Members of the Great Plains and Louisiana conferences of The United Methodist Church took part in a four-day civil rights immersion trip to the areas around Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama, in July 2023. It was the idea of former Great Plains Clergy Excellence Director Rev. Dr. Dee Williamston, now bishop of the Louisiana Conference. SheContinue reading “Civil Rights Immersion — Episode 3 of 3”
Author Archives: Todd Seifert
Civil Rights Immersion — Episode 2 of 3
It’s Black History Month, and so this In Layman’s Terms podcast is providing a three-part series on a trip made by members of the Great Plains and Louisiana conferences to the areas around Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama — both places that played significant roles in the civil rights movement. The trip was a civil rightsContinue reading “Civil Rights Immersion — Episode 2 of 3”
Civil Rights Immersion — Episode 1 of 3
In July 2023, a group of clergy and laity from the Great Plains Conference met up with fellow United Methodists from the Louisiana Conference for a civil rights immersion experience. Over the course of four days, the group lived the history of Alabama. Our group spent much of its time in Montgomery. We saw theContinue reading “Civil Rights Immersion — Episode 1 of 3”
The Ark: Packing Perseverance
As we continue our lessons from the Ark, we’ll explore what it means to persevere. We know we’ll face storms in life, so how can we be prepared? And how can we endure? Thankfully, we can lean on the Holy Spirit as our traveling companion. Download the episode.
The Ark: Packing Compassion for the Journey
As we continue considering lessons from the ark — as learned through other passages in scripture — we come to compassion. Just a little of it, along with encouragement, can go a long way toward lifting up others. Download the episode.
The Ark: Building Our Spiritual Strength
Our short series on lessons from the ark begins in earnest with looking at our need for spiritual strength when the storms of life arise. And that means we have to prepare. In this and the remaining episodes about the ark, we have a special guest, Rev. Dr. Richard Randolph, a United Methodist pastor andContinue reading “The Ark: Building Our Spiritual Strength”
The Ark: Built in the Sunshine
This is the first in a five-episode series on lessons we can learn from Noah and the ark. In this first episode, we explore the importance of faith and of preparation. Download the episode.
The Caring Congregation
One of the most important parts of being the church is caring for one another. But it’s not just the pastor’s job. Indeed, it’s important that laity are heavily involved in providing excellent care for one another. Doing so strengthens the sense of community, shows the love of Christ and helps boost the vitality ofContinue reading “The Caring Congregation”
Native American Heritage Month
Bishop David Wilson talks with Todd about Native American Heritage Month, when we celebrate the contributions of Indigenous peoples during the month of November. This conversation covers an immersion experience in Oklahoma, recognition of U.S. Indian Boarding Schools, and more about the bishop’s travels across the country. Download the episode.
Luke, The Sequel: The Acts of Using the Tools We’re Given
Paul makes use of an empty altar to explain to skeptics who Jesus is and about our all-powerful God. We’ve been given all the tools we need to share the good news, even if we sometimes have to improvise. This episode wraps up our short series on the book of Acts. Download the episode.
In Layman's Terms 