WEEKLY PODCAST | In Between.130

June 1, 2023 Bill Kerley

Black holes are phenomena in the cosmos where gravity pulls so much that even light can not escape. Our understanding is limited because we can’t get close enough to know what happens to objects as they cross the event horizon. we have theories about them based on the laws of physics and what we think happens to objects as they near them.

You might remember the satellite photograph of Powehi, a Hawaiian word that roughly translates as “dark source of unending creation.” It’s the first image of a black hole captured by our exploratory tools. As we talk through literal and metaphorical black holes, we concede that we have a minimal idea of what we are talking about but try to wrap our human understanding around a profound mystery. Join us Sunday as we continue this conversation around “Black Holes and their Meanings for Spirituality.”

SUNDAY LECTURE | Justice in the Middle East with John Howard

May 28, 2023 Bill Kerley

To view or download the slides Bill used in his introductory remarks click here.

To view or download the announcement slides, click here.

In order to read or download the text of the talk given by John Howard, click here.

In order to view the “wall art” referred to by John Howard in his talk, click here.

In order to download or listen to today’s talk with John Howard, please use the audio player below.

In order to watch the video recording of this talk, you can click on the YouTube player link below.

WEEKLY PODCAST | In Between.129

May 25, 2023 Bill Kerley

Why do you seek a spiritual or religious community? Why do you come to St. Paul’s?

One of the things we talk around today (and there is a lot of meandering) is where or how we seek healing and transformation. Perhaps before that comes the question, are we even aware we need to be healed or transformed? Are we trapped by tradition or moved by evolution?

A myth that comes to mind is the one of Aphrodite and Psyche, who represent the tension between tradition and innovation. Aphrodite holds a mirror to the conscious, representing how we need to change, whereas Psyche represents change itself. It’s a tension we are already holding; the question is whether we are conscious of it or not.

We’d be curious to know how or if you have re-shaped God over time and how that thas impacted your practice or understanding of prayer?

Thanks for listening!

SUNDAY LECTURE | You Ought to Be On Stage

May 21, 2023 Bill Kerley

ORDINARY LIFE - Thoughts and Ideas to Help You Live a Happier Life

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Summary of Ordinary Life for May 21, 2023

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Dear Ones -

This week’s time in Ordinary Life actually begins with my doing some magic. This is not, of course, reflected in the text of the talk. If you want to see that, you’ll have to check out the video of the talk which should be available in a couple of days.

We are intentionally walking the spiritual path in a human way and the human path in a spiritual way. This talk contains an overview about how this becoming is a life-ling progress. I distinguish between belief and faith and, then, give my version of Jim Fowler’s stages of faith development.

When I was in high school or college, I was asked to be part of a talent show. I did a magic act. As I was walking off stage the emcee said to me in front of the crowd, “You ought to be on stage.” That gave me some inflation until he added, “There is one coming soon. Be on it.”

I don’t know what stage of faith development you currently occupy but there is likely another one to move to.

That’s a brief summary of this week’s time in Ordinary Life.

You can find the text of the talk, the presentation slides and the audio version of the talk using the links below..

Our podcast, “In Between,” can be accessed through the Ordinary Life web site.

If you would like to know how to make a contribution to Ordinary Life, click here for video instructions.