#28 Becoming The Refuge: Rev. Gerry Koning on Sensory Sanctuaries, Poo-Sniffing Dogs, and the Transition to a New Kind of Church

Welcome to the first episode of Season 4! I’m so glad to share with you this delightful episode about a group of terrific Lutheran folks who exemplify joyful lay leadership and getting a whole congregation on board on behalf of climate action.Many thanks to Judy Hinck and to the lively group of Mount Olive members who spent an afternoon with me and Ron sharing their climate justice journey (so far!). Special thanks to Art Halbardier, who graciously hosted and offered extremely helpful background before our visit.To learn more about Mount Olive Lutheran’s work, check out this article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune about Mount Olive’s geothermal project. You might also appreciate this document recounting the history of Mount Olive’s climate work, or these links with more about the history of their climate justice initiatives, their 2017 statement, their climate justice page, and an FAQ document about their projects:You can also learn more about the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s statements on climate justice and about the Minnesota chapter of Interfaith Power and Light. To read Pope Francis’ encyclical on climate, visit Laudato si’. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit refugianewsletter.substack.com

Join us for another season of the Refugia Podcast, with eight new episodes (plus a bonus!) releasing weekly starting September 14. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit refugianewsletter.substack.com

Dave Koetje returns as co-host to reflect on what we’ve learned about refugia church from our guests this season.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/refugia/message This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit refugianewsletter.substack.com

Fellow Fortress Press authors Sharon Delgado and Talitha Amadea Aho discuss writing books during a pandemic, young people's spiritual hungers, and the resources the church can offer during a climate crisis. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/refugia/message This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit refugianewsletter.substack.com

The executive directors of Creation Justice Ministries explain how faith-based climate organizations can bring people together, inspiring churches and individuals to build social cohesion and work toward a livable and just future.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/refugia/message This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit refugianewsletter.substack.com

Rev. Gerry Koning describes the process of moving from an ordinary, traditional congregation to a refugia church focused on "all abilities, all creation, all nations."--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/refugia/message This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit refugianewsletter.substack.com

Rev. Jim Antal recounts his long experience in climate activism and shares his conviction that Christians, and people of all faiths, are called to a communal vocation at this crucial moment in history.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/refugia/message This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit refugianewsletter.substack.com

Theologian Ruth Padilla DeBorst describes life in Casa Adobe, an intentional Christian community in Costa Rica, and discusses what faithful living can look like as we seek to resist complicity in the abuses of empire.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/refugia/message This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit refugianewsletter.substack.com

Rabbi Shapiro, founder of an interfaith clergy training program called The Joseph Project, discusses how religious ritual and story bind us together and help us strengthen community in times of crisis. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/refugia/message This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit refugianewsletter.substack.com

350.org co-founder and Executive Director May Boeve describes the joy and challenge of connecting climate activists across the globe, scaling up climate solutions, and drawing on faith to drive courage and prophetic speech.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/refugia/message This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit refugianewsletter.substack.com