2020, unlike any other year in recent memory may prove to be the most difficult one yet to find much to give thanks for. But as we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.S., we all might just need a little extra encouragement and help in just how to give thanks and some ideas of what to give thanks for. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I share three practices that can help shape our understanding and orient us toward a better posture of giving thanks — even when we are facing scarcity. Scripture references from today's episode include: I Thessalonians 5:16-18Psalm 136Mark 6:30-44 From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney,

It's my favorite time of year, again. Advent. This season and the lessons that we can learn and the hope that we can build has perhaps never been so important especially in the difficulties that we've undergone with COVID-19. I have shared before about Celtic Advent (listen to last year's podcast). This season of the church which begins November 15 is a critical time for preparing our hearts and lives for the coming of Jesus. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I share the three different ways that Celtic Christians understood and celebrated the season of Advent and I talk about three things that are critical for getting us through the waiting seasons and moments of life. Today, I

Last year, on Saint Martin's Feast Day (November 11), I created a special podcast (listen to it here) and shared Saint Martin's story — the one where he famously cuts his Roman cloak in half and covers a beggar shivering from the cold. That famous story is the origin of our English word for chaplain. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I share another story of Saint Martin, on this, the day when we celebrate his life and faith. This time, Martin is now a Bishop in the church. He is a leader and has a certain place and power that has been given to him (although he is reportedly reluctant to receive it). Again, Martin covers someone who

Today is a pivotal time in the history of the United States, with a polarized and divisive time politically and socially, there are different attitudes and approaches toward governmental and other types of authority. Even in the sport of football, submitting to authority can be a struggle — whether as an athlete submitting to a manager, a coach at odds with a technical director, or, even, new ownership at a club. Of course, there is corruption and abuse of power at the lowest and highest and levels of the game and replete throughout all authoritative places, but how are we to live and respond? Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I look at the crucial text of Romans 13:1-5

For the Christian athlete, sometimes questions can arise around the morals and ethics that we find in the midst of the Beautiful Game and in sport, in general. Is competition good? Is it healthy? Is it right? There is a historic tension at times felt and perceived between one's faith and the competitive nature that we find at work in the game of football. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I briefly examine the spirit of competition and offer, what I believe to be a few benefits the can be derived from a healthy spirit of competition — both for the individual and for a team. Scripture references from today's episode is linked below : Proverbs 27:17Philippians 1:18Hebrews 10:24