Synod Podcast for Those Who are in need of Inspiration
God has called this synod and Church together in mission. And since the adoption of the synod's missions statement in 2019, much has changed. It is now that the Holy Spirit invites us into hard conversations and truths for theological and soul liberation for all.
This podcast is for the curious and for those seeking honest conversations about life and ministry.
It is also for those who are fully aware that we are living in a time that demands our attention and our intentionality.
It is for those who wish to be co-conspirators with the Holy Spirit!
Bishop Leila Ortiz shares how this podcast can be a resource for those
looking to meet the demands of the Gospel.
New Episodes Coming December 2 for Advent!
Episode 7 with Natalie Cain and Brother Ken Taylor
Beloved Creation
In the final episode of the series focusing on the Metro D.C. Synod mission statement, dive into the symbiotic relationship between caring for creation and caring for humanity. Natalie Cain, Director of Gifts of Hope, and Brother Ken Taylor, Pastor of Saint Nicholas Lutheran Church, join Bishop Leila Ortiz to discuss the responsibility we have as followers of Jesus to care for all of creation and what that looks like in our daily lives.
Explore how we are called to care for the earth and that while our individual actions may seem too insignificant to have an impact, if we join together, even over something small like water bottles, the collective actions of our faith community can make a difference.
Episode 6 with Pastor Betty Landis, Deacon Dave Larrabee & Deacon Debra Haynes
To be Love
Deacons Deb Haynes and Dave Larrabee are called to serve at The Lamb Center, a day shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Pastor Betty Landis is passionately involved with the Poor People’s Campaign and serves at Saint Stephen Lutheran Church.
In Episode 6, hear how these leaders have engaged with others as if they are not a stranger; offering true welcome and love for people who have been marginalized and regularly outcast by society. Despite what the world tells us, we need Jesus’ love to be bold and boundless in our work to live out the Gospel each and every day.
Episode 5 with Pastor Ben Hogue & Jennifer Slagle Peck
Bold and Boundless in Your Own Way
Episode 4 with Pastor Carmelo Santos & Deacon Julie Stecker
To Cultivate Brokenness into the Fullness of Life
When you hear the word “cultivate” you may think of a farmer or planting seeds and watching them grow. But not everyone believes they have a green thumb, in a garden or spiritually!
Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos and Deacon Julie Stecker share with Bishop Leila Ortiz the ways they have found the Holy Spirit cultivates incredible things with and through us even in the midst of “poor” growing conditions and the brokenness within our communities. They also share what needs to die, what we need to let go of, so that God can grow more fruit for the sake of the entire garden to flourish.
Episode 3 with Pastor Julie Bringman, Katie Evans & Carrie Pritts
To be (or not to be) Called
Pastor Julie Bringman, Katie Evans, and Carrie Pritts join Bishop Leila to delve into how they have felt God stirring and moving in their lives, and formalized their listening during a six-month period of discernment.
As they felt the nudge of the Spirit, each of these women took the leap to of faith to participate in a discernment cohort offered by the Metro D.C. Synod. Not all discernment leads to enrolling in a seminary or a rostered call, yet the Spirit is still at work.
Our world can be quite loud and distracting. How and where do you find space to "turn it off" and to intentionally listen for God's call?
Episode 2 with Pastor Kevin Vandiver
Inspired by the Holy Spirit who Disrupts Everything
Pastor Kevin Vandiver, Senior Pastor of Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Washington D.C., discusses with Bishop Leila Ortiz what it means to be "Inspired by the Holy Spirit".
Not just what it means to be inspired in ministry, but as human beings in our daily lives. To be inspired not only as a pastor but as a spouse, parent, and person in a hurting world who has experienced their own trauma and hurt.
Who is the Holy Spirit to you?
Episode 1 with Metro D.C. Synod Staff
Living Our Mission and Purpose
Bishop Leila Ortiz talks with Pastor Lamar Bailey and Pastor Sarah Garrett Krey, who serve as Assistants to the Bishop in the Metro D.C. Synod, about being "Inspired", what it means to serve on Synod Staff, and the overall Metro D.C. Synod mission statement which was adopted in 2019 before the world turned.