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This week’s Church Potluck is a powerful crossover episode with American Angst. Dale McConkey is joined by fellow United Methodist pastors Rev. Ash McEwen and Rev. Karen Kagiyama, along with political scientist Dr. Michael Bailey, for a wide-ranging conversation about immigration, protest, and what it means to follow Jesus in public life.

The discussion begins with the real-world impact of current immigration policies. Ash McEwen, whose ministry is deeply rooted in immigrant and Latino communities, describes the daily fear many families face—detention uncertainty, deportation confusion, and the emotional toll of accompaniment. Karen Kagiyama offers theological grounding, framing clergy protest not as partisan politics but as Christian witness, solidarity, and lament, shaped by prayer and Jesus’ own challenge to injustice.

Michael Bailey brings historical and political insight, exploring when protest actually works and why nonviolent movements have often driven lasting change. Dale McConkey guides the table through key faith questions, including Romans 13, Jesus turning over the tables, and the United Methodist baptismal vow to “resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.”

Blending seriousness with warmth and humor, the conversation provides an honest, pastoral conversation that insists immigration is not abstract, protest is not simple, and Christian discipleship is inseparable from how we treat the most vulnerable among us.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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This week’s Church Potluck looks a little different than usual. With guests postponed and a winter storm rolling across the country, Dale flies solo—no roundtable conversation, no lively banter, just a thoughtful monologue shaped like a Bible study.

The focus, however, could not be more timely. Few topics divide Christians today more deeply than the question of power—Christian nationalism, political power, national identity, moral authority, and how Christian faith should shape public life. Drawing from Scripture and history, Dale explores three broad Christian approaches to power: sovereignty, stewardship, and servanthood. Along the way, he reflects on Israel’s demand for a king, the Bible’s growing caution toward human authority, Jesus’ repeated rejection of domination, and Paul’s vision of Christ’s self-emptying love in Philippians 2. The episode does not pretend that all viewpoints are equally convincing—but it seeks to approach disagreement with humility, theological clarity, and genuine grace toward those who see these questions differently.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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In this episode of Church Potluck, Dale McConkey welcomes a bundle of chaplains for a thoughtful, funny, and deeply moving conversation about what chaplains do—and how their ministry differs from that of congregational pastors. Special guest Rev. James Henderson—a priest in the Anglican Church of North America who serves as both a hospital chaplain and an Air Force chaplain—joins returning guests Rev. Chris Barbieri (hospital chaplain) and Rev. Dr. Jonathan Huggins (college chaplain). Together with Dale (former college chaplain), they explore chaplaincy as ministry in pluralistic spaces where people may hold different beliefs, carry church wounds, or find themselves in moments of profound vulnerability.

Through powerful stories from hospitals, college campuses, and the military, the conversation highlights the heart of chaplaincy: presence over preaching, compassion over correction, and trust over outcomes. The guests reflect on grief, doubt, interfaith care, confidentiality, staff support, and the challenge of offering hope without agenda—sometimes through words, and sometimes simply by standing with someone on the worst day of their life. If you’ve ever wondered how faith shows up when there is no pulpit, no congregation, and no easy answers, this episode offers an honest, moving, and deeply human glimpse into ministry beyond the church walls.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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On this final day of the Church Potluck Advent Calendar, we pause at the heart of Christmas itself. In this short, reflective episode, Dale returns to a cherished family ritual: reading Luke’s nativity story and pondering what it truly means that God enters God’s own creation—“puncturing time and space” in the most humble and human way imaginable. From the machinery of empire to the stillness of a manger, from fearful shepherds to Mary’s quiet pondering, this episode invites listeners to reflect on four simple but profound themes: God’s humility, human emotion, ordinary faithfulness, and the power of shared witness. It’s a gentle, joyful closing to Advent—and a reminder that the good news moves forward not by force, but by telling the story. Emmanuel. God is with us. Merry Christmas!

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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As Christmas draws near, this episode of the Church Potluck Advent Calendar turns to one of the most beloved and awe-filled traditions of the season: Midnight Mass. Dale is joined by Dr. Christy Snyder, our resident Catholic expert, to explore why this service holds such deep meaning—not only for Catholics, but across many liturgical Christian traditions. Dr. Snyder describes Midnight Mass as the turning point from Advent anticipation to Christmas celebration, when darkness gives way to light and the story of Christ’s birth is proclaimed in its fullest form. From darkened sanctuaries and candlelight to the procession of the Christ child, incense, and carefully chosen Scripture readings, Midnight Mass embodies the proclamation that “the light shines in the darkness.” The conversation reflects on childhood memories, family rituals, and the quiet power of worship at the threshold of Christmas, inviting listeners to rediscover Midnight Mass as a moment where reverence, beauty, and hope come together to mark the birth of Emmanuel—God with us.

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As the Church Potluck Advent Calendar draws near its conclusion, Dale is joined once again by Dr. Michael Papazian for a fascinating exploration of a tradition deeply rooted in his own faith: the Armenian Blessing of the Water, celebrated on January 6 as part of Theophany. In the Armenian Apostolic Church, Christmas, the baptism of Jesus, and the visit of the Magi are woven together into a single, profound celebration of God’s self-revelation to the world. Dr. Papazian explains how this ancient service centers on the blessing of water with a cross and holy oil—oil believed to carry a living continuity stretching back through the apostles, to Christ, and even to Moses himself. Parishioners take this blessed water home as a sign of shared faith, communal identity, and sacred continuity across centuries. This conversation offers listeners a fresh way to think about Epiphany—not as a single moment, but as an ongoing series of divine revelations—inviting Christians of every tradition to see Christ’s presence woven throughout time, ritual, and daily life.

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In this episode of the Church Potluck Advent Calendar, Dale is joined once again by Rev. Dr. Valerie Loner, pastor of Rome First United Methodist Church, for a joyful and surprisingly theological conversation about the Blessing of the Animals. Often associated with St. Francis of Assisi and typically celebrated in October, this beloved ritual takes on fresh meaning when viewed through the lens of Advent and Christmas. Dr. Loner reflects on the delight, holy chaos, and deep gratitude that surround these blessings—from dogs and cats to goats and goldfish—and explains how they remind us that God’s covenant extends not just to humanity, but to all living creatures. Connecting the practice to the nativity itself—where animals were present at Christ’s birth—this episode invites listeners to rediscover Christmas as a celebration of God’s love for all creation, and a reminder of our responsibility to care for it with joy and reverence.

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In this episode of the Church Potluck Advent Calendar, Dale is joined by Rev. Chris Barbieri for a moving and compassionate conversation about the Longest Night Service, sometimes called Blue Christmas or The Darkest Night. Set near the winter solstice, this service creates sacred space for those who carry grief, loss, or heartache during a season often filled with forced cheer and nonstop celebration. Rev. Barbary explains how the Longest Night acknowledges the pain many feel at Christmas—whether from death, illness, fractured relationships, job loss, or memories tied to the season—while still gently holding onto the promise that light will return. Drawing on his experience as a hospital chaplain, he shares a powerful adaptation of the service designed for come-and-go participation, inviting people to name their losses, light candles, and be surrounded by prayer without pressure or performance. This episode offers both pastoral wisdom and practical guidance, reminding listeners that Advent makes room for honesty, tears, and waiting—and that joy, when it comes, is deeper when grief has been named.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.