Explore every episode of the podcast Faith, Hope & Stories
Dive into the complete episode list for Faith, Hope & Stories. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Faith, Family, and Digital Culture
11 oct. 2026
00:41:06
The conversation features Reverend Dr. Robin Blair discussing the importance of media literacy and digital discipleship in today's media-saturated environment, particularly for parents and children. She emphasizes the need for intentional media consumption and discernment as a form of spiritual care. The conversation explores the impact of media on children, emphasizing the need for parents to engage with their kids about media consumption and its implications. It highlights the importance of media literacy as a form of spiritual care and the role of parents and churches in guiding children through their media experiences.
Importance of discernment in media Media literacy is essential
Parents must engage with children
Chapters
00:00 Navigating the Digital Landscape
12:00 The Role of Parents in Media Literacy
18:06 The Listening Compass: A Guide for Parents
25:36 Commercialization of Streaming Services
27:08 The Evolution of Children's Programming
29:34 Brand Influence on Children
31:56 Integrating Faith with Media Literacy
32:47 Church and Parental Collaboration
34:12 Navigating Difficult Conversations
36:57 The Role of Volunteering in Development
39:43 Media Relationships and Identity
41:06 The Importance of Real-Life Interactions
43:23 Parental Authority in Media Consumption
One family's story
04 oct. 2026
00:33:25
Plucked From the Pews: Susie Hearn on Family, Calling, and Starting Over
Lee Ann Walling talks with Susie Hearn, an ordained minister, about the unexpected path that led her from Texas (by way of Egypt) and o Delaware. The conversation centers on how Susie and her husband Larry became the primary caregivers for their infant granddaughter after the sudden death of their daughter—and what it means to parent as grandparents.Susie also shares how her call to ministry grew out of retail work, personal loss, and hospital chaplaincy. She reflects on a decade living in Egypt, the importance of welcoming communities, and why Epworth feels like home.
Key topics
How Susie and her husband went from being grandparents to becoming the day-to-day parents of their granddaughter, Holly.
The sudden death of Holly’s mother and how the family navigated caregiving and custody.
The difference between being a grandparent and being a parent, especially when setting boundaries and making decisions.
Holly’s ADHD, school challenges, and the support she receives.
Susie’s hopeful story about her son, who struggled in school and later became a physicist and radiation oncologist.
Why Susie believes that love—not rigid family roles—is what makes a family.
Susie’s path from retail management to seminary, ministry, and hospital chaplaincy.
How a painful pregnancy loss helped shape her desire to serve others in hospitals.
Why Susie and Larry left Texas, and how politics, climate, and raising a girl influenced their decision.
Susie’s memories of nearly 10 years in Cairo, including Egyptian hospitality and everyday acts of kindness.
Finding a welcoming church community and seeing Holly connect with church activities and summer camp.
Timestamps
00:00 — Introducing “Plucked From the Pews” 01:29 — Susie’s family story and becoming Holly’s guardian 04:20 — Custody, conservatorship, and family relationships 05:11 — The shift from grandparent to parent 06:03 — Holly’s ADHD and the family’s support 07:31 — Advice for grandparents raising grandchildren: one day at a time 08:31 — Holly’s strengths and challenges at school 09:29 — A hopeful perspective from Susie’s son’s story 10:26 — Talking honestly about family, age, and love 11:45 — Susie’s path from retail into ministry 14:24 — Personal loss and the calling to hospital chaplaincy 16:12 — Faith, suffering, and finding meaning without blaming God 16:41 — Why Texas became untenable for Susie and her family 18:06 — Chaplaincy, compassion, and meeting people where they are 19:00 — Open and affirming church communities 20:55 — Leaving Texas and finding a new home in Delaware 23:12 — How a short-term opportunity in Egypt became a 10-year adventure 23:37 — Egyptian hospitality and the kindness of strangers 26:24 — Finding community at Epworth 27:50 — Holly’s connection to church and summer camp 28:46 — How Susie and Larry met and eventually married 31:33 — Gratitude for the warmth and friendship of a church community
Red Rocks Spirituality
27 sept. 2026
00:33:32
The Salt and Light Express, faith, grief, and finding the next right thing
Pastor Bo Gordy-Stith interviews Lee Ann Walling about her debut novel, The Salt and Light Express, and the spiritual questions running through it. The conversation also touches on her path at Epworth, her work in communications, and how her own life experiences shaped the book’s themes of grief, community, forgiveness, and love.
Key topics
Bo introduces Lee Ann Walling as Epworth’s podcast host, musician, and longtime community builder, including her work on the Gordon's Pond Trail and in media and communications for nonprofits.
