Forecast

Will, Jarel and Josh reflect on the journeys they have embarked on this season. Jarel describes the importance of cherishing every moment as a father, and Josh describes his journey towards becoming a teacher and reminding himself daily to give thanks for all things, particularly in the midst of his work. Will describes his spiritual journey away from traditional Christianity and, in relation, says farewell as a podcast co-host. This episode features original Christmas songs by James A. Tweedie.

Composer Scott Stevens speaks with Jarel about working in the UK and now returning to the US and what he has learned about his work and faith. This includes his sources of strength and nourishment, such as being in nature, listening to the preaching and teaching of theologians and being involved in a Bible study. 

Matt Chesney speaks with Will about his journey seeking wholeness after asking tough questions about how his church community treated his family growing up and about his experiences in the military. Building on those experiences, Matt has learned to move beyond cynicism to find a sense of purpose in the Christian understanding of servant leadership, using his strength to serve the people in his life.Editor's note: The views expressed on this Forecast, and all Forecasts, represent those of our guests and not necessarily those of the editors and co-hosts of Foreshadow. While we may not agree with everything our guests share, we believe it valuable to listen to and engage with their experiences.

Three graduates of Fuller Theological Seminary (California) reflect on how their experience studying theology was a pilgrimage. Mitchell, who has served in music ministry and will soon study law, explains how seminary transformed him and how he has changed from wanting to lead the church to wanting to serve people. Eric, a full-time artist and photographer, differentiates between complacency and contentment and reflects on the pilgrimage of the magi visiting baby Jesus.

Josh reads some of the writings recently published on Foreshadow in conversation with Psalms 120 to 125: Orchard labyrinth, overgrown (poetry by Erin Clark), For Finding Your Way (poetry by J.E. Misz), Red Sea (poetry by Julia McMullen), A Liturgy of the Wilderness (poetry by Jessica Walters), Pearls of Ignatius (poetry by Bryant Burroughs), Invitation (poetry by Sheila Dougal), Rosary (poetry by Alina Sayre), Heart to Heart (poetry by Bonita Jewel), Advice for the Long Walk Home (poetry by Sheila Dougal) and That Person Whom You Know (fiction by Sandro F. Piedrahita). 

Josh and Will explore the most recent Forecasts: 'The Perpetual Pilgrim: Paul Cornelius and Pilgrimage' (Ep 51), 'The Way of a Pilgrim: Prayer and Pilgrimage' (Ep 52), 'What Do We Do When We Arrive?' (Ep 53) and 'On the Camino: Pete Kelly and Pilgrimage' (Ep 54). Among other topics, they discuss leadership in a Christian context, how we can benefit from the Jesus Prayer and the purpose and meaning of devotional practices when arriving at a holy place.

Last September, attorney Pete Kelly walked 500 miles with a friend on the Camino de Santiago, a historic Christian pilgrimage that ends in northwest Spain. Pete highlights the solitude and reflection that the Camino gave him even in the midst of sharing a journey with countless other pilgrims both living and dead. Hearing the diverse stories of other pilgrims sustained him through challenges along the way.

What do pilgrims do when they arrive at their destination? Inspired by Psalm 134, Josh explores this question with a reflection on a recent visit to Holy Island, Northumbria, and in dialogue with three works recently published on Foreshadow: 'Asylum', a poem by Linda McCullough Moore, 'Found poem: Upon arrival at the Abbey', a poem by Erin Clark, and 'God Alone Suffices', a short story by Sandro F. Piedrahita.

This episode shares highlights from the spiritual classic The Way of a Pilgrim. The founding editor of Foreshadow connects these passages with works published on Foreshadow and with this year's theme of pilgrimage and worship. In the book, an unnamed peasant discovers oneness within himself and with others through continually calling on the Lord's name. On his journey to Jerusalem, the pilgrim describes the effects this prayer has on the people he meets and on his own experience.