In this week’s podcast we hear a Jesus story about healing that flips the tables of life as we know it and blesses people in experiences of woe and need. Special guest,  Rev. Mack Smith answers 3 ½ questions about love and reminds us that "God loves you like crazy!" Stay tuned for a lively conversation about blessing and healing. Come and sit... Listen to the needs of people around us... And engage in some table flipping, holy shenanigans.

In honor of Black History Month, this episode includes a reading of Joseph Seamon Cotter, Jr's poem And What Shall You Say:

Brother, come!
And let us go unto our God.
And when we stand before Him
I shall say —
“Lord, I do not hate,
I am hated.
I scourge no one,
I am scourged.
I covet no lands,
My lands are coveted.
I mock no peoples,
My people are mocked.”
And, brother, what shall you say?

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

In this week’s podcast, Curious Forgiveness, Jesus calls his followers to love their enemies and we also hear about Joseph of the Technicolor Dream Coat, who uses forgiveness to mend brokenness in his family. In 3 ½ questions about love, Marilyn S. shares her recipe of curiosity and wonder to help us believe in our future. Get ready to take some notes on this week's recipe of love - as well as some advice from the lyrics of Martha Wash’s song, Soaring Free - so this Valentine's Day we “Don’t talk about love, using fear.”

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

In this week’s podcast:

• Jesus climbs up to a high place so good that his disciples don’t want to leave.
• Tara tells a Holy Shenanigans Story about the transformative power of friendship. 
• Special guest Sarah DG ponders about the trans-figurative power of love in her reflection on 3 ½ Questions About Love
• Tara wraps things up with a prayer by Thomas Merton.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Welcome to Holy Shenanigans and the first week of Lent for 2022. This week’s Jesus story tells of him being tempted to listen to distract voices - ones attempting to derail him from his calling. In this time of Lenten contemplation, Tara offers a song, Teach me to Listen, to center our souls and help us listen to voices of love. There are many ways to practice Lent - how will you nurture your soul over the next 40 days?

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara and teaching artist Deb Eck have a thoughtful conversation about the life-giving and subversive power in the simple act of making things. Against the backdrop of war, Tara finds words of empowerment in this week's readings for Lent The poem Within this Strange and Quickened Dust is found in The Ordering of Love: The New and Collected Poems of Madeleine L’Engle.

To order you own "Sunflower Journal" to support this fundraiser for the children of the Ukraine, visit Deb's website at: Dryadartstudio.com

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Our words and actions are a source of blessing or curse.  Tara muses about what could be if life was a journey of blessing where "the road rises to meet us." There are no wasted trips this week of St. Patrick’s Day.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

It's time to celebrate what is lost - being found! Tara  talks about the Parable of the Prodigal Son in a new way during this fourth week in Lent.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara and special guest author Mike Morrell have an epic length conversation about love, community, resurrection, spirituality, boundaries and  Flaming Carrot Comics. 

About this week’s guest:
Mike Morrell is the collaborating author, with Fr. Richard Rohr, on The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation, founder of Wisdom Camp, and a founding organizer of the justice, arts, and spirituality Wild Goose Festival. Mike curates contemplative and community experiences via Relational Skills, taking joy in holding space for the extraordinary transformation that can take place at the intersection of anticipation, imagination, and radical acceptance. Readers and writers can check out Speakeasy, Mike's network of off-the-beaten-path spirituality books - and those who love talking about them. Mike lives with his family in Asheville, North Carolina. You can read his ongoing exploration of Spirit, Culture, and Permaculture at MikeMorrell.org. 

More than you could ever want extra, here: http://mikemorrell.org/about/

Learn more about Mike's prodigious projects at mikemorrell.org

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Mud season in Shenanigansville has got Tara thinking about life in the messy middle. She shares a mantra that grounds her in the sacredness of everyday life. She also offers her original composition I Need To Know You're Here as a space of reflection for you in this sixth week of Lent.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

The long awaited season of Easter - one of NEW LIFE is here - Hallelujah … 

And I am here for it! This week Rev. Ruth Hetland of ConseCrate Boxes joins Rev. Tara for a conversation about sharing love and support by way of subscription boxes for women clergy - in Episode 84 of Holy Shenanigans Podcast: The Women are here for it!

Special Guest Rev. Dr. Ruth Hetland is Interim Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and the founder of ConseCrate Subscription Box, LLC.  She shares life with her husband, Chad, their two teenage sons, two dogs, five cats, one bearded dragon, and one tangerine gecko. She loves to write, drink good coffee, and do yoga.

www.ruthehetland.com

https://consecrate.cratejoy.com/

Instagram: @consecratebox

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

The long awaited season of Easter is here,  and while it’s a time of celebration and new life, I think that it also is a time to live into the questions we have about life. Do you have some questions? So do I. Join Tara for some space to ponder.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara talks with artist and storyteller Lisa Kaufer from Muddy Fork about how her love of creating feeds her soul. Tara also breaks down a Jesus story about breakfast on a beach. Stick around to see just what you might be peckish for as she asks the question, " What feeds your soul?"

About our guest:
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Lisa ventured to the beautiful Southwest to attend the University of Arizona, where she earned degrees in Communication and Spanish. She has always felt called to help people grow in their personal journey and she has responded to this call by planning large-scale conferences, tutoring students with dyslexia, and serving in faith formation ministry with all ages. Lisa delights in cultivating play-filled spaces for community and conversation through her leadership at art workshops and spiritual retreats. This is also evident in her long-standing relationship with Montreat Youth Conference and her recent work designing new forms of ministry with Princeton Theological Seminary's Log College Project. It's also hard to miss the giant Turquoise Table in her front yard!

Lisa lives in West Chester, Ohio with her husband, three children, and two Sheepadoodles. She currently serves as Director of Faith Formation at First Presbyterian Church, Middletown. In 2020, Lisa launched The Muddy Fork as a personal outlet for creative expressions and shared stories. Visit www.themuddyfork.org to learn more about her ceramic finger labyrinths, digital curriculum, and other devotional resources.

Here are other resources that surfaced in our conversation:

• The Muddy Fork: www.themuddyfork.org ; FB/Inst @themuddyfork ; Etsy @MuddyForkStudio 
• Montreat Conference Center: https://montreat.org/
• Arts, Recreation, & Worship Conference: https://www.re-create.cc/
• Montreat Youth Conference: https://montreat.org/y-ya-events
• Ann Laird Jones, Sally Jones Pottery: https://montreat.org/crafts-pottery
• Stacy Krems, Sweet Rolling Pins: https://sweetrollingpins.com/

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara talks with pastor, poet, magician and coffee bean roaster John Stephens about the 23rd Psalm as well as how making change requires loving and respectful action.

About my guest:
John Stevens was born and raised in South-East Idaho, and has spent all of his life living in the Pacific Northwest.  John is a pastor in the ELCA, roaster of the blessed bean, dabbler in the art of sleight of hand, and spends a lot of time over at the Dollar Store Children Sermons blog, where he provides springboards for Children's sermons.  As a writer, and poet, he also writes daily Haiku Prayers, and these can be found in book format from Amazon, or the Facebook page, "Haiku Prayers."  John serves as the pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, in Oregon City, Oregon.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara talks with author and book lover Laura Alary about her new book, Sun In My Tummy, and how all our words, especially the parting ones, call us to  be  truly known by our love.  

About our guest:
Laura Alary is a writer and storyteller who believes that stories can make us bigger on the inside. She has loved books from the time she could barely clamber up the steps to the book mobile that rolled into her neighborhood once a week. After many years immersed in the academic study of bible and theology, Laura turned her attention to raising three creative and curious children, and writing books aimed at inviting all children to wonder, ask big questions, and be curious about the world.
 
Laura has a B.A. in Classics from Dalhousie University (Halifax), an M.Div. from Knox College (Toronto), and a Ph.D. in New Testament from The University of St. Michael’s College (Toronto). She credits her storytelling skills to innumerable visits to the public library!
Laura’s books include the church-year series Make Room, Look! and Breathe, Read, Wonder, Listen, What Grew in Larry’s Garden and most recently Sun in My Tummy and The Astronomer Who Questioned Everything: The Story of Maria Mitchell.

You can find her here:
https://lauraalary.ca
IG: @laura.alary
FB: @lauraalaryauthor
Twitter: @lauraalary1

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara talks with writer and agent of change Spencer Burke from Lean Faith about some tools to aid us in times of change: curiosity, courage and community. She ponders letting go of fear and holding on to peace in the midst of change. Let’s take some time together to learn how to be courageous, curious, community-builders.