Lee Ann talks about The Salt and Light Express, the first of two planned novels, and how spirituality is woven into everyday life rather than limited to church settings.
In the novel, Chris grieves the death of her partner Sally, travels west in an RV, and begins piecing her life back together in Moab, Utah.
The book explores how community forms among strangers, including people Chris initially misjudges, such as two Texans in a large motorhome and Jared, a Southern Baptist preacher who becomes a friend.
Lee Ann discusses centering prayer, mindfulness, and the tension between wanting to quiet the mind and wanting to pray for specific outcomes like safety, strength, or healing.
The novel questions what core beliefs are actually required to live as a Christian in 21st-century America, with the teachings of Jesus and the Beatitudes as a central reference point.
Community and local action come up as a contrast to national polarization, with Lee Ann emphasizing feeding people, serving face to face, and working together through practical ministries.
The story includes a major forgiveness arc involving a teenage driver whose inattention causes the fatal accident, and Lee Ann explains how research into Delaware law shaped that plotline.
Another major thread is found family, as Chris tries to reconnect with relatives who are judgmental and discovers belonging elsewhere.
The conversation also covers Claire, a Black character who becomes central to the love story, and how Lee Ann worked through questions of representation and stereotypes with a sensitivity reader.
She closes by describing how Epworth has become a place where she feels known and able to contribute through music and podcasting.
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro to Lee Ann Walling, Epworth, and her creative path 03:08 - Chris, grief, and the spiritual landscape of the novel 04:37 - Misjudging people and discovering community 05:37 - Jesus, the Beatitudes, and the book’s faith questions 07:02 - Prayer, mindfulness, and centering prayer 08:41 - What prayer means in everyday life 09:55 - From autobiographical fiction to a more plotted second novel 12:06 - The next right thing as a life philosophy 13:06 - Forgiveness, non-dual thinking, and community surprises 14:28 - Why community matters more than national outrage 16:25 - Family rejection and reaching for connection 17:33 - Family research, ancestry, and writing from experience 20:09 - Forgiveness in the accident storyline 22:45 - Forgiveness as ongoing practice 23:15 - Spiritual direction and the question, “What were you hoping for?” 26:32 - Claire, love, and the emotional stakes of vulnerability 29:02 - Why the book is hopeful and works well for book clubs 30:20 - How the book is being categorized and what the next novel will explore 31:49 - Leaning into LGBTQ storytelling and lived experience 32:19 - The title, the Beatitudes, and the audiobook 33:13 - Closing thoughts on Epworth and finding a place to serve
Raising a Child of Faith
20 sept. 2026
00:33:01
Raising a Child of Faith with Joy Gordy-Stith
Back to school season is a natural time to talk about the spiritual side of a child’s formation, and this conversation focuses on what it really takes to raise a child of faith. Lee Ann Walling talks with Joy Gordy-Stith, youth minister at Epworth, about helping teens navigate social media, anxiety, and real-life pressures while giving them a safe place to ask questions and grow.Joy also shares what has shaped her own faith, what church community can do for young people, and how Epworth tries to make youth and children’s ministry relational, not performative.
What works with young people
Joy says the simplest approach is often the best: ask them about what they care about
Her youth group talks about goats, cars, school plays, and real life issues
She is often surprised by the insight teenagers bring to faith conversations
What parents should aim for
Joy says the goal is not control, but foundation
Kids learn by watching, not just by being told what faith is
Church should become a habit and a natural part of life, not a source of resentment
She encourages parents to think about what priorities their family is modeling
How the broader church can support youth
Get to know the kids by name
Build community beyond the youth room
Show up in ways that extend beyond Sundays
Joy remembers encouragement notes from church during a hard first year of college as a powerful example of support
Why church should feel like a breath of fresh air
Joy wants youth to feel safe, loved, and free to ask questions
She wants church to be life-giving, not a burden or chore
Her deepest hope is that every young person knows there is nothing they could do that would make her stop caring about them
Timestamps
00:00 - Introducing Joy Gordy-Stith and the question of raising a child of faith 01:08 - Why teens need a safe place in a noisy, online world 02:57 - Social media pressure, bullying, and being affected even off-platform 03:54 - Why asking kids about their interests opens real conversation 04:59 - What youth are actually carrying: family stress, conflict, and hard realities 06:26 - Older students helping younger students find confidence 07:15 - Youth group ground rules: respect, no phones, no recording, confidentiality 09:28 - The story of Benny, the church dog who became part of the ministry 11:21 - What growing up as a pastor’s kid taught Joy about faith 12:42 - The downside of being a clergy child in public 14:49 - Parenting faith through questions, habits, and example 17:12 - Why families prioritize what they value, including sports and church 19:19 - What parents can hope for when kids leave home 21:18 - Building support by knowing kids personally 22:58 - Progressive dinners, lock-ins, and other youth activities 25:56 - Children’s time and why getting kids comfortable in worship matters 27:40 - How Sunday school builds relationships and uses hands-on learning 29:38 - Helping kids explore their own relationship with God 31:02 - Joy’s faith spectrum and making room for honest wrestling 32:00 - Showing kids love, grace, and steady presence 33:32 - Youth service projects and the importance of not using kids as free labor 36:04 - Youth helping with a Christmas carol fundraiser for Miriam’s Table 36:35 - The ministry of simply knowing kids, remembering names, and showing up
Murray Archibald: Love, Creativity and CAMP
13 sept. 2026
00:34:50
Murray Archibald on faith, creativity, and building Camp Rehoboth
This conversation traces Murray Archibald’s life from a preacher’s-kid upbringing in Alabama to co-founding CAMP Rehoboth and helping shape a more welcoming community in Rehoboth Beach. He also reflects on the spiritual breakthrough that reoriented his life, the role of creativity in his faith, and the grief and resilience that followed Steve Elkins’ death.
