What does it mean to say that “In the beginning was the Word” … and why does it still matter? That's what's being asked in this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast.

In this first conversation of a five-part series on the Gospel of John, Revs. Trudy and Hannah explore John 1:1 and the theme “The Eternal Now – God Beyond Time.” Together, they unpack John’s poetic and often confusing language to discover a radical idea at the heart of the Gospel: Eternity doesn’t pull us out of the world; God brings eternity into it.

Drawing from Jewish wisdom traditions, Greek philosophy, and early Christian theology, this progressive Christian Bible study from First United Methodist Church of San Diego invites listeners to see the Gospel of John not as rigid dogma, but as a story of surprise, disruption, and divine presence in unexpected places.

You’ll hear reflections on:

• What “the Word” (Logos) meant across Jewish, Greek, and early Christian cultures
• Why John begins with creation instead of Jesus’ birth
• Eternity as a present reality … not just a future promise
• Rethinking Jesus’ “I Am” statements beyond exclusion and certainty
• God’s ongoing work of creation within and around our life – even in chaos, doubt, and struggle

Continue the conversation with these reflection questions:

1. What does eternity mean to you?
2. How does eternity change your understanding of today, tomorrow or the future?
3. How do you understand Jesus as being the Word of God, and what does it has to do with us?

Join us online through Patreon, in person at our weekly Convergence Discussion Group, or by sharing this conversation with someone you trust.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Introduction - Why People Love (and Misunderstand) the Gospel of John
01:14 “In the Beginning Was the Word” (Reading John 1:1)
03:27 What “The Word” Meant in Jewish, Greek, and Early Christian Thought
07:49 Why John Feels Exclusionary (and Why It Might Not Be)
10:09 Eternity Comes to Us, Not the Other Way Around
14:23 The Unexpected Divine in Everyone
20:52 God Creates Out of Chaos (Then and Now)
22:41 Closing & Reflection Questions

What does baptism really mean—and why was Jesus baptized at all? That’s what Revs. Trudy and Brittany tackle in this episode of Perspectivs FUMCSD Pastors Podcast.

The two female pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego explore Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:13–17 through a progressive Christian lens. Together, they reflect on baptism as both a risk we take when we step toward God and a commitment we live out as we step back into the world.

This thoughtful conversation explores the dynamic relationship between Jesus and John the Baptist, the symbolism of the Jordan River, and why Jesus’ baptism wasn’t about sin but about solidarity, humility, and embarking on a new chapter. The pastors also unpack why the baptism ritual still matters today, especially in progressive faith communities.

Whether you identify as Christian, spiritual-but-not-religious, or are simply curious about faith beyond dogma, this episode invites you to reimagine baptism as a reminder that you are already loved and still being called forward. Episode topics include:

• Why Jesus insisted on being baptized
• Repentance vs. transformation
• Water, movement, and new life
• Is baptism required for salvation?
• Communal ritual and remembering our baptism today

Continue the conversation with friends and family, at our in-person Convergence group, or online at our Patreon channel with these suggested reflection and discussion questions:

1. What do you believe is the connection between sin and new life?
2. What do we gain, and what do we lose, in the belief that Jesus was sinless?
3. Why do you think Jesus was baptized by God?

Short on time? Use these timestamps to jump to a specific topic:
00:00 What Does Baptism Change? Introducing “Stepping In, Stepping Up
02:40 Jesus and John the Baptist: Cousins, Calling, and Possible Rivalry
05:30 Repentance vs. Transformation: Naming Problems and Living Solutions
08:00 Baptism in Jesus’ Time: Who It Was For and Why the Jordan River Matters
10:40 The Power of Water: Movement, Disorientation, and Renewal
11:45 Why Was Jesus Baptized If He Was Divine?
17:30 What Baptism Means Today: Commitment, Not Cleansing
22:40 Remembering Our Baptism in Community
26:30 Reflection Questions for Today

Happy New Year from the clergy women of the Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast!

In this special 10-minute mini episode, Revs. Trudy, Hannah, and Brittany of First United Methodist Church of San Diego reflect on the past year of Perspectives and share what makes this progressive Christian podcast meaningful to them.

They also look ahead to 2026, offering their hopes and dreams for the podcast as it enters its third year, including deeper conversations with Scripture, engagement with hard and overlooked texts, and expanding dialogue with voices from other faith traditions.

Bonus Invitation: Listeners are invited to join us for an in-person celebration of Perspectives on January 25, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of San Diego. We’ll share food, community, and a few behind-the-scenes bloopers. Learn more at: https://www.fumcsd.org/gathering.

To listen to more episodes and connect with the Perspectives community, visit us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd.

Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast is a progressive Christian podcast where women pastors explore Scripture, theology, faith, and life in an honest, thoughtful, and welcoming way.