About our guest:

Spencer Burke is a widely sought after speaker, coach, trainer and strategist in the field of spiritual innovation. When ministries want to dream or feel stuck or confused, and want to love more and discern faster, they consult Spencer. As Director of Lean Faith, he helps spiritual communities discover the right questions, minimize risk, and test their ideas through rapid iterations. He is also the Founder of Hatchery LA - an incubator for Spiritual Entrepreneurs. Spencer has authored several books including, A Heretics Guide to Eternity and Making Sense of Church. For more than twenty years, Spencer has been a practitioner of the Enneagram. He is an ordained Disciples of Christ Minister, serving as the Minister of Innovation and New Church Development with the Pacific Southwest Region from 2015 to 2019. You can learn more about his ongoing work at: spencerburke.com

To sign up for weekly email insights, event info and general Holy Shenanigans - email us at: holyshenanigans@gmail.com

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Prayer is for everyone... Tara ponders a Jesus story that Jesus prays for everyone - and that means everyone! Would you like to learn more about prayer? Give us a listen as we explore the expansive practice of prayer.

One of Tara's prayer practices is making art. This week's episode features a mixed media painting created to celebrate the 50th Anniversary for the ordination of women in the ELCA. (50 women/40 women of color and culture/10 women identifying as queer.) To view Tara's art and view the shop (Including merch for Holy Shenanigans Podcast), click here: Tara Lamont Eastman Art 
The song in today's podcast, "Oh God hear our prayer", is written and performed by Tara L. Eastman.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara turns the mic over to guest David Gray, who shares his piece Preparing for Daycare,  about how his family moves through the world because of complex systems of racism and oppression. David has some important insights about how to work towards equity and justice. Will we listen?  Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Also, here's a link to organizations you can support who are assisting victims and the neighborhood in the wake of the Buffalo tragedy.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

We hear hard truths about the call of love and are joined by a special guest author and theologian Rebecca Trotter. Rebecca is a mom, writer, thinker, teacher, Christian and odd duck. Her activism has included working with organizations serving their local communities both here and around the world. Rebecca can be found at her website, The Upside Down World. 

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Pastor Tara is a little under the weather this week, so Ian, the other Eastman associated with this podcast fills in and tries not to break anything. He tells a story about a kind act that changes a young boy's life.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Dancing with God is an invitation to show up as we are - where we are - and stop looking back. Would you like to take a turn on the Holy Shenanigans dance floor? Let’s go - and try a new step forward!

Today's special ending theme is Creative Commons Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

In Episode 95 of Holy Shenanigans Podcast: Smile Up To Your Eyes, Tara tells a story about human hunger of boy, mind and spirit  calls us to actions to feed one another - but the harvest is plentiful and the workers are few. How do we see God in the face of all we meet? How can we to honor the humanity of each human? How can we smile up to our eyes and feed whatever hunger must be fed?

 Because the harvest is plentiful, but the workers, the workers are few…

With Original Song by T.L. Eastman "Beyond the Silver Moon"

"Take a step, make it two time is moving so are you. Changes come oh so soon, I'm moving on for you. Times are tough, life is rough, we got some work to do. The journey’s on oh so long, my only grace/strength is you…

I will fly through the midnight sky, sing by the moon, I will go to where they’ve gone before, beyond the Silver Moon."

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara is traveling this week and she audio journals about one of the most well-known road trip stories of all time: the Good Samaritan. Wherever you find yourself on the map today, there are always opportunities to be a good neighbor.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara muses about distractions and rest. She tells a story about how a word of encouragement can help cut to the heart of what really matters. 

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara reminisces about theologian, writer and mentor Phillis Tickle and how she offered an oasis of encouragement to keep her going in her spiritual journey.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Today's podcast comes to you from the Wild Goose Festival in Union Grove, North Carolina. Tara sits down for a conversation with Brian Allain, the creative force behind Writing For Your Life, Publishing in Color, Compassionate Christianity and Heal Our Divides. For Brian's full bio and link tree, go to: https://writingforyourlife.com/brian-allain/

Today's poem: God of Change

God of change, 
Blow a cool breeze my way. Focus my attention on love.

Love that welcomes all.

Love that is diversity.

Change moves me, you, we into God’s dance of love - 

That spins us around, swirls our colors so that the gazing eye sees a picture of diversity - that is BEAUTY.

Changing love, make us a swirling masterpieces.

Make us ONE and you are ONE.

Copyright 2022 T.L. Eastman

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tonyah Dee teaches about finding ways to daily increase inner strength, stability and confidence through practicing spiritual disciplines and healthy habits.  Tara sat down with Tonyah during the Wild Goose Festival to talk about love, serenity, and finding purpose in life.

Tonyah Dee is a registered dietitian, Christ-centered life coach, and master meditation teacher, making her perspective deep yet broad. She teaches evidence based lifestyle tips integrated with spiritual practices, believing it is important to feed body, soul and spirit. Tonyah creates devotional chant music, and scriptural contemplations to go with her Christ-centered meditation and prayer practice. She is the founder of Yahlight, a movement to ignite and empower the Light within. For more visit: https://yahlight.com or go to Tonyah Dee's YouTube: Yahlight

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Come take a seat at the campsite with Tara and guest Joy Crawford, a spiritual director with a deep connection to the natural world. You're in for a thought-provoking conversation about Eco-Spirituality, the Divine Feminine, and finding balance in life.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

The Order of Saint Hildegard is an expansive, dispersed intentional community centered on the healthy and whole development of its members and chaplains. During the Wild Goose Festival, Tara sat down with its director and founder, Frances Cutshaw, who shares how the life of Saint Hildegard empowers her own calling and has led her to lift up others who are seeking the Sacred.

Poem of the Week: Woman, Thank You

Woman - Thank you.

For bringing life to light

and carrying it within you.

Woman - we thank you.

For your leadership, nurture, wisdom and challenge -

Woman - we thank you.

For walking with us, redirecting our steps,

and teaching us to care for one another.

Woman, we thank you.

For your intellect, your grace and the millions

of ways you empower the world to love...

Woman, we thank you.

Sage, Friend, Strength-giver.

Healer, Leader, Preacher.

Parent, Chef, Dancer.

Creative, Life-giver, Godbearer.

Woman.

You are impossible to define and life would be impossible without you.

Woman, we thank you.

Tara L. Eastman Copyright 2017

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Chasing Goodness is a podcast where speaker, storyteller and author Matt Kendziera finds incredible people using their faith and life as a catalyst for goodness in this world. In this episode, pastor, poet, and podcaster Tara Lamont Eastman joins the show to discuss the future of faith and how the arts play an important role in our connection with the divine.

Like what you hear? Head on over to Chasing Goodness to be inspired to discover your own goodness in order to make your life, family, community and world better.

Thanks, Matt for allowing Holy Shenanigans to share this episode with our listeners!

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

In this episode of Beta Male Revolution, Billy & Brandy Eldridge speak with Pastor Tara Eastman about the intersection of feminism and religion.  Like what you hear? Check out Beta Male Revolution for more discussions about emotional intelligence, peacemaking, and self-actualized living.

Thanks Billy & Brandy for making this Beta Male Revolution available to Holy Shenanigan listeners!

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

What gifts do you have to extend love into the world? You might be surprised to find, it's something you carry with you every day. There is power in YOUR pockets.

Poem: Odd Sock by: T.L. Eastman

There once was a basket of socks that had no mates anymore.  Mom had given my sister and I free reign to do what we wanted with them. “They can become, whatever you want.” We saw this basket of odd socks as treasure. We borrowed Mom’s sewing box. We added buttons, We added bows. We took humble tube socks and we made: puppets, Barbie dresses and attempted making sock monkeys.

Together we had a great time with that basket of socks. To some they might have seemed disposable. But to us, with the help of some buttons, bows and blessing from our Mom - they were a treasure to delight in.

We all have baskets of odd socks. We may not see them as anything but clutter, but what could be possible for those cast-off socks with a blessing, buttons and bows.

I like to think that G-d appreciates all the baskets of odd socks. I think God is delighted with them - especially when we look at them with curiosity and the help of the creative notions of buttons, blessings and bows. 

I think G-d loves to embellish the odd socks of life and make treasure out of them. I hear G-d's got a great craft closet, where the odd socks can become whatever they want to be. 

There is treasure in baskets of odd socks. 

Can you see it? 

Can you be it? 

By the power of blessing, buttons and bows, together we can make treasure from a basket of odd socks.

Copyright 2022 T.L. Eastman

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

During a recent trip to Pittsburgh, Tara geeked out over sets and props from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood on display at the Heinz History Center. The legacy of Fred Rogers came to mind this week while she was musing on the weird parable about the shrewd manager. In a world obsessed with wealth and status, she concludes that faithfulness may be the most precious treasure of all. 

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara and author, pianist & activist EDJ consider the power of mercy in a conversation about deconstruction from fundamentalist conservative evangelical religion, embracing feminism, breaking free from purity culture  and learning how  forgiveness can flip tables of harm and bring unexpected healing in a Evangelical Deconstruction Journey.

