• 888 | Coffee to Go | Proper 17 | Year C
    Aug 31 2025

    The “H” words of the day and not honor or homage, but rather, humility and hospitality. Of such is the upside-down Kingdom of God. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a conversation on the passage from Luke 14 that challenges social norms by inviting diverse individuals to meals and encourages us to consider our personal social obligations. Grab a seat ... just be careful which one you choose ... and a cup of coffee and get ready to be honest with yourself. Don’t get too comfortable, you might be asked to move.


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    Intro and Outro music used with permission:

    “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org

    “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

    All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

    NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

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    14 mins
  • 887 | Chai Can't Even | Eldred Spain | Pt. 2
    Aug 29 2025

    Most guests on Chai Can’t Even who come to tell the stories of why they stay in Community of Christ are young adults, but imagine how many stories someone who has been in the church for over 80 years has to share. Well, this is part two, and if we had let him, Eldred Spain could have filled many more episodes. Join host Blake Smith in listening to more of Eldred’s stories of faith, family, and friendship in Community of Christ and everywhere else he encountered people. Allow yourself to be inspired by his unquenchable spirit to learn and to grow... even at 91.


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    Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast!
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    Intro and Outro music used with permission:

    “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org

    “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

    All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

    NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

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    41 mins
  • 886 | Chai Can't Even | Eldred Spain | Pt. 1
    Aug 26 2025

    From the time he was two years old, Eldred Spain knew he wanted to be one of “them” ... a minister who helped people. 89 years later, Eldred is still learning and still finding ways to minister to people. In this special episode of Chai Can’t Even, host Blake Smith sits down with Eldred, a lifelong member of the Community of Christ and former employee of the church, to hear his stories. We bet you’re going to be surprised when you hear what Eldred thinks are some of the biggest “changes” in the church. It’s definitely not the changes so many folks get worked up about. Grab your favorite podcast beverage and settle in for part one... there was too much to put in just one episode.


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    Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast!
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    Intro and Outro music used with permission:

    “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org

    “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

    All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

    NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

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    52 mins
  • 885 | Coffee to Go | Proper 16 | Year C
    Aug 24 2025

    Laws have their place, but when it comes to following a law ... especially “God’s law” ... at the expense of someone’s dignity, we may need to look deeper into the intent of the law. In today’s text from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus pushes the religious leaders to think carefully about the true meaning of Sabbath, and to consider how a legalistic view can actually cause harm which is never God’s intent. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a conversation about Sabbath as Jesus suggests it is intended to be understood. Often making Sabbath available to all calls for action... not rest.


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    Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast!
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    Intro and Outro music used with permission:

    “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org

    “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

    All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

    NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

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    13 mins
  • 884 | Fair Trade | Michelle Phillips | Chapter 2
    Aug 22 2025

    Faith transitions are often not a singular event. Rather, they are an ongoing journey. In this Fair Trade episode, host Robin Linkhart circles back to sit down with Michelle Phillips, to hear how her journey has continued – what she’s learned, what advice she has for others, and where she finds herself in ministry now and the days ahead. In Michelle’s continuing story, you’ll hear a deep sense of connection and an even deeper sense of hope for what lies ahead for the church if we’re willing to re-imagine.

    Listen to the first chapter of Michelle’s faith transition here.

    Find more Fair Trade episodes here.

    Download Transcript Here

    Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast!
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    Intro and Outro music used with permission:

    “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org

    “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

    All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

    NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

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    35 mins
  • 883 | Fair Trade | Matt Robertson | Part 2 of 2
    Aug 19 2025

    The journey continues ... Matt Robertson’s journey, that is! In this episode of the Project Zion podcast, host Robin Linkhart continues her conversation with Matt Robertson about his journey from atheism to finding a new faith in Community of Christ. Matt shares his transition from a business career to teaching, influenced by his wife Heather. He describes his experiences with various religious communities and his disillusionment with the political climate in the USA today. Ultimately, Matt's search for authentic community led him to Community of Christ, where he has found a welcoming, imperfect congregation that emphasizes the importance of connection, goodness, and the church's focus on making a positive impact in the world.

    Find more Fair Trade episodes here.


    Download Transcript


    Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast!
    Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!


    Intro and Outro music used with permission:

    “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org

    “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

    All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

    NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

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    36 mins
  • 882 | Coffee to Go | Proper 15 | Year C
    Aug 17 2025

    Sometimes the Gospel writers don’t catch Jesus at his most pastoral moments. Sometimes Jesus just needs to get straight to the point. This week’s passage from the Gospel of Luke is one of those not so “happy Jesus” passages. Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith explore the context of Jesus' teachings amidst poverty and oppression, emphasizing the need for discipleship and standing against unjust systems. They remind us of the importance of interpreting cultural signs and the challenges of following Jesus, which may cause inner turmoil and external conflict. Reflecting on our own actions, societal expectations, and the risks we are willing to take for the betterment of others is important if we’re going to turn things upside down for the reign of God.

    Download the Transcript

    Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast!
    Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!


    Intro and Outro music used with permission:

    “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org

    “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

    All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

    NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

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    16 mins
  • 881 | Fair Trade | Matt Robertson | Part 1 of 2
    Aug 15 2025

    Community of Christ Doctrine and Covenants 161:3d reminds us that “the road to transformation travels both inward and outward.” In this episode of Fair Trade, Robin Linkhart sits down with Matt Robertson for part one of a two-part interview in which Matt describes his chaotic childhood home life, his deep religious commitment, and his eventual deconstruction of faith. He also shares how his fear of disrupting his family caused him to internalize much of the early struggles of his journey. In the end, it’s the strong bond that his family has formed that becomes the strength to continue... together.

    Find more Fair Trade episodes here.

    Download the Transcript

    Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast!
    Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!


    Intro and Outro music used with permission:

    “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org

    “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).

    All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.

    NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

    Show More Show Less
    51 mins