Episode 1: Leaving Eden (Genesis 3)

Rev. Meta Herrick Carlson

Rev. Meta Herrick Carlson is a pastor and poet living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Meta cares about cultivating healthy systems and preaching that moves us toward mercy and justice.

In this episode, Rev. Meta reflects on the importance of boundaries, the dangers of striving for perfection instead of being satisfied with ‘enough,’ and how God pushes us out of Eden and into the real world — to relationships and community.

Episode 2: The Breath of God (Genesis 4:1-16)

Rev. Tyler Sit is the church planter of New City Church, a church that focuses on environmental justice. A United Methodist pastor, and the son of a Chinese immigrant, Tyler has formal training as a prison chaplain, community organizer, and social entrepreneur.

In the story of Cain and Abel, there are two brothers who have very different relationships with the land. One is connected; one is consumed. Tyler will help us wonder about what happens when our identity gets tangled up with what we produce and when toxic masculinity threatens our relationships and connection to the land.

Episode 3: The Water of Life (Genesis 6-9)

Deacon David Rojas Martínez, originally from Cuernavaca, Mexico, is a consecrated deacon of the Lutheran Diaconal Association (ELCA) and is passionate about walking alongside people of all ages in their faith-life journeys.

In this episode, Deacon David will visit the Flood Story. Humanity turns inward and forgets about its relationship to the Creator and all living things. Together we will ponder how we experience God in nature and how we can better care for creation for the sake of future generations.

Episode 4: Trusting God’s Provision (Genesis 12: 1-9)

Christine Belfrey holds a Masters of Divinity from Luther Seminary where she formerly served as its Diversity Coordinator. She was also a Glocal Musician Educator for the ELCA Churchwide and led worship at Faith Pentecostal church.

God calls Abram and Sarai to leave their home and all that they have behind, promising them a blessing and a new nation. It is a bold promise that requires great trust, faith, and courage. Today we will consider times when has God called you to a new place and how you can you deepen your roots in the places you call home.

Episode 5: See & Be Seen (Genesis 16 and 21:8-21)

Rev. Jenny Sung is a dancing pastor and teacher of love. She is an ordained minister with the ELCA, as well as the founder and co-director of One Dance Company, giving women a space to create and move that recognizes the space they hold is holy.

Did you know that Hagar’s name in Hebrew means ‘Other’? Being ‘othered’ by those around her is part of her story. Sarah and Abraham treat Hagar so poorly she flees to the desert, leaving Hagar to feel disposable, abandoned, and forgotten. Jenny will help us understand feelings of abandonment and being ‘othered,’ while also showing that God claims Hagar as His beloved and seeks to co-create with her.

Episode 6: Jacob’s Blessing (Genesis 32:22-32)

Rev. Meta Herrick Carlson

Rev. Meta Herrick Carlson is a pastor and poet living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Meta cares about cultivating healthy systems and preaching that moves us toward mercy and justice.

In this episode, we will consider familial relationships. How does birth order and family folklore limit and fragment your soul identity and wholeness? In what ways do you keep score? When we follow Jacob’s lead and bravely ask God to bless us just as we are, God showers us with unconditional love.

Episode 7: Dreams for Healing (Genesis 37, 45)

Joe Davis is a nationally-touring artist, educator, and speaker based in Minneapolis, MN. He is the Founder and Director of multimedia production company, The New Renaissance, the frontman of emerging soul funk band, The Poetic Diaspora, and co-creator of JUSTmove, racial justice education through art.

Joseph could have used the power of his elevated position to seek revenge and continue the generational cycle of abuse. Instead, Joseph uses his power to create space for healing, including a food justice program. How is God calling your body, your family, and your community into healing and restoration?