A Conversation with Frank Schaefer

On the morning of Saturday, February 22nd, a black SmartCar fled the suburbs for an improbable adventure. I dropped off my wife at the bus station and headed for the long stretch out pothole pike. On the way I stopped by the apartment because I had forgotten my blue smoothie. I don’t drink caffeine so I needed some sugar to stay awake on the snow-mottled roads west. After the detour I take off, only to realize 6 inconvenient blocks later that I had forgotten my cell phone. So, of course, I had to turn around again. Finally, all the to-do was aside and no diversion could keep me from the next stop-the palatial estate of my esteemed co-host, Apryle.

When I arrived, I had to call because her door was locked, and even then I had to wait because she was not dressed. Now, I’m generally cranky and impatient (crankpatient), but today was even more so. Why??? We were on our way to interview defrocked United Methodist minister, Frank Schaefer in the middle of Amish country.

After some irritated banter, we head out to the smart car, which I know has heretofore caused Apryle many nightmares, but for the cause, she was suddenly quite brave. Now, when I go on a road trip I must have my music. Now, Apryle and I have many things in common, but music is our vast chasm. Since I’m driving, I pick the music, despite someone’s persistent objections, negotiations, sourpuss faces, and general stick-in-the-muddishness. Occasionally, on the ride she relents and fakes a dance or sings a sour note for the cause.

As we edge closer, we see the Wawas trade places with Turkey Hills, and high rises give way to silos. It is truly an Amish paradise, even if the mafia is nowhere to be found. Of course we arrive early, but Frank is so gracious as to let us come in and thaw for a few moments before the interview. His house is beautiful but modest on a quiet street in the middle of a place that people from the city can only dream might exist. Needless to say, it is the real deal.

Speaking of the real deal, that phrase would describe Frank perfectly. He was every bit as warm and thoughtful as I would imagine someone who risked his career for his beliefs. He was at equal turns funny and insightful. I don’t know how many times he offered me a beverage. His office has a full drum kit and a couple guitars on the wall. I could have easily asked him for a sublet.

Now, I won’t spoil all the details of the interview, it’s totally worth a listen, or two ;) I will give you a couple words as a teaser: Bonhoeffer, guitars, signs from God, it’s no wonder… -JH

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Something Old, Something New

2013, Belatedly…

So, this episode was scheduled to record in December, but the weather swept away our plans, and then we had another show scheduled that we had to do first, and then finally, on February 9th we were able to take a look back at 2013 and a look ahead into the future of 2014, which is already 1/12th over.

Long sentences aside, we talked about some fairly embarrassing topics like what were some of our worst moments, and some of the shows we recorded that were never meant to be. What started out as an 82 minute recording, wound its way down to under a half hour.

That joke’s getting cut, kids.

ICYMI-Chatting with Candy

Pastoral ministry in the 21st century is quite different from what it was even 20 years ago. Many people experience a call to ministry after working in the secular world. This was certainly the case with our interview with Pastor Candy Arnold, who serves two United Methodist churches in Juniata County, Brown's & St. John's. Her passion for ministry has certainly been informed by her life experience, not necessarily what you would expect a pastor to have lived.

Blessings, Apryle

The other guy says:

We just uploaded a fantastic interview with Apryle’s long-time friend, who happens to be… surprise, a pastor, Candy Arnold. We got to ask her all sorts of questions that pastors don’t have time to answer, and her responses were candid and poignant. As the editor of the show, I can tell you ‘off the record’ that the 20 plus minutes that were cut from the show were largely us laughing and having a good time. Some things are just not meant to be shared. --J

plans.

plans. It was a couple weeks ago when we posted our first show, and it was a pretty exciting time. We had an upcoming interview scheduled and pile full of show ideas just waiting for the nod. But, we all know how plans are meant to go.

Since then, our interview had to reschedule for after Christmas. Then we recorded some follow up shows that were more sour than limes. Today, it's the weather. Since I commute to Apryle's church the weather was eventually not going to cooperate.

Last week it sent a warning shot with, what was arguably, the worst driving conditions I've ever faced. A wicked snowstorm hit during church, and the quick ride from chapel to kitchen was tortuous. Apryle skidded and has been skittish ever since! The ride home was twice as long as usual, and the usually delightful and brisk ride down 162 was a parade of big SUVs with inconsolable hazard lights blinking.

So, today, it's church in my pjs, but the struggle continues. We look forward to posting a new show, eventually.

Episode 1: Getting to Know Us

Below are two introductions from the hosts for the Voices of Faith Radio Show

Voices of Faith is a new radio show that addresses Christian topics from the more liberal progressive end of the theological continuum. There are two hosts: Jason & Apryle. Please listen to our intro show to get some background on us. We are excited to carry the message of Christ into the world through this show. The purpose of voices of faith is to speak out on contemporary, current, practical issues that arise in society and the church. Some of those issues may include: homosexuality, the poor, and church leadership. Our hope is that we can get people thinking about where they stand on issues and be moved to action. Voices of Faith can be one avenue in which God speaks truth into the lives of the hosts and the audience. --Apryle

Never one for structure or reason, but always in the mood for an argument, it was only a matter of time before I was on the 'radio'. Apryle has been an agreeable partner in my pursuit of trying to figure out the meaning of it all--laughing all the way. I'm into all the controversial issues surrounding religion, and I want to engage and enrage them, to the point of finally settling on a sensible solution. Really, I'm here for a good time and to turn confusion into understanding. --Jason