Episode 79 - Meet Chelsea Spyres

We are excited to welcome Chelsea Spyres to the Riverfront team!

In this episode, Pastor Emma and Pastor Edwin have a discussion with Chelsea about her background, thoughts on ministry, and the significance of Superman.

A Note from Chelsea 
Riverfront Church- I am so excited to join this team of amazing leaders of faith, grounded in the work in Wilmington. I join this team as a United Methodist, and am in the process of finishing seminary and seeking ordination in the UMC. 

I am originally from Newark so in some ways this move from Washington, DC feels like coming home, but it also feels like a brand new adventure. I am loving getting to know a new city, and finding those spots in Wilmington that are already becoming home. I live just a few blocks from Grace United Methodist and love being able to walk to the office, meeting neighbors along the way.” 

One thing that excites me about Riverfront is the partnership between so many different people who are looking to explore faith and life together. I often find the church to be a place where it seems like you have it all together to come to worship or a gathering, when in reality we all have a million questions, crazy stories, and messy lives.

I am excited to experience God and community with you all as we figure things out together. I look forward to meeting you and hope that you will come out once in these next few weeks so I can get to know some of your story and passion for Riverfront.

My email is chelsea@gracechurchum.org, please feel free to reach out, I'd especially love to meet one-on-one at your favorite Wilmington spot.  Know that I am praying for you, and look forward to seeing you soon!

Blessings,
Chelsea

Episode 78 - Art and music from Pakistan to Nicaragua to Wilmington

What happens when you sit down to talk with a photojournalist from Pakistan, a world travelling musician, and a leader in the Wilmington Arts Community?

Check out this episode for a great conversation about art, music, and humanity.

To learn more about these individuals and their work:

Click Here for more on Haroon Baloch and his work

Click Here for more on William Rose and his music

Click Here for more on Dr. Merideth Hite Estevez and Lumina Arts in Wilmington

Episode 77 - Epiphany!

What is Epiphany? How is it recognized? Can we gain a new appreciation for both the holiday and the phenomenon?

Pastor Emma and Pastor Edwin explore these and other questions in this episode.

Episode 76 - A Rabbi and a Priest Walk Into a Bar…

On December 4, Pastor Edwin Estevez and Rabbi Michael Beals co-hosted Wilmo Wednesday - a variety talent show produced by Gable Music Ventures at Ernest and Scott Taproom in downtown Wilmington.

This episode features a discussion between the two of them during the show (apologies for the audio quality).

Click Here to see video from the show.

Episode 75 - looking back at 2019

2019 has been quite a year at Riverfront Church! Pastor Emma takes a look back at a year of growth...

Episode 74 - Think & Drink wrap up

For two years, we have been exploring scripture, spending time in each book, genre, and geographical region in scripture.

This past week, we wrapped up with the final chapters of the book of Revelation, a proclamation, and a party.

Here's a look at the official proclamation:

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Alan Keohane approached the leadership of Riverfront Church in the Fall of 2017 to propose holding a weekly bible study designed to review Hebrew and Christian Scriptures in a chronological manner through the lenses of history, anthropology, sociology, linguistics, biology, geography, geology, theology, and other scientific disciplines; and

WHEREAS, The Think and Drink Bible Study officially began in the winter of 2017/2018 with a look at Creation, and covered everything from the Patriarchs to the Exodus to the time of the Judges, the kingships of Saul, David, and Solomon, the divided kingdom, the Babylonian exile, the return, the prophets, wisdom literature, and poetry in 2018; and

WHEREAS, Alan led the Think and Drink bible study through the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the spread of Christianity, Paul’s missionary journeys, the epistles, and the book of Revelation in 2019; and

WHEREAS, Alan led the Think and Drink bible study from viewing scripture through a Western, Egalitarian, Individualistic, Rich Democratic, Educated, Secular, and Technological lens towards a more Eastern, Authoritarian, Religious, Local, Illiterate, Ethnic, and Rural understanding; and

WHEREAS, Alan included in the study at least 147 references to what some would consider inappropriate subjects for a bible study; and

WHEREAS, Alan made no fewer than 83 Monty Python references, including skits, songs, and/or film clips; and

WHEREAS, Alan was also able to incorporate multiple references to Star Wars, Star Trek, Harry Potter, and a few very well placed ties to Douglas Adams; and

WHEREAS, “Don’t worry, we’re just getting started” became a familiar catch phrase; and

WHEREAS, Alan consistently rejected the title of “teacher” and preferred “instigator” in spite of every attendee insisting they learned new ideas, concepts, and insights from Alan each week; and

WHEREAS, The Think and Drink Bible Study Group has come to bond over deep discussions, side-splitting laughter, and occasional debates, leading many of us to think of each other as family; and

WHEREAS, Many in the Think and Drink Group wish to honor the individual they all call Alan for his hard work, insights, and willingness to share his brilliance,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Alan Keohane is recognized by the Clergy and Leadership of Riverfront Church as an Instigator, Teacher, and, at times, Honorary Heretic;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all who regularly attended the Think and Drink Studies declare their hearts and minds opened and changed, their appreciation for both scripture and science growing, and their faith enhanced thanks to Alan’s leadership

Signed this 18^th Day of December, 2019, CE

__________________________________ _____________________________________

Rev. Edwin Estevez, Riverfront Church

Rev. Emma Horn, Riverfront Church

Episode 73 - Think & Drink - Revelation Part 3

Creatures with multiple heads, dozens of judgements, and more - what does it all mean?

Episode 72 - A Trauma Informed, Trauma Transforming Faith

ADVISORY: This episode could alter your view of Christianity and force you to think differently about several core issues with faith.

Episode 71 - Think & Drink - Revelation Part 2

The discussion around the book of Revelation continues...

Episode 70 - re-thinking the possibilities with the church

In this episode, Pastor Emma and Pastor Edwin discuss innovative, interesting, and different things churches can do and become. This is about more than just trying the latest trend...