EDJ's Facebook account
EDJ's Instagram account
EDJ"s TikTok

EDJ / Eady Jay loves to write about spirituality, sexuality, family, health and music. She has a degree in Christian Theology, 30ish years of senseless celibacy under her belt (wink), personal experience in weight-loss of 65 pounds, and years of professional experience building a business as a piano teacher. She is also a loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife and parent who cared for her terminally ill mother and is raising a child born with a cleft lip and palate.
Over the years she has deconstructed the concept of hell leading her down the path of universalism. Then she deconstructed purity culture and many of the “isms” and became a queer-affirming, feminist. She is still on an Evangelical Deconstruction Journey (EDJ), reforming ethics rooted and established in the God who is love, grace and truth personified.
EDJ is this writer’s initials and an acronym for Evangelical Deconstruction Journey. Eady Jay is a pseudonym derived from the initials EDJ.

Poem of the Week:

What if?

Sometimes my mind spends most of the time replaying, creating and taunting with ideas that worry, ideas that cause scurry, ideas that wander and whine.

Instead of thinking on what isn't sinking. 

Instead of pondering what is fine.

Instead of focusing on what is present, 

what is pleasant and what is kind.

Sometimes my mind likes to wander to places that are dark and cold.

Taking me to places with unfriendly faces. 

The places where defense is gold.

Instead of thinking, on what is today. 

Instead of cherishing what I hold.

Instead of drawing attention to beauty, 

to what is sweet and bold.

Sometimes I think I need to stop, and think of things that matter, that last beyond the temporal soil. 

Sometimes, I know I need to want, what I have,

Not what I think, should be my goal.

Instead of focusing on wants and what ifs.

Instead of reaching to remotes.

What if I looked at what I have,

what I possess, and present a treasure to untold?

Copyright T.L. Eastman 2007 

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Today we wish Holy Shenanigans a happy 2nd birthday... and talk about the intersection between faith, traumatic experiences, and trauma recovery with Jennifer Ohman-Rodriguez.

About today's guest:
Jennifer Ohman-Rodriguez is in the first call process toward ordination in Word and Sacrament ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Her first book, A Time to Mourn and a Time to Dance: A Love Story of Grief, Trauma, Healing, and Faith, is published by Chalice Press.  Ohman-Rodriguez is a frequent workshop presenter in trauma-informed spiritual care and also curates the Trauma Recovery Page at Compassionate Christianity.  She holds master’s degrees in early child development and divinity.

This weeks' poem:
It's only just the dawn

October’s chill is falling, fog is rolling, and crickets sigh. A train is on track with mourning’s blight and wheel clack in the mid-of-night.

There’s always something moving, even a drowsy lark.                                                    
There’s always changes coming, even in the deepest dark.

True mercy can’t be kept apart from the shadows of life and love. Mercy stretches her arms to embrace the whole sad world and breach the great divide.

 There’s always someone walking, in the sweaty heat of life.                                              
There’s always someone moving, shifting between dark and bright.

 Wandering souls aren’t lost, when they remember their cause. They hold tight to hope in the darkest night or the cold of an early frost.

 There’s always someone trying to tell you what you’ve done.                                            
There’s always someone saying, you’ve lost and it can’t be won.

 There’s a train that travels in mercy and it fills the world with grace. On this train all are welcome – it’s no matter of beauty, wealth or place.

There is One who says you’re accepted. There is One who extends all the grace.  
This is One who banishes the darkness and ushers in the morning light to shine on every face.

Don’t heed those words of worry. Don’t let them hold you down. 
Wait for morning’s dawning that streams beams of light all around.

Look to the east and keep on walking – you’re walking in the sun.

 There’s always something moving, even a drowsy lark.                                                  
There’s always mercy coming, even in the deepest dark.

The journey’s not yet over – it’s only, just the dawn.

Copyright Tara Eastman 2016

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

A message of hope in a season of grief and loss... Tara chats with researcher and author Dr. Eileen Campbell-Reed about how resilience, grace, and gratitude lead to lasting change and wholeness. Rev. Dr. Eileen Campbell-Reed (she/hers) is Visiting Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Care at Union Theological Seminary, New York City. She is founder and host of Three Minute Ministry Mentor (weekly video, blog and podcast), and author of Pastoral Imagination (2021) and the #PandemicPastoring Report (2022).

This episode also makes reference to the work of researcher, writer and speaker: Brene' Brown

To learn more about Eileen Campbell-Reed's work:
Author Website
Pandemic Pastoring
Three Minute Ministry Mentor

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara puts three-and-a-half questions about love to Bob Lebel, a clinical geneticist in Syracuse, New York. 

Bob Lebel is a congenital Roman Catholic, came to ELCA as an adult.  Married, three sons, four grandchildren.  Earned advance degrees in Zoology, Theology, Ethics and Genetics; physician teaching and practicing medical genetics and genetic counseling at SUNY Upstate Medical University.  He enjoys singing in church, gardening with his wife, reading classics, listening to “classical” music, going to plays/musicals, and writing (over 300 publications ranging from poems to book reviews to scientific research and a book on genetic counseling).

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Over the past few weeks, the gift of gratitude practices has bubbled, bubbled up to the surface - even amidst some toil and trouble! This experience of listening for the sacred in everyday life is something I call Holy Shenanigans. So in light of the good bubbling up of gratitude and the gifts of Halloween trick-or-treating: Let’s put on our Halloween best and go out to seek some good treats!

Today's special sppoky music by  SoundGalleryBy from Pixabay.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Bill Withers sang "we all need somebody to lean on." Tara muses about the practices and people we need to help us see the sacred in the everyday experiences of life. Ready? Hop on the Holy Shenanigans bus!

Thanks to Rev RH Hart for asking this question all those years ago at Institute for Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Sound Effects from Pixabay.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Let's make November a time for blessing, thanks and gratitude. Tara invites you to Say YES to the BLESS by taking part in everyday practices of thanksgiving all month long.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Imagine quitting your job, selling your car, and hitting the road on a cross-country journey. with a trio of dogs  Today's guest, Tracy Wright, did just that. She caught up with Tara to share the exciting life lessons she is learning on the road.

Join us in gratitude practices all month long #yestotheblesschallenge

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara talks about two important women in her life: her mother and her mother-in-love and the hymn that connects them both.

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Janet Eastman, 1936 - 2022.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Every week until Christmas Tara will be sharing stories and resources to help you cultivate hope, peace, joy and love. Plan on taking this journey together with Holy Shenanigans in what we are calling  #expectantadvent. Today's guest is Matt Kenzeria author of Bring It Home and host of the Chasing Goodness podcast. He shares an inspiring story of hope that you will not want to miss! Special thanks also to Suzanne Kendziera for sharing her song as this week's poem:  Praises to My King - Copyright Suzanne Kendziera 2004

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara continues sharing sharing stories and resources to help point you towards the hope, peace, joy and love of Christmas.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara has an uplifting conversation about joy with Dandi Daley Mackall, author of the new devotional Three Wise Women (Paraclete Press). Dandi is an award-winning author of over 500 books for children and adults.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

The season of Advent, of waiting for Christmas, is here and all month long Tara is sharing stories and resources to help point you to hope, peace, joy and love. This week she shares how, even in the midst of struggles and questions, Love IS with US!

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

We all can use a moment of peace in this last dash towards the holidays. Tara dips into Christmas past with a story from her high school choir days, offers a song and some space to help you experience peace in the present, and shares a blessing to travel with you into the future. 

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

The season of Christmas is finally here, but our journey to seek Christ is just beginning. For Christ, Christmastide brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh given by star-following Magi.We, like the Magi, follow a star that carries us into a New Year yet unseen. What gifts will Christmastide bring? Join me and Rev. Lindsey in a conversation where we can bring all our questions about the Magi.

Rev. Lindsey (they/them) is an astrologer and pluralist pastor. Lindsey's school, Maker of the Bear, teaches classes on astrology, Christianity, and the intersections of both frameworks. They also work on an individual basis in spiritual accompaniment and astrological consultation. In 2023, Lindsey plans to open an online community called AstroLiturgy:a pluralist space (honoring all paths to the Divine as worthy) for faith- and astrology-inspired liturgical practice. You can find them on Instagram @bad.pastor, Twitter @bad_pastor_, and the web at badpastor.me. 

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

The season of Christmas is finally here! Tara is celebrating the holiday season with a collection of phone messages filled with holiday wishes from Holy Shenanigans podcast listeners. 'Tis the season for hope, peace, joy and love as we proclaim together: JOY TO THE WORLD! 

Special music in this episode provided by Music by Daddy_s_Music from Pixabay.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

It's moving week, but Tara takes a few minutes to ponder 3 1/2 Questions About Love with Ian the Sound Guy.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

It’s a new year to begin again and consider what this next trip around the sun might offer us. What do we need more of - less of … what are we fishing for? Join Tara on a fishing trip to fill the heart and soul of community!