Key topics
In this episode, Murray Archibald shares how being raised as a preacher’s kid, preacher’s grandkid, and preacher’s great-grandkid shaped his early worldview in North Alabama and North Georgia.
He talks candidly about coming out in the late 1960s and early 1970s, feeling the church’s condemnation, and eventually walking away from organized religion for years.
Murray describes a powerful spiritual awakening in New York during the AIDS era, which he experienced as hearing God say, “You are my child,” and which reoriented his entire life.
He explains how that awakening became a call to serve the community rather than ordination, especially in the context of AIDS and LGBTQ exclusion.
Murray recounts meeting Steve Elkins in the White House during the Carter administration, including the chance chain of events that led to a private White House tour and their lasting relationship.
He details the origins of CAMP Rehoboth, including the phrase “Create a More Positive Rehoboth,” the influence of Rehoboth’s Methodist campground history, and the early organizing work that followed.
He discusses the organization’s mission as connector and community builder, emphasizing neighbor-to-neighbor change over confrontational activism.
Murray reflects on the AIDS crisis, the loss of friends in New York, local fundraising efforts, and how that work prepared them to build Camp Rehoboth.
He speaks about Steve’s illness, aggressive lymphoma, and death in 2018, and how faith, trust, and community support helped him carry that grief.
He describes returning to church at Epworth, feeling welcomed home, and later helping guide the congregation toward becoming a reconciling church.
Timestamps
00:00 - Murray’s biography and why his story matters 01:30 - Growing up in a family of Methodist ministers 02:48 - Coming out, church condemnation, and leaving religion behind 04:56 - The spiritual breakthrough that “turned my world right side up” 05:55 - AIDS, New York, and the first sense of divine calling 07:19 - Serving community rather than seeking ordination 08:18 - Meeting Steve Elkins at the White House 10:42 - Why Camp Rehoboth was founded 11:57 - “Create a More Positive Rehoboth” and the original concept 12:28 - Building the nonprofit and organizing the first efforts 14:34 - Camp Rehoboth’s mission as community connector 15:49 - The house-and-heart logo and becoming part of the town 16:17 - AIDS in Rehoboth, local losses, and activist work 17:50 - How AIDS organizing prepared them to build Camp Rehoboth 19:33 - Persevering through resistance and overextension 20:25 - Steve’s lymphoma diagnosis and rapid decline 22:17 - Faith as strength during illness and loss 23:15 - Journaling through grief and the legacy of Steve’s life 24:31 - Spirituality and creativity as one connected life 26:48 - Creativity exists in everyone 27:19 - The book project, poetry, and using journals as source material 29:21 - Morning pages as a form of guidance and prayer 31:21 - Returning to church and finding a spiritual home 33:04 - Helping make Epworth a reconciling congregation 34:01 - Board leadership, church governance, and current involvement 35:53 - Closing thanks and Murray’s lasting legacy
Fall 2026 Preview
04 sept. 2026
00:01:12
A fall preview from Lee Ann Walling. The next season begins Sunday, September 13. We have our own studio now. The first season of eight episodes had more than 1,600 streams.
The conversation with Delaware Congresswoman Sarah McBride delves into her personal inspiration, the role of faith and values in guiding her decision-making, the support and acceptance from her family, navigating online discourse and real-life conversations, and responding to adversity with dignity and grace. The conversation covers the importance of representing constituents, serving all constituents, the atmosphere for compromise, cultural regression, the role of imperfect allies, and hope for the future. It emphasizes the need for elected leaders to meet people where they are, serve all constituents, and work towards compromise and change.
