The Trolley Stops Here

We are back! Listen in as our host, Lawrence Clark, and special guest/former co-host, Taylor Darden, speak honestly about pride month from a faith perspective. Who are the Biblical characters who serve as role models for queer Christians? Why is it important for churches to find affirming ways to observe Pride month? Join us as we discuss these questions and more!

Join us for part 1 of our conversation as we sit down with our special guests, Darren Caffery & Sibongile Sithole, as we dive into our faith, mental health, and what it means to take care of ourselves.

“Beloved community is formed not by the eradication of difference but by its affirmation, by each of us claiming the identities and cultural legacies that shape who we are and how we live in the world.” - Martin Luther King Jr. 

Join our conversation as we celebrate the Christian figures who molded us into the spiritual beings we are today.

In this episode, we celebrate Black History Month and listen to stories of adversity and how our faith guides us through. Join us as we sit down with Rev. David Brown and Dr. Sam Lemon as they share their stories and philosophy to what Black History truly means.

Join us for a discussion on dealing with loss and grief during the holidays. Our special guest is Miriam Williams.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk 500 miles from one country to another? Join us for a conversation with Pastor Laurie Ann about her Sabbatical in Spain. 

Meet our new co-host, Lawrence Clark, and listen to a discussion about millennials and progressive Christianity.

We're back!  In this episode we interview Darren Caffery and Mary Spiers, both nueropsychologists and First Church members, to discuss the links between faith and the brain. It's a fascinating, sometimes moving discussion with two brain experts and people of faith. Join us!

This special episode focuses on current events, recorded just before the inauguration.

The country is perhaps more divided than it's ever been in living memory. It's been a long, painful year for many. We go guestless for this episode, and give our thoughts on patriotism, unity, healing, and whether any of those things are possible or necessary. We get vulnerable as we consider how to see God in the midst of a country torn by violence, illness, white supremacy, and political animus.

We're back! We had a bit of a delay with this one, apologies, the holidays got busy for us just like everyone else!

Also there are some minor sound quality issues early on with Taylor's audio, but they are resolved, so hang in there!

In this episode, recorded just after Thanksgiving, we discuss the value of women, particularly in positions of leadership in the church. Our guest is Dawn Taylor-Storm, outgoing District Superintendent of Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. We discuss Dawn's calling, her experience as a female pastor and leader in the Methodist Church, and her presiding over the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference during a particularly challenging and unprecedented period of the Methodist Church.

Show notes/links:

To support indigenous people: www.indigenousmutualaid.org

The book Is It Okay to Call God Mother? https://www.amazon.com/Okay-Call-God-Mother-Considering/dp/0801047692

The book club online event Dawn mentions: https://www.epaumc.org/conference-calendar/cdt-book-club-quietly-courageous/2021-01-13/
Author Gil Rendle's new book Quietly Courageous will be discussed!

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."-- Martin Luther King, Jr. 

In much of this pre-election episode, we take a step back and pass the mic to our lay leader Sibongile Sithole. Sibongile acts as guest moderator for a panel discussion about issues important to three members of the congregation. They share their thoughts on important questions like: What are the issues that matter to us? How do we respond to those who disagree? How do we respond to politics as people of faith? Join us for a rich discussion! 

Panel members: Nerlie Blackburn, Darren Caffery, Lawrence Clark

Go here to find out how to vote in your state if you haven't already done so: https://howto.vote/

We're back with our second episode and our first guest, Jerry Noone! On this episode, Jerry and Taylor act as dual interviewees and Laurie Ann acts as the interviewer.  

Jerry and Taylor discuss their experiences of growing up gay and Christian, feeling rejection from the church, and eventually becoming leaders at First Church. Along the way, we discuss the complicated and ongoing struggles with acceptance and homosexuality in the United Methodist Church, and how First Church chose to take a stand for LGTBQ+ inclusiveness early on. It's a funny, moving, and insightful discussion.   

Note: this episode may not be suitable for young listeners.

Show Notes:

Information on the excellent book God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines

http://www.godandthegaychristian.com/

First UMC of Media is excited to announce our brand new podcast! The Trolley Stops Here is hosted by Pastor Laurie Ann Rookard and Community Outreach Coordinator Taylor Darden, both on staff at FUMC of Media, aka First Church, which is the last stop on the trolley line in Media, Pennsylvania. This podcast will address relevant, real, and sometimes controversial issues from a progressive faith perspective. We'll interview guests from the church and community, and resolve to love alike even if we don't always think alike. Join us!