Thanks to  Janita Byers for sharing her poetry with us today.

Sound Effect from Pixabay.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Have you ever received an upside-down blessing? Upside-down blessings are a close cousin to a Holy Shenanigan - they are gifts of grace that take us off guard and give opportunities to learn a needed lesson. 

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

What do you think it means to stay salty? To help us start to unpack this idea, Tara hits the streets as a roving podcaster to ask this question: "When you hear the phrase ' stay salty', what does it mean to you?"

Sound Effects from Pixabay.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Do You Love Me? Check YES or NO

Valentine's Day gives the opportunity to consider all the ways we can say, "Yes", "No" or "Maybe" to love - or welcome.

Tara  shares an experience of home insecurity,  how the words of Christ inspire being on the side of welcome, and a lesson to never give up the search for love from the Mexican ritual of La Posada.  (Inspired by writings of Clarissa Pinkola Estes' book: Untie the Strong Woman.)

This Valentine's Day, will our Yeses to be Yes?
Will our Nos to be No?
Open this Podcast Valentine to find out!

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara welcomes Therese Taylor-Stinson, author of Walking the Way of Harriet Tubman: Public Mystic and Freedom Fighter (Broadleaf Books). They discuss public mysticism, internal liberation, and perseverance.

About our guest:
Therese Taylor-Stinson is a writer, spiritual director, ordained deacon, and ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA). A graduate of the Shalem Institute and a member of the Shalem Society for Contemplative Leadership, she is also the Founding Managing Member of the Spiritual Directors of Color Network, Ltd. Taylor-Stinson is the editor of the award-winning collection Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around. Therese lives her life as a contemplative, and enjoys the natural world and the people and projects that are drawn to her as gifts. She and her husband live in Silver Spring, Maryland.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Rev. Tara shares a heart-to-heart conversation guest Andrea DiMaio on the unlikely intersections between changing the narrative around bodies, movement, exercise and outdoor representation of all bodies and traditions of the Lenten season. Don't miss this mountain-top experience that invites everyone to seek the dream of their life - and climb the mountain (or whatever you dream of) NOW!


About our guest:
Andrea DiMaio is the founder of Ample Movement,  a Yoga For All ( Certified Instructor and an Accessible Yoga Teacher. As a Group Adventure Leader at WHOA Travel she leads international group adventure hikes.

Andrea's Link Tree
Instagram: amplemovement
and
adventuring_andrea_
Facebook: Ample Movement
TikTok: Ample Movement
YouTube: Ample Movement

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

This Lent, I am looking up, thanks to a reminder this week thanks to some yellow balloons, old helium tanks and quick spaghetti. 

My spiritual practice this Lent, is to take a photo each day of small AND important things and post a note of gratitude for them on my Instagram page with the hashtag #gratitudematters AND #lent23 

I invite you to join me in this Lenten Photo Practice celebrating the small AND important things of life with gratitude. Simply tag us with #holyshenaniganspodcast #gratitudematters and #lent23 on your photo posts on the Gram. I will be "Looking Up" to see what small AND important holy shenanigans you share too!

 

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

How can we, in grief-filled times, have our cups filled to overflowing? Could gratitude have something to do with resilient living? Tara looks to Psalm 23 and the research of Dr. Lucy Hone - and shares a personal account of walking with grief, with the help of gratitude. 

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

This week, Dawn Trautman and Tara share a conversation about gratitude in the midst of Lent. How do Lent and gratitude mix? In the grit of life does gratitude actually matter???

Who is Dawn?

Dawn Trautman founded Big Picture Big Purpose in 2005 to coach ministry professionals, academics, and non-profit leaders into healthy change-makers in their personal and professional lives.

What sets her apart from other coaches is her proprietary process called “Discern by Doing,” which helps people take action toward big goals while listening to the Holy Spirit each step of the way. Her work has been described as "strategic," "action-oriented," and "relentlessly positive without being unrealistic."

After earning a Masters in Youth & Family Ministry at Luther Seminary she earned an additional Masters in Organizational Psychology at New York University. She combined those degrees to become one of the first National Board Certified Life Coaches in the United States.

She is also a mom, a professional actor, and producer of a web series called “A Dairy Tale” which she describes as being like The Office if your Office were a barn. On weekends she volunteers at her church's food pantry in New York City, which serves up to 24,000 meals a week.

Website: www.BigPictureBigPurpose.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawntrautman/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigPictureBigPurpose 

TikTok: @BigPictureBigPurpose 

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Listen to "notes" of gratitude featuring David Horne - Minister of Music at Jamestown First Presbyterian Church. He arrived in WNY in 2018, to help care for his father, after serving as Choral Director and Chapel Organist   at Tabor Academy, in Massachusetts. 

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

In anticipation of Palm Sunday and Holy Week, P. Tara and John Fong discuss tools of spiritual vitality in times of change.

John Fong is a Hybrid Church Growth Communications Consultant. A Synod of NE Innovation grant recipient, he is currently working with presbyteries and churches in three Synods. John uses church growth case studies, focuses on creating result/data-proven programs that help churches increase exposure, engagement, enhance overall communication, hybrid authenticity, and help churches grow. John is also a husband and father to three beautiful children, and is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston, NY.

Email - Johnchoufong@gmail.com
Facebook me - @AskJohnFong

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

What signs of Spring are you looking for?

The Easter Season is here to bring gifts of renewal and hope - and the gift of a conversation with author Roger Hutchison regarding the publication and release of two new books, Sparrow's Prayer and The Art of Calm (April 19).

Join Roger and Tara for a heart to heart about the broken and beautiful - as they see and hear signs of new life in sparrows, bluebirds and books.

Roger Hutchison is an author, illustrator, educator, and director of Christian Formation and Parish Life at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas. Roger is the author of nine books, including My Favorite Color Is Blue; Sometimes: A Journey through Loss with Art and Color; and The Very Best Day: The Way of Love for Children, Sparrow's Prayer, and The Art of Calm: Spiritual Exercises for the Anxious Soul. Roger's ambition is to use art, color, and poetic language to communicate love and promote healing and hope in today's hurting world.

Sparrow's Prayer - Often, the most powerful prayers do not include words. Lyrical and unique, Sparrow's Prayer is a tale about an unexpected and life-changing encounter with the holy.

The Art of Calm: Spiritual Exercises for the Anxious Soul - An invaluable resource for anyone struggling with anxiety, fear, or depression, The Art of Calm is a lifesaving and inspiring guidebook that empowers us to break free from the emotional bondage of mental illness. Bursting with deep personal insight and uplifting practical guidance, this remarkable and therapeutic journey begins by charting the author’s own devastating psychological descent―which included panic attacks so severe they landed him in the emergency room. Weaving these personal stories with thoughtful questions, journaling prompts, and a wide range of inspirational practices, Hutchison creates a self-help tapestry of compassion, vulnerability, and action.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Today's guest Lilly Lewin is a worship curator, author, artist, and founder of Thinplace NASHVILLE, and Finding Your Thinplace. She creates sacred space prayer experiences and leads workshops and  retreats on sabbath and prayer and pilgrimages to help people discover their thinplace..the place where they feel God’s pleasure and presence. Her passion is to help people of all ages engage God using all their senses and bring art & artists back to church. Lilly and her husband Rob live in Nashville, TN where she’s on the lookout for good coffee, dark chocolate & the best place to watch the sun set. She is a big fan of Instagram @lillylewin, writes a weekly blog post called freerangefriday at godspacelight.com and creates resources for worship at Free Range Worship.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Waiting can lead to impatience OR impatiens. 
Impatiens? 

Tara tells a story of her childhood neighbor Ms. Estella and how the imptiens she grew, were a lesson of grace.

Can we be more like impatens in our waiting? 

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

What is spiritual shepherding? Learn the basics of spiritual direction from spiritual director Nancy Wagner. 

Nancy Wager is a Deacon on the Roster of Word and Service with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Nancy holds BS and MS degrees in Elementary Education from SUNY Cortland, a Master of Arts in Applied Theology degree from Wheeling Jesuit University and a certificate in Spiritual Formation from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. She is a Spiritual Director having received her training through the Horizons Program at the Spiritual Renewal Center in Syracuse, NY. 

Nancy resides in Ohio where she loves spending time with her family. Her interests include writing devotional reflections and crafting. She is a crochet artist who specializes in table labyrinths as well as designing and creating other small, original projects.

Nancy’s spiritual formation website can be found at stillgrowingonthevine.weebly.com. She can be reached by email at stillgrowingonthevine@gmail.com.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

LIVE is...
Love, Intention, Verve and Ease.
At least for Tara - for her it's a rule of life - or at least, and intention.

