Ordinary Time #13: Southside Solidarity | @kaleophx

WARNING: In this sermon, I challenge the idea of penal substitutionary atonement and present a non-violent way to view the crucifixion. In traditional seminary experiences, students are often taught the different ways cultures and denominations view the crucifixion, but that's not something everyone is familiar with. So before you listen to this, just know this may rearrange the furniture in in your head and spiritual belief system. If you would like more resources as you explore this idea, please check out the links at the bottom of this sermon!

Ordinary Time #8: Written-Out Slaves | @kaleophx

A decolonial reading of this text, therefore, challenges us to recover and reclaim the forgotten lives in the text and the context. A recovery of these forgotten lives is by ‘hearing to speech’ their voices, which is an affirmation of their existence in society.

MLK Sunday 2023: From Rage to Shout

I still feel the tension of the life and work of Dr. King because he was assassinated for saying things that I’m going to say to you today. I still feel the tension of rage, courage, confusion, uncertainty, And the responsibility of Truth-telling, which sometimes feels like shouting in the fire. I still feel the tension of the reality that we are the continuation of a story Dr. King couldn’t finish telling…

Advent #1: Watchmen...Stay Woke! | @kaleophx

In this sermon, we begin the first Sunday of Advent, and I guide us through the work of Wilda C. Gafney, Fleming Rutledge, and the parable of the doorkeeper in Mark 13:34-37.

Truthsgiving: A Trial of Tears | @kaleophx

“Truthsgiving, coined by Indigenous activist Christine Nobiss is meant to dismantle common misunderstandings about Thanksgiving with...well, the truth. Some say Thanksgiving is celebrated at the expense of Native peoples, and while America celebrates a day of thanks with feasts and football, many Native Americans continue to live with disparities and economic hardships…”

Eastertide #4: Loving the Born vs. Unborn (Roe v. Wade & Buffalo, NY Shooting) | @kaleophx

Their friend, hero, Lord and Savior was unjustly murdered. He was the one that said He was going to save them from the Roman Empire. But what they saw with their eyes was not him overturning the Roman Empire but they saw the Roman Empire over turned Him. BUT…

Our Reaction to the ASU Multi-Cultural Space | Erin Dooley & Ericka Byrne

At the beginning of the fall semester, “Millions of people watched a disagreement between pairs of students at Arizona State University that was captured on video, with the clip showing two white male students getting asked to leave a multicultural space. Groups of ASU students have advocated for multicultural spaces on campus for several years to provide an area for students of color, underrepresented minorities, LGBTQ students and others to meet and discuss issues.” In this episode, Erin Dooley and Ericka Vaughn Byrne sit down to talk through their reaction to the ASU Multi-cultural Space video.

Julius Jones, Kyle Rittenhouse, Truthsgiving, and the Persistent Widow | KALEO PHX

After the heavy week of Julius Jones, Kyle Rittenhouse, and ASU Multi-cultural center, I spoke at Kaleo Phx on Sunday, November 21, 2021. This is a recording from that gathering and below is a transcript of my message notes.

Jesus Stories - Miracles at the Table | KALEO PHX

Participating in a shared experience gives us the opportunity to partake together in joy, in belonging, and in community.

Stained Glass: The Incarnate | KALEO PHX

In order for something to be reconciled, you have to give a full account of what was done. Everything must be accounted for. So for us to truly see racial reconciliation, we must give an account of every racial injustice that has happened in our country. Which is messy...difficult...hard...but it must be done if we are to build multi-ethnic communities of healing. A flourishing church. A highly incarnational church.

Church History IS Critical Race Theory | KALEO PHX

To not acknowledge the history of something, is to perpetuate the existence of something. This is why Critical Race Theory is important. I spoke at Kaleo Phx on Sunday, June 6, 2021 and this is a recording from that gathering. Click to see is a transcript of my message notes.

Advertising, BLM, CRT, and the Formation of Repetition | KALEO PHX

I never would have thought 5 years ago that I would be a pastor and the topics in my sermon would be these. The work that we're doing at Kaleo Phoenix, I truly believe, is a move of the Spirit and I'm blessed to be a part of it. I spoke at Kaleo Phx on Sunday, May 16, 2021 and this is a recording from that gathering along with a transcript of my message/notes.

Building Beloved Community | KALEO PHX

How would Jesus address the injustices shown towards Daunte Wright, Caron Nazario, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery? How would Jesus create space to comfort the communities hurting from the loss of life? How would Jesus address the dangers of White Supremacy? How would Jesus create space for racial reconciliation? I spoke at Kaleo Phx on Sunday, April 18, 2021, doing my best to address these things in humility and love. This is a recording from that gathering. Below is a transcript of my message/notes.

Ubani Ukuku | Black Women and the Place of Justice within the Church - EPISODE 057

In this episode, I sit down with Ubani Ukuku and talk about Black women in America, the importance of voting, the upcoming election, and all the amazing things she's doing through her justice coaching program (of which, I'm proud to say, I will be going through myself in January 2021). Black women have a unique vantage point when it comes to how the systems work and how we can reimagine a better future. Listen and learn from the best of the best — Ubani Ukuku.

I talked about RACISM to WHITE PEOPLE for the first time publicly 😯

To say I was nervous would be an understatement. I've been participating in a zoom bible study on Sunday nights with @kaleophx and the pastor asked me to share something. If you know me, I don't normally get emotional when I talk in front of people...but this time...I did.

Millennials In Ministry