This week is a special Christmas episode! We are joined by John's brother and mother today in studio! We talk about John and Matt's favorite Christmas memories, what they are excited for this year and much more!

Today we are joined by Suzanne Harter and Donna Watkins to talk about the ways that Chapelwood is partnering with the community during the holiday season. Christmas Manna is a long-standing, much-loved Chapelwood tradition of matching families lacking the resources to buy Christmas toys, new clothes, and "extras" for their children with those willing to share some Christmas blessings. The program blesses the excited children, generous givers, and grateful parents who can breathe a little easier and smile a little brighter watching their children unwrap the tangible and intangible gifts of Christmas. The families are selected by the Communities on Schools managers at the SBISD schools.  These counselors work regularly with the families and know who is in need of an extra blessing during Christmas. For more information on ways to get involved visit: Chapelwood.org/ChristmasManna

Happy Thanksgiving from Pod Have Mercy! Today we discuss our favorite Thanksgiving memories and what makes the holiday so special. We talk about the importance of gratitude and how we can practice thankfulness during this season.

This week we are joined by Joseph Patty, Andrew Wolfe and Angela Ferguson to recap a recent event at Chapelwood called, "The Birds and Bees". The Birds and Bees is an organization that was founded by Mary Flo Ridley and Megan Michelson. They started the organization to give parents the tools and confidence they need to have healthy conversations with their kids about sex.   In this conversation we talk about the impact that the event had on our church, how parents can access resources and much more! For more information: https://birds-bees.com/pages/about

This week we are joined by Justus Marete! Mr. Marete is the CEO of Maua Methodist Hospital in Kenya. Today we talk about some of the challenges that the hospital has encountered and what it was like during covid. We talk about ways that we can support the hospital and much more! For more information about the hospital visit: https://methodisthospitalmaua.org

Today we are joined by Rev. Michael Jarboe! "Jarboe" is the Lead Pastor of The Journey Contemporary Worship Community at Memorial Drive Methodist Church. Today we talk about what is happening locally in the life of the church, how we can meet people where they are in the current technological age and the wonderful partnership that Chapelwood and Memorial Drive have found over the years.

This week we are joined by Dr. Paul Chilcote to discuss his new book, Multiplying Love. We delve into Paul's extensive work, which spans across decades and continents, focusing on his pioneering contributions to Wesleyan theology and Methodist studies. Listeners will have the opportunity to hear about Paul's deep commitment to social justice and how he integrates faith into real-world issues. With a compassionate approach, Paul's wisdom offers a unique perspective on how spirituality can be a force for positive change in our communities. Join us as we embark on a journey of faith, transformation, and the enduring impact of Paul Chilcote's work.

Today we talk about a recent mission trip that our producer took to India and the crisis in the slums of Mumbai. The organization that he partnered with is called Asher House. Asher House is a developmental aidprogram created to offer education to the children of India's rural poor. Children starting from Pre K grade levels through Elementary are able to learn basic education in Hindi and English, are provided a quality daily meal and life skills to help their families. For more information you can visit: www.asherhouseinternational.com

This week we have a quick conversation about ways that we can respond to the turmoil in Israel and Gaza. We talk about the background of the dispute and how we can pray for those who are affected by the violence.

Today we are joined by David Worthington. Since arriving in 2006, David has overseen the development at John Wesley's New Room, including the delivery of the Broadmead Garden project and Horsefair Visitor Centre project. During this time, he has acquired an in-depth knowledge of the site and its significance in the story of the early Methodist movement which he shares in talks to groups and visitors. He also regularly gives lectures to churches and seminaries across the US and is now active in raising awareness of John Wesley's New Room to a global audience. Today we discuss the origins of the methodist church and John and Charles Wesley. We talk about The New Room in Bristol and the origins and significance of the site to The Methodist Church. For more information on the New Room and ways to support visit: https://www.newroombristol.org.uk