How can learning what your strengths are, and leaning into them help you to LIVE?
Listen for more on the power of questions, learning and leaning into your strengths - and truly LIVE-ing.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Special Guest Suzanne John Blacksnake, member of the Seneca Nation (Deer Clan) and Elder from Jimersontown Presbyterian Church.  In Episode 140 of Holy Shenanigans Podcast, Suzanne shares the history of Seneca peoples, their complex relationship with Presbytery of WNY - as well as ways her church (Jimersontown Presbyterian Church) is working for healing and a hopeful future.  

She resides on the Allegany territory and grew up on the Allegany territory, later moving to Buffalo to attend Medaille College where she received my Bachelor of Science in Human Services. She later attended St. Bonaventure School counselor program and received her Masters. Currently she is retired from Salamanca City Central School district in 2016. 

Suzanne has  one daughter and 6 grandchildren ranging in age from 2 to 21 years old. She enjoy playing piano, cooking and spending time with her family.

Gratitude to Suzanne John Blacksnake for her generosity to share her personal story, to the Seneca Nation for ongoing opportunities to learn and build healthy relationships, and Jimersontown Presbyterian Church for their community caring work. To learn more, visit their Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/906975910444578

Thanks to Ian Eastman for sound editing.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

In the wake of the global pandemic and long season that called the 'church" to be church in new and innovative ways - is creativity in a state of crisis or growth? Clergywoman and church consultant Rev. Dr. Karen Chamis invites churches and church leaders to move beyond dreaming - to bring dreams to fruition.

Karen believes that creativity empowered is key to helping individuals and organizations to live in alignment with their purpose . Listen to a conversation with Karen  and Tara, at the Athenaeum Hotel at Chautauqua Institution, in May of 2023 to learn more about the power of creativity in times of change. 

Karen worked in the nonprofit world for most of her life: working as a Zoo Educator, assisting with refugee and asylum seekers, and sitting on the Board of a Community Theater. She is ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA and in December 2022 stepped down from a mid-council position in order to discern where life might take her next and to tackle several writing projects.

Her passion is helping organizations to reach their goals. Her toolkit includes training in creative studies, mediation, coaching, systems theory, and grant-writing. Her PhD is in the area of Organizational Leadership, and dissertation is focused on the impact of the COVID pandemic on organizational identity and culture.

When Karen is not strategizing or writing, she's  knitting, spinning, and gardening.
Contact Rev. Dr. Karen Chamis, go to: http://www.karenchamis.com/

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

This Pentecost, as I think about the mighty, rushing wind that invoked the followers of Christ to speak and live lives of love - real love; I am on the lookout for signs of this love today - hearts ablaze for the sake of love.

I think what is needed to not simply revive the Church to love - but reorient our focus, to Christ"s starting place to love.  This Pentecost season, how can the "Church"  live in ways that embody the parting words of Christ…"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another."

Discussion Questions:

If you are sharing this podcast episode with a small group or church community, here are some questions to ask about Pentecost, the "church" and Christ's call to love:

1. Is the church and “Christians” known by the way we love well? Why or why not?

2. Are our hearts ablaze with the Holy Spirit to live into this call to love? Where have your witnessed this "fire" of love?

3. When your friends hear the word “Church", what is their/your response?

4.  As you learn about God as the original  hearth-tender - how might your/and our your community engage in practical hearth-tending where you are?

(You can find the account of Pentecost in the Bible in the book of Acts, Chapter 2.)
 
Song "Cleansing Fire" copyright T.L. Eastman 2019

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Episode #143 of #HSP celebrates Pride month with the Rev. Holly Clark-Porter.
Rev. Holly tells her personal story of what Pride means to her: Beginning with the history of Pride's origin at Stonewall, her coming out as a seminary student, meeting her spouse and their journey together as a publicly queer clergy couple.

No matter if you are new to Queer Theology or already celebrate Pride, Rev. Holly invites all to let go  and open our hearts to idea that... "love is the whole thing, we are the pieces." (Rumi)

The Rev. Holly Clark-Porter is pastor of Fredonia Presbyterian Church in Fredonia, NY - a church in the Presbytery of Western New York. Holly earned a BA from Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas and a Master of Divinity at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Holly was the recipient of the Charles L. King Preaching Award. She is a self-described "liturgy nerd" and believes the Church and the work we do is deeply important to communities. 

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

What does Juneteenth mean to you?

For Ms. Della Moore, Juneteenth is a holiday for remembrance, reflection and living into BIPOC joy. Juneteenth, a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans since 2021.

Juneteenth is also know as "Freedom Day", deriving its name from combining June and nineteenth. It is celebrated on the anniversary of the order by Major General Gordon Granger proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865.

Ms. Della Moore is curator and champion of The African American Center for Cultural Development   in Olean, NY.  In this special Juneteenth episode, she tells how she came to love the place and people of Olean, and how she gives her time, energy and imagination into establishing The African American Center for Cultural Development. Della shares how love found her and how she extends love to help others find home and connection.

To make a contribution to The African American Center for Cultural Development, click here.

Join Della and company for a local Juneteenth Celebration/Fundraiser on
Saturday, June 24, 2023 from noon until three o’clock.  This is an open invitation to everyone to come join in the fun of a ‘Block Party-like’ celebration -  mixing City with Country fare. 

There will be great tasting food (until sold out). Our menu includes pulled pork sandwiches; potato salad; hot dogs, burgers, pop, water and, new this year, ribs, barbeque ribs.  Oh, Yeah! 

We will feature Boom box music (the city part), fun and a bit of education.  So bring your lawn chairs and dancing shoes.  We even have a couple of raffling items for bid. This will all be taking place at the Bethany Lutheran’s Church yard  (6 Leo Moss Drive, Olean).

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Is Collaboration a "holy shenanigans"?
Join Tara and Spencer Burke as they celebrate innovation and collaboration to foster wholeness for people and organizations.

In the summer of 2022, spiritual innovator Spencer Burke, organized an Online Conference with 30 Spiritual Leaders called, "The Next Sunday Summit".
Holy Shenanigans Podcast muse, Rev. Tara L. Eastman joined Spencer for a conversation about change, church, collaboration and innovation. 

Questions for further discussion:
1. What does the "Next Sunday" look like in my church/community of faith/spirituality?
2. How can innovation and collaboration help leaders navigate adaptive challenges?
3. Who might be a co-collaborator in waiting - to help foster wholeness in my community?

Gratitude to Spencer Burke for permissions to re-release this segment of "The Next Sunday Summit".  Thanks to Ian Eastman and Matt Kendziera for sound editing.

To learn more about Spencer's work, go to: https://www.spencerburke.com/

Bio: Spencer Burke is a widely sought after speaker, coach, trainer and strategist in the field of spiritual innovation. When ministries want to dream or feel stuck or confused, and want to love more and discern faster, they consult Spencer. As Director of Lean Faith, he helps spiritual communities discover the right questions, minimize risk, and test their ideas through rapid iterations. He is also the Founder of Hatchery LA - an incubator for Spiritual Entrepreneurs, as well as creator of The OOZE - the original website and magazine for Progressive Christianity. Spencer has authored several books including, A Heretics Guide to Eternity and Making Sense of Church. For more than twenty years, Spencer has been a practitioner of the Enneagram. He is an ordained Disciples of Christ Minister, serving as the Minister of Innovation and New Church Development with the Pacific Southwest Region from 2015 to 2019.

Email - Spencer@SpencerBurke.com

Phone - (949) 216-0006

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Welcome to the Wildgoose  Festival 2023, "Ignite"!

One of my favorite parts of Wildgoose is the opportunity to connect with new and old friends, to be reminded of the importance of supportive relationships and to carry these connections home - long after the festival has wrapped up.

Our first interview is with a new friend - Kate is the author of three books. Her newest book “Reclaiming Rest: The Promise of Sabbath, Solitude, and Stillness in a Restless World" is available now from all booksellers. In addition to her role as a writer, Kate is a consultant focused in international public health. She also is the leader of, Writing for your Life, a resource center for spiritual writers.

This episode's prose piece comes from "The Celtic Daily Prayer - Book 1" adapted to gender inclusive language. 

It reads:
“Their eyes, far-seeing, scan the horizon, the joys venturing of little boats. A torch burns clearly in their grasp, a faithful challenge to this generation -meeting, listening, heart-connecting. In their shadow is a place I covet, a challenge in a present time…While I live may I be the shadow of a Rock in a weary land, a shelter from the heat…"

Questions for discussion:
1. What does rest mean to you?
2. Do you have a regular rest ritual or sabbath practice?
3. What is it?
4. Why did you choose this as your sabbath/rest practice/ritual?
5. If you don't currently have a rest practice, how might you start one - what would i be?
6. What are the most needed or important effects you need to gain from a rest practice?