The role of faith and values in guiding decision-making Importance of representing constituents
The need for compromise and reaching across the aisle
Chapters
00:00 Personal Inspiration and Motivation
01:58 Faith, Values, and Decision-Making
05:07 Family Support and Acceptance
10:09 Online Discourse and Real-Life Conversations
15:00 Responding to Adversity with Dignity
17:30 Representing Constituents and Meeting People Where They Are
19:14 Serving All Constituents and the Role of Elected Leaders
21:19 Atmosphere for Compromise and Reaching Across the Aisle
25:29 Cultural Regression and Strategies for Change
27:25 The Role of Imperfect Allies and Hope for the Future
Faith, Love, and Our Divisions
02 août 2026
00:36:16
Summary
In this episode, the Rev. Dr. Vicki Gordy-Stith shares insights on faith, love, social justice, and how to find hope and resilience through spiritual practices. She discusses the disconnect between the core teachings of Jesus and our dividedness as a country and practical ways to live out faith in community.
Keywords
faith, love, social justice, hope, spiritual practices, Christianity, inclusion, resilience, community, God
Key Topics
Core teachings of Jesus and their relevance today
The evolution of understanding God's nature in scripture
The role of social justice in faith communities
Spiritual practices for resilience and hope
The importance of inclusion and love in Christianity
Guest Name
The Rev. Dr. Vicki Gody-Stith, lead pastor of Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Sound Bites
"Read scripture through the lens of Jesus, who embodies love."
"The opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty."
"When we focus on community, we see our neighbors as family."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Story of Faith Journey
02:00 The Core Teachings of Jesus and Their Relevance
02:28 Veering Off Course: Power, Violence, and Misinterpretation
03:39 The Growth of Understanding God in Scripture
05:07 The Sermon on the Mount and Its Message
06:04 Fleeing Christianity and Personal Experiences with God
07:25 The Expanding Understanding of God's Family
08:51 Interpreting Scripture in Context
10:01 Reading Scripture Through the Lens of Jesus
11:47 The Inclusive Life of Jesus and Its Significance
12:40 Faith, Doubt, and Certainty
13:35 Addressing Disillusionment with Christianity and God
14:41 Approaching the News with Faith and Prayer
17:52 Community and Local Action as a Response to Division
20:52 Social Justice as an Expression of God's Love
22:39 The Interconnection of Personal and Social Holiness in Methodism
23:37 Practices of Inclusion and Belonging at Epworth
28:57 Spiritual Practices for Resilience: Gratitude, Awe, and Mindfulness
33:50 The Power of Service and God's Spirit in Us
35:34 Closing Remarks and Themes for Future Focus
Summer Season Update
27 juil. 2026
00:01:13
A quick update and preview of the last two episodes in the summer season. August 2 will feature Epworth's lead pastor, Vicki Gordy-Stith. We'll have a personal conversation with US Rep. Sarah McBride on August 9
The fall season will begin the Sunday after Labor Day.
Birding: Finding God in All Things
26 juil. 2026
00:32:48
The Rev. Ragan Sutterfield, an Episcopal priest who grew up in Arkansas, discusses birding as a spiritual practice and its connection to nature, ministry, and community. He shares his journey into birding, the qualities that make birding a spiritual practice, how to get started, and the impact of birding on building community.
The conversation delves into the challenges of bird identification, problematic bird naming, the relationship between birds and creation care, the influence of Wendell Berry, and the balance between birding for enjoyment and obsession.
The episode is a prelude to Epworth's September program, "Birding as a Spiritual Practice." Learn more here.
Birding as a spiritual practice connects individuals to the beauty and mystery of the natural world.
Birding builds community and fosters intergenerational connections through a common love for nature. Bird identification challenges are influenced by misidentifications and the problematic nature of bird naming.
The relationship between birds and creation care highlights the impact of climate change and the need for conservation efforts.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Birding as a Spiritual Practice
02:00 Reagan's Journey into Birding
03:30 Nature and Ministry
05:05 Birding as a Spiritual Practice
06:20 Qualities of Birding as a Spiritual Practice
07:34 Building Community through Birding
09:52 The Story of Bill
13:11 Getting Started with Birding
16:45 Using Merlin App for Birding
18:12 Bird Identification Challenges
19:05 Problematic Bird Naming
23:08 Birds and Creation Care
28:20 Wendell Berry's Influence
31:48 Balancing Birding and Obsession
Rose Verona: Parkinson's and Beyond
19 juil. 2026
00:34:13
The podcast episode features Rose Verona sharing her journey with Parkinson's disease, her faith, and the impact of music and community on her life. Rose's volunteerism and the value of giving back are also highlighted.
