:17
Clergy in the Car Having Coffee

Clergy in the Car Having Coffee

Pastor Nate and Pastor Gary recently took a trip to Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp and on the drive they got coffee and recorded this special podcast! Listen in as Pastor Nate interviews Pastor Gary about his journey of faith, life of ministry, and hopes for the future.
Jun 06, 202326:41
Synod Assembly 2023: Cruzando Fronteras with Matthew Kersten-Gray

Synod Assembly 2023: Cruzando Fronteras with Matthew Kersten-Gray

In this episode, Pastor Nate speaks with Bethany member, Matthew Kersten-Gray about his recent experiences at the Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly. Matthew was one of Bethany's representatives to the Assembly this year which had the theme "Cruzando Fronteras" (Spanish for crossing borders). Listen in as Matthew shares his insights and learn about the more extensive workings of the Lutheran church.

May 29, 202330:16
Practicing Resurrection: Re-reading Stories with Jennie White

Practicing Resurrection: Re-reading Stories with Jennie White

All during the Easter season, Intern Rita will be hosting the podcast and interviewing individuals to talk about ways that we can put the new life of Easter into practice.  This week, Intern Rita speaks with her friend from Seminary, Jennie White, about re-reading stories and how this practice can connect us with the Resurrection.

May 25, 202322:56
Practice Resurrection by re-watching a favorite show with Colleen Maki

Practice Resurrection by re-watching a favorite show with Colleen Maki

In this special extra episode of our Easter Practice Resurrection Series, Intern Rita talks with Colleen Maki, about the show Madam Secretary and the ethical questions it raises. This is a show that Colleen recently began re-watching and reflecting on from a faith perspective. Colleen and Rita share a great conversation about these themes and the ways that reflecting on ethical questions is a way of practicing resurrection.

May 23, 202317:09