Gratitude to Wildgoose Festival for HSP being part of the 2023 Podcast Team. Thanks to Ian Eastman for sound editing and to Kate for sharing her story of reclaiming rest in this first feature interview from the Wildgoose Festival. To learn more about Kate, go to: https://www.katerademacher.com/

To support our ongoing Holy Shenanigans, make a contribution by going to: buymeacoffee.com/taraleastman

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Welcome to episode #2 from the 2023 Wild Goose Festival - this week I visit with a new friend, Jon Carl Lewis, on the topic of  Spiritual Direction/Companionship.
Jon Carl Lewis is a spiritual companion dedicated to helping followers of Christ connect more deeply with Christ—and each other—so that they might live with abundant joy, loving God and their neighbor with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. He lives in Trenton, NJ, with his husband of 27 years and Alfred the cat. He feels a special affinity with contemplatives of any tradition and the LGBTQIA+ community. Jon Carl is always open to chat.

Please schedule a free hour with him at https://calendly.com/joncarllewis/60min and find out about all of his projects at linktr.ee/joncarllewis.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

This week we celebrate the release of the book, "Youth Are Either Leading or Leaving", by Lyle Griner.  To get your copy, go to: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/youth-are-either-leading-or-leaving

Lyle Griner, is Executive Peer Ministry Leadership Director: A connoisseur of “Aha” moments as soulfully curious youth and families wrestle with the nuances of faith and life! A writer, teacher, youth minister, spiritual director, working across the country, with multiple denominations to help congregations expand and deepen their abilities for youth and young adults to find purposeful ministry in every day life.  <www.peerministry.org>

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

In honor and remembrance of International Overdose Awareness Day, on August 31, 2023 this week's episode focuses on,  "Faith In Harm Reduction " with special guest Rev. Erica M. Poellot, MSW, MDiv. 

Rev. Erica M. Poellot, serves as the Minister of Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention Ministries for the National United Church of Christ and Executive Director of Faith in Harm Reduction.

As a faith leader engaged in a long term healing process from substance use disorder, Erica founded `Faith in Harm Reduction' to co-create a justice movement which connects people who use drugs, their loved ones, and communities of faith through the development of harm reduction centered spiritual resources, ritual support, and spiritual care.

With joint MDiv/MSW degrees from Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University in NYC, Erica is based at Judson Memorial Church in NYC. Erica also serves on the Board of Directors for Safehouse and the Peer Network of New York (NYS Union of People Who Use Drugs).

Find Faith and Harm Reduction Resources at:
* Faithful Advocacy for Intersectional and Transformational Healing in Harm Reduction Resolution
* Spirit of Harm Reduction Tool Kit
* https://generalsynod.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/F.-Harm-Reduction.pdf

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Celebrate Holy Shenanigans Podcast's 3rd Birthday and 150th Episode in a conversation at The Wild Goose Festival 2023 with Doug Pagitt from Vote Common Good and Rev. Tara L. Eastman. 

In this episode, it's Doug's turn to ask Tara all about the sacred in everyday life and how over the last 20 years, she's been faithfully observing and practicing Holy Shenanigans.

About Doug:

Doug Pagitt is a possibility enthusiast. Through creative, entrepreneurial and generative efforts, he works to enlist people to join in the hopes, dreams, and desires God has for a more beautiful world. 

A proud, concerned and hopeful American, Doug Pagitt is a social activist. He is Co-founder and Executive Director of Vote Common Good, a national political non-profit dedicated to inspiring, energizing, and mobilizing people of faith to engage in civic life. 

Pulling from his experience as an author, pastor and business owner, Doug consults for and trains churches, denominations, politicians, businesses and non-profits throughout the United States on issues of culture, leadership, social systems, Christianity and Progressive Evangelicalism.

Doug has authored 10 books on spirituality, Christianity and leadership, including: Flipped (Random House 2015), The Inventive Age Series (SparkHouse 2012), and A Christianity Worth Believing (Jossey-Bass 2008). His latest book, Outdoing Jesus: Seven Ways to Live Out the Promise of Greater Than (Eerdmans 2019), is a hopeful and provocative commentary on biblical good news exemplified through present-day ordinary people making extraordinary contributions. 

In 2000, Doug was founding pastor of Solomon’s Porch, a Holistic Missional Christian Community in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He also founded and remains active with the Greater Things Foundation, a charitable non-profit for empowering and fostering more beautiful, inclusive, and life-giving communities.

Doug Pagitt has a BA in Anthropology and a Masters of Theology from Bethel Seminary. He lives with his wife, Shelley, in Edina, Minnesota and are parents of 4 adult children.  Doug is also a novice ultra marathoner who, on most days, wishes he was out on a run.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Holy Shenanigans Practioner Rev. Tara L. Eastman caught up with her colleague Rev. Dr. Deborah Roof at this summer’s Wild Goose Festival, to hear all about Words, Wonder and the Divine in You - a new book release. 

Deborah Roof, a queer Christian pastor, is an enthusiastic life-long learner and a passionate teacher. She is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ with a Master of Divinity degree from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from the Chicago Theological Seminary.

In her new book, “Words, Wonder, and the Divine in You”, Roof shares her experience, strength and hope and invites the reader to take their own spiritual journey.  Exemplifying her authentic gift of hospitality Roof shares the truth she has come to know: divinity dwells within each one of us. She finds God in the wonder of the created world and in the scriptures she has come to love. Deborah and her wife, Liz, have four adult daughters, their daughters’ four spouses, and four grandchildren

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

How do you create a more peaceful, happy world and peaceful happy kids?

Through the power of parables and story and the help of children’s books that focus on development of positive social emotional  skills:  self awareness, relationship awareness, social awareness, emotional self management and responsible decision making.

In episode 153, Tara talks with children's author Lisa Combs, from Best Friend Books, discusses the purpose of parables in the gospel of Matthew, and  offers the following quote from author William Broderick:

"Once you've heard a child cry out to heaven for help, and go unanswered, nothing's ever the same again. Nothing. Even God changes. But there is a healing hand at work that cannot be deflected from its purpose. I just can't make sense of it, other than to cry. Those tears are part of what it is to be a monk. Out there, in the world, it can be very cold. It seems to be about luck, good and bad, and the distribution is absurd. We have to candles, burning between hope and despair, faith and doubt, life and death, all the opposites."  Taken from Celtic Daily Prayer Book Two Farther Up and Farther In p.888 ©2015 The Northumbria Community Trust

Questions for discussion:
1. What book or parable has made the most impact in your life?
2. Do you have a favorite parable in the Bible? What is it and why?
3. What questions came up as you listened to this episode? You can send them  to us (and request to sign up for our email newsletter) at HSP at: holyshenaniganspodcast@gmail.com

We have over 30 book titles at: www.bestfriendbooks.com
Best Friend Books YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@BestFriendBooks?si=HBBvELZbjKV8LYhm

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Even when your "Jaded",  you can't help yourself from loving love. 

This week's guest Marla Taviano is a poet and author of the book:
'Jaded: a poetic reckoning with white evangelical christian indoctrination'

Marla Taviano (she/her) is into books, love, justice, globes, anti-racism, blue, gray, rainbows, and poems. She reads and writes for a living, wears her heart on her t-shirts, and is on a mission/quest/journey to live wholefarted (not a typo). She's the author of unbelieve and jaded, and writes weekly poems at marlataviano.substack.com. 

IG:https://www.instagram.com/marlataviano/and https://www.instagram.com/whitegirllearning/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@marlataviano

Website: marlataviano.com

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

As we turn the calendar into November we enter a season many connect with Thanksgiving and Gratitude. For years now, I have engaged in a gratitude practice throughout all of November. 

How do I engage in gratitude practices?

I take photos of things I am grateful for.

I share poems that bring me joy and hope.

I share scripture that inspires me.

This week I share my origin story of gratitude practice and how it connects to my appreciation of and writing of poetry. 

Would you like to join me in this month of gratitude practice? 
Here are some prompts to get you started...

What Gratitude practices are meaningful to you?
Where did they first come into your life?
Who introduced you to them?

If you are interested in our monthly enewsletter and joining us for a real-time Zoom gathering this month. Reach out to us at: holyshenaniganspodcast@gmail.com

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Why does gratitude even matter?

In this special Thanksgiving edition of Holy Shenanigans Podcast, Tara talks with her long-time blogging (yes blogging) friend Mary Bogan about the power of observing gratitude practices that began over 15 years ago.

Our shared online gratitude practices  (Click the green preceding text to read our Blog posts.) were sparked by the book, Sleeping With Bread, by Dennis, Shelia and Matthew Linn.

We had no idea that our little Monday shared Blog would change the way we both see the world - as well as our spiritual practices. This little book, and Sleeping With Bread Mondays have changed the course of our lives, and helped us to, "hold on to what gives us life"; over more than 15 years and 2000 miles that separate us.

We invite you to try on a new gratitude practice this November (and the months to come). As a source of consolation in our desolation - and good bread for the body, mind and soul!