Parkinson's Education and Support Group of Sussex County
Community support is essential for individuals living with Parkinson's disease.
Music and singing play a significant role in managing Parkinson's symptoms and improving quality of life.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Faith, Hope, and Stories Podcast
01:52 Rose's Journey to Rehoboth and Epworth
03:00 Diagnosis and Early Experience with Parkinson's
05:27 Managing Parkinson's Symptoms and Quality of Life
10:01 The Impact of Faith and Community
18:37 The Role of Music and Singing in Parkinson's Management
31:23 Rose's Volunteerism and the Value of Giving Back
The Nature Rabbi
12 juil. 2026
00:34:06
Seaside Jewish Community's Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan, PhD shares her journey of growing up Jewish in Texas, her spiritual experiences in nature, and the incorporation of nature into her spiritual practice. She also discusses the concept of Tikkun Olam and the ways her congregation engages in repairing the world through social action and community service.
22:22 Incorporating Nature into Spiritual Practice
33:36 Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World
Sandy Roca: A Sign of Caring
05 juil. 2026
00:34:52
Sandy Roca, an experienced American Sign Language interpreter, shares her inspiring journey of discovering her calling, learning sign language and Braille, and overcoming challenges in deaf-blind interpretation. She discusses her role at Epworth, the inclusive environment, and her volunteer work with Epworth's food ministry. Sandy's dedication to teaching sign language and her continued work post-retirement reflect her passion for accessibility and inclusion.
The podcast conversation with Pastor Bo Gordy-Stith delves into the unique role of a school bus driving pastor and the impact of mentorship and ministry on children. It explores the challenges and solutions encountered, the importance of connecting with kids, finding joy in routine, dealing with social dynamics, and concludes with book recommendations from the pastor.
Takeaways
The role of a school bus driving pastor is a unique and impactful form of ministry.
Connecting with children and youth through mentorship and empathy is essential for positive influence.
Finding joy and purpose in routine and seemingly mundane tasks is a mindset that can lead to fulfillment and satisfaction.
Discover the inspiring musical journey of Doug Yetter, a prominent arts leader, theater founder, and Minister of Music at Epworth United Methodist Church. This interview delves into Doug’s lifelong relationship with music, his community initiatives like the Camp Rehoboth Chorus, and his insights on sacred music, musical influences, and fostering inclusivity through art.
In this episode:
Doug’s early fascination with music sparked by family and childhood experiences
The evolution from piano lessons to composing and musical theater success
How community and church music have shaped Doug’s career and personal life
Behind the scenes of founding and nurturing the Clear Space Theater and Camp Rehoboth Chorus
Doug’s perspective on sacred music, performance, and his musical legacy
His efforts in music therapy and supporting audiences with Parkinson’s disease
The importance of inclusivity and how Epworth fosters a welcoming environment for all
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Doug Yetter and the episode’s focus 00:11 - Doug’s early exposure to music and family influence 00:23 - Learning piano and using music as an escape during adolescence 00:31 - Excursions into orchestral soloing and musical training 00:45 - Experiences with support and challenges from family members 03:06 - College major in composition and experimental projects 04:09 - Writing musicals and his first professional gigs 05:02 - Transition to college and late bloom into higher education 06:26 - Moving to Delaware, founding Clear Space Theater, and community impact 09:11 - Developing the Broadway Bound program and community engagement 11:11 - The Camp Rehoboth Chorus’ growth and musical philosophy 13:24 - Favorite music genres and performances that evoke emotion 15:13 - Sacred music and Doug’s personal sacred music experiences 18:32 - Supporting those with Parkinson’s through music therapy 20:00 - Recap of community initiatives and the impact of choir performances 22:15 - Doug’s versatile musical roles and sacred music preferences 24:39 - Discussions of musicals, favorites, overrated shows, and legacies 26:16 - Reflections on teaching, influence on students, and future plans 27:08 - Current reading and TV interests; insights into personal downtime 28:37 - Embracing inclusivity at Epworth and personal reflections on community and church life 31:45 - Closing thoughts and gratitude
Thank you for tuning in to this conversation with Doug Yetter—musician, community builder, and eternal learner.
Coming soon: Faith, Hope & Stories
09 juin 2026
00:01:07
An introduction to our upcoming podcast, which will launch on June 21. It's called Faith, Hope & Stories. We see inspirational stories everywhere -- in our pews, in the pulpit, in our music room, in our kitchen, in our community. This podcast, produced by Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, will be telling some of those stories.