If you want to see how Tara is practicing gratitude all of November, follow her on Instagram at: Holy Shenanigans.
To join Mary on her gratitude journey, go to: Quitecontrariantvarientmary

To support this podcast go to: Buy Me A Coffee Tara Eastman

(An introduction to the Linn's Book, Sleeping With Bread)
What is Sleeping with Bread?
During the bombing raids of WWII, thousands of children were orphaned and left to starve. The fortunate ones were rescued and placed in refugee camps where they received food and good care. But many of these children who had lost so much could not sleep at night. They feared waking up to find themselves once again homeless and without food. Nothing seemed to reassure them. Finally, someone hit upon the idea of giving each child a piece of bread to hold at bedtime. Holding their bread, these children could finally sleep in peace. All through the night the bread reminded them, "Today I ate and I will eat again tomorrow." (Linn, Dennis et al, Sleeping With Bread, p.l)

Prompts To Try Your Own Examen Practice: Other Ways of Asking the Question

For what am I most grateful? Least grateful?
When did I give and receive the most love? The least love?
When did I feel most alive? Most drained of life?
When did I have the greatest sense of belonging? Least sense of belonging?
When was I most free? Least free?
When was I most creative? Least creative?
When did I feel most connected? Least connected?
When did I feel most fully myself? Least myself?
When did I feel most whole? Most fragmented?

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Part 3 of HSP's #gratitudematters series features and interview with Mary T. MacDonald (founder of A Children's Place) and current director, Molly Hanft,
of A Children's Place Daycare.

Mary shares the amazing origin story of the longest running daycare, housed in First Presbyterian Church of Jamestown, as Molly tells of how the program has continued to grow for over 50 years.

A Children's Place Daycare is currently holding a fundraiser, "A Place For The Child":
to purchase new napping cots. The daycare and preschool hosts 55 children, ages 6 weeks to 5 years, Monday-Friday from 7:30 am - 5:30 pm.

We are so grateful to Mary and Molly for their work to care for children, keep them safe and help them grow.

To learn more visit:
A Children's Place Daycare/Preschool
Phone: 716-487-2238
Email

(Click Red Text to visit the church website)
A Children's Place is housed at First Presbyterian Church of Jamestown, NY

To make a contribution to, "A Place For The Child" Cot Fundraiser - Click here or call the church office at: (716) 487-1984

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Welcome to Advent Week 1: Hope with special guest Janita Byars, member of First Presbyterian Church of Jamestown, NY. Janita, advocate of hope, shares why this asset is essential for Advent and every season!

To follow along with Holy Shenanigans Podcast - and daily posts of #expectantadvent inspiration - visit us at Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

A poem for Advent Week One: Hope...
Hope seems as light as a feather, 
but sparks all good, deep things that are yet to come.
Hope is a glimmer of light, in the darkest night. 
Even in the midst of chaos, hope is the new growth of a fig leaf or bud of the cactus plant; 
growing slowly to remind us that Jesus is nearby. 
As the Solstice draws near, days grow darker and colder and a single candle of hope shines. 
A single candle to wake us up to the promise given. 
A single candle to stoke the cooling embers of the heart.
A single candle to give, " confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
A single candle to do the heavy-lifting and give us...HOPE.

Prayer:

Help me to be

Open to

Possibilities

Emerging.

HOPE.

Copyright 2018 T.L.Eastman

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Welcome to Advent Week 2: Peace with special guest Dr. Chris Dahlie , of First Presbyterian Church of Jamestown, NY. Dr. Dahlie, wrestles with the call to live peacefully, advocates for better communication and recognizes the challenge this presents to humankind. How can authentic peace be pursued?

To follow along with Holy Shenanigans Podcast - and daily posts of #expectantadvent inspiration - visit us at Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

BIO: Dr. Chris Dahlia currently is a visiting assistant professor in the Communication Department in the State University of New York at Fredonia and has been an assistant professor there for the past four years. He is a native of Chautauqua County and a scholar/practitioner in audio production. He has been Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater's Head of Audio for over twenty years, and have worked as a resident audio engineer in New York City, Los Angeles, Auckland (New Zealand) and Chapel Hill (North Carolina). His dissertation at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill was a technological and cultural history of live audio engineering from the mid-1960's to the recent past.

A Poem for Advent, Week Two: Peace call
Peace calls to...
pause, embrace, act, contemplate, and exhale.

Pause.
Storms make me feel like running and hiding, when I'm frantic, can peace be present Peace.

Embrace.
In conflicts and hurt that push people apart, is peace working to break the ice? Peace.

Act.
When anxiety freezes me in inaction, does peace give a warm nudge to move? Peace.

Contemplate.
When swirls of activity tempt me to do, be and see all things at once... will peace slow me down to savor
each 
beautiful     
thing? Peace.

Exhale.
Filling of lungs can only be sweet, when exhale helps me let go of what is no longer of use. Will peace help me to release and fill my heart, mind, and lungs? Peace.

Peace calls to...pause fear.
Peace calls to...embrace a need for people.
Peace calls to... act in life-giving ways.
Peace calls to... contemplate beauty.
Peace calls to... exhale
and trust the oxygen to keep breathing is just on the cusp
of letting goooooooo...

Light one candle to inhale, light another to exhale.
Peace.
Peace.
Peace.
Copyright 2018 Tara L. Eastman

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Special Guests, Lydia and Eve Kushmal, members of First Presbyterian Church of Jamestown NY, share what joy means to them in week three of HSP's 2023 Advent Series.

Poem for Advent: Week Three
JOY: Just, Outrageous, You!

Joy is no wallflower.
She, yes she, is bold , sassy and somewhat fearsome.
Joy bursts into the room and won't stop grooving', till everyone is on the dance floor.
Her name is short, but her actions are memorable; causing laughter to tears in only the best way.
Joy is unstoppable.

You can't ignore her and you must respect her.

She is just.
She is outrageous.
She has one candle for each letter of her name.

Joy will break through all barriers and bring her colorful wonder
to you, and you, and you, and you, and
Y O U...
just, outrageous, you.
Joy!

Copyright December 2018 Tara Lamont Eastman

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Week 4 Advent into Christmas features special guest, Carolyn Whitehead, member of First Presbyterian Church of Jamestown NY, tells why her "aim is love" - in all things

A Poem for Advent: Week Four: Love stuck

The greatest of these four weeks of waiting is: love.

With all the hope waking, peace-making and joy breaking,
I need the glue of love to make this stick.
Please stick.

I don't want these gifts to disappear like grandma's frosted sugar cookies.

But in that case, at least they would be eaten, consumed, and used to empower the making of many snow angels, building of tall Lego towers, or playing marathon sessions of scrabble while sipping tea.

Please stay love, I don't want youto melt like snow drifts above 35 degrees....
be crumpled like old gift wrapping...
or abandoned on the curb like a used Christmas tree.

One candle for hope.
Two candles for peace. (Inhale/exhale)
Three candles for joy. J-O-Y.
Four candles for love. (Please stick, love, please stick.)

This Advent, I hope for peace and joy: emboldened - empowered and eternally stuck in our hearts by the power of love.

Love - stuck!

Light has grown. Four candles are lit. Illuminating the way with hope, peace, joy and the greatest: Love.

You are the superglue we need. 
Please, stick.

Copyright 2018 T.L. Eastman

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Welcome to a brand new year of sacred (non-stuffy) Holy Shenanigans! This season is exciting, with opportunities for fresh starts, but can be a time of overwhelming pressure to persue perfection. Well meaning resolutions can go sideways - fueled by sales efforts of the “wellness industry” in service to capitalism.

There is another way to engage in new beginnings in ways that feed out hearts, minds and souls. 2024 can be a time to attend to and offer yourself spiritual practices that are supportive, compassionate AND sane!

Join Rev. Tara Eastman, as she shares the spiritual practice of choosing an annual “Star Word” and gentle options for spiritual renewal with special guest, author: Rev. Katy Stenza.

Katy Stenta is a PCUSA pastor, writer, workshop leader and community builder. She is currently vice moderator for Albany Presbytery, regular contributor to Sermonsuite and leads workshops on writing, particularly prayer and liturgy. Her conversational prayers and psalms are used by people and churches all over the world from KatyandtheWord.com and she is all but dissertation for completing her Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing as a public theologian at Mr Roger' alma mater Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara continues her thoughts about spiritual disciplines. This week she talks about pausing aka "filling your cup."

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Are you ready for a road trip - with St. Brigid?

February 1st marks St. Brigid's Feast Day that marks the turning of the winter season to spring. St. Brigid is the feminine patron Saint of Ireland whose life and work centered on caring for the poor and suffering. Some say that she was born on the literal threshold, setting the  path of her work in the move and in the  in-betweens.

For several years, St. Brigid has been the source of many a holy shenanigan, for our host: Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman - and this St. Brigid's Day proves to offer more sacred adventures. Join Rev. Tara as she comes to you, literally, from the road discovering St. Brigid's presence closer than she ever imagined!

Questions For Discussion:
1. What is your favorite St. Brigid story?
2. What Saints are you drawn to? Why?
3. In the thresholds of life, where has love surprised you recently?
4. All too soon, everything changes. How do you navigate seasons of change?
5. What kinds of change do you embrace/wrestle with?
6. In the coming of Spring, what are you most looking forward to?

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

How can this Lent be "Icon-ic"?

Join Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman on a Lenten journey with Kristen Wheeler as they explore iconography as a spiritual practice.

Questions To Ponder:
How could engaging with Icons enrich your Lent? Your spiritual life?
What is your "favorite" saint - and why?
How do you engage in creativity as a spiritual practice?


 Kristen is a modern iconographer, fine art painter, creative photographer, inspired writer, vivid storyteller, and world explorer.  From Kristen:  "My soul is stirred by the colorful and dark creation around and within us and I'm influenced by equal parts pain and joy. Studying theology and the saints are my passion and I love nothing more than sharing that passion with others by teaching, preaching, and leading creative-based workshops and retreats. I'm a deeply spiritual individual with friends and family of every spectrum of belief and non-belief. I believe that if you are a good person to yourself and others, the rest of the details are lagniappe (as we say in Louisiana). I believe my only job as a Christian person is to be the best example of Jesus' love I know how to be. I live and love in Southeast Louisiana with my husband, Basset Hound, overly affectionate kitty, and massive collection of house plants, all of which keep me of sound mind and body."

Kristen's Websites:
moderniconographer.com
kristenannwheeler.com

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Is Everything Good about God True?

Join Rev. Tara Eastman and special guest Rev. Bruce Reyes Chow to discuss his new book to help the reader learn about a progressive, expansive, and generous Christianity

Rev. Bruce believes that - "A better story of faith exists, and it has the capacity to heal the world--if we only embrace, articulate, and live it more courageously."

What do you believe? 

Rev. Bruce is an active speaker and writer on topics of faith, culture, race, and technology. He hosts the podcast, BRC & Friends, and has authored five books most recently, “In Defense of Kindness: Why It Matters, How It Changes Our Lives, and How It Can Save the World” (Chalice Press, 2021) and "Everything Good about God is True: Choosing Faith" (Broadleaf Books, 2024).

Bruce has been active in local politics and community organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area for nearly three decades. He has been an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) since 1995 and was the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church USA, 2008-2010. He is also a Senior Consultant and Coach with Convergence and is a Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach. 

Bruce has an active online presence and can be found on most social networks via @breyeschow with all current links here: https://linktr.ee/breyeschow.

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You Can Help with the Holy Shenanigans!

Help send Rev. Tara to the T4T Soul Shop Train the Trainer event this April!
By attending this training, Rev. Tara will be able to offer workshops to equip faith community leaders and congregations to minister to those impacted by suicide. To contribute to the expenses of this training ($2500+travel) go to: Buy Me A Coffee. Please make the note: "Soul Shop Training" in your donation, so we can thank you!

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Writing is spiritual practice. Where do you begin, if you want to try it out?
Pen.
Pencil.
Journal.
Laptop.

Yes, all of these tools can help with your writing practice, but first you need yourself and a community to support your practice.

Rev. Dr. Eileen Campbell-Reed, is an academic entreprenuer and  host of the Writing Table, who, in this week's episode, shares her own journey with writing as a spiritual practice.

Who is Rev. Dr. Eileen Campbell- Reed?
+ Visiting Associate Professor at Union Theological Seminary
+ Co-director of the Learning Pastoral Imagination Project
+ Founder and host of Three Minute Ministry Mentor
+ Author of Pastoral Imagination: Bringing the Practice of Ministry to Life

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

This week Tara discusses spirituality and nature with special guest Tony Jones. They reminisce about the  the emergent church movement, the intersection of faith and nature, and even the role of dogs in spiritual journeys. Tony shares insights from his new book 'God of the Wild Places' and reflects on finding God in the wilderness. The conversation touches on the limitations of organized religion and the transformative power of reconnecting with the natural world. The episode concludes with a blessing invoking the presence of the divine in creation.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Why go to the Wild Goose Festival?

Everyone's answer to this question is different. Some go for the music, others for the camping, some take in theological lectures, poetry slams, social justice forums, late night campfires, silent disco, art exhibits, book store and so much more! One thing follow Goose attenders can agree as their why in attending are the connections that are made - that carry on well after the festival ends. 

Listen in this week to learn more about the Wild Goose Festival from Tim Kerr - Director of Partner Relations Wild Goose Festival and participant in every Goose Festival since 2011.  

A note from Tim...

As the Sponsor Relations Director at Wild Goose Festival, I am dedicated to fostering strategic partnerships with sponsors who share our mission and values. Through cultivating these relationships, I aim to create an inclusive environment for individuals to explore spirituality, justice, and the arts. By gaining a deep understanding of the festival’s vision and sponsor needs, I strive to ensure that partnerships are mutually beneficial and in alignment with our mission. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, I am happily married to Jan for 38 years, with a son Zach, Daughter in Law Catie, and three grandchildren, Isabella, Henry, and Benjamin Brooks. Outside of work, I am actively involved in community projects, support local art initiatives, and advocate for social justice causes.

Wild Goose Festival | July 11-14, 2024 | Union Grove, NC

SPIRIT | JUSTICE | MUSIC | ART
Wild Goose Festival is a transformational community grounded in faith-inspired social justice

PS>
Hey friends of HSP! I'm thrilled to share that I'll be recording a podcast from Wild Goose Festival this July 11-14! Wild Goose Festival is a transformational community grounded in faith-inspired social justice. It's a one-of-a-kind gathering that brings together activists, artists, and seekers from all walks of life to explore justice, art, spirituality, and community.

The festival will take place at VanHoy Farms in Union Grove, NC, and I'd love for you to join me there! From engaging workshops to inspiring panels and interactive experiences, Wild Goose has something for everyone. So, mark your calendars, and let's be a part of this incredible community that is committed to making a positive impact in the world. For more information, visit www.wildgoosefestival.org. 

As one of my followers, use discount code A-TLE24 and you’ll get $50 off the price of an adult weekend ticket. See you there! 

#WildGooseFestival #Community #SocialJustice #Spirituality

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Author Debie Thomas discusses her new book "A Faith of Many Rooms" with Pastor Tara. They delves into topics such as the messy journey of faith, the significance of doubt, and the concept of spiritual "nada" or homeland.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

An episode exploring the power of little ascensions and the connection between music, love, and encouragement.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

In 'Holy Shenanigans' hosted by Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman, listeners are encouraged to explore the sacred in daily life and open up to different facets of love. Tara shares personal stories, including a bubble-blowing practice with her children for relaxation and reflection, and a heartwarming story of a father surprising his daughter in a Santa suit. She also draws lessons from a biblical account of Nicodemus seeking Jesus’ wisdom at night. The podcast emphasizes that love is both comforting and challenging, calling for bold, actionable expressions and openness to the divine presence in everyday moments.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

In this episode, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman discusses the theme of 'wild love' and draws parallels between the protective nature of wild geese and the Holy Spirit, often symbolized as a wild goose in Celtic Christianity. Through a relatable story of encountering a protective goose family and the Gospel account of Jesus' unwavering commitment to his mission despite opposition, Tara emphasizes the unpredictable and bold nature of divine love. The message calls for an inclusive celebration of all people, echoing the spirit of Pride Month, and encourages listeners to engage with this 'wild love' by sharing their own rainbow-themed photos on social media. #junerainbows

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

In this episode of Holy Shenanigans,  Tara  reflects on finding the sacred in daily life. Using the biblical story from Mark 4 where Jesus calms a storm, Tara discusses the metaphorical storms of life and how we can navigate them. She shares her experiences and emphasizes the importance of a 'rule of life'—a personal guide crafted through prayer and discernment. Tara recounts her baccalaureate address for Jamestown High School's Class of 2024, encouraging graduates to develop their own rules of life driven by love, intention, verve, and ease. She concludes with a poetic blessing that underscores resilience and gratitude amidst life’s challenges.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.

Tara revisits conversations with two friends from the Wild Goose Festival. First Frances Cutshaw talks about her journey with self-love and the Order of St. Hildegard. She shares her struggle and dedication to caring for herself spiritually and physically, inspired by divine calling and sources like Brene Brown and Enneagram studies. She speaks about the founding principles and goals of the Order of St. Hildegard which seeks to empower and heal individuals through a new, inclusive form of chaplaincy. Then Joy Celeste Crawford joins the conversation to share her story of overcoming breast cancer and the love she received throughout her journey. She discusses her passion for spiritual guidance and the interconnectedness of all life. Both interviews emphasize the importance of self-care, spiritual growth, and the integration of the sacred feminine into one's life and work.

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Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman is an Ordained Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She is a contributing writer to the Collaborate Lutheran Student Bible and the Connect Sunday School curriculum, published by Sparkhouse.