What’s a Playlist?
November Playlist
Connect
11/1/26
Denise McClellan, Director of Adult Ministries & Missional Service
Introduction
How do we connect with each other? Sometimes it’s because we’re family or neighbors. Sometimes it’s because we go to the same school or work at the same place. Sometimes it’s because we share an interest or a hobby. How do we connect with God? God is always waiting for us. God’s door is always open. God is always there . . . waiting for us. Reflect on these ideas the next few weeks as you explore our Connect Playlist.
Connect & Prayer
The following prayer is from Prayer Ventures, an offering of the ELCA. Use it as your guide as you work your way through the Connect Playlist.
Praise God for our faith in Jesus Christ, who frees us from the restraints and shortcomings of our past so that we can move forward in our baptismal journey of connecting our faith with everyday life, serving neighbors in need, spreading hope, and living with gratitude.
Amen.
Connect & Scripture
Although our playlist theme this month is Connect, the word from the Bible that came to me was abide. Abide. Sounds so old-fashioned, doesn’t it? To me, that word is unique as it describes the special connection we have with God and with Jesus. In John 15:1-11, abide is used repeatedly. Get your Bible and take a look at the passage. We’re told that God is the vinegrower, and Jesus is the branch. Why do you think Jesus uses the word again and again? What does that image mean to you? How does it help you understand your connection with God? Reread these verses throughout the month.
Connect & Pray As You Go
Pray As You Go is a website and app that comes to us from the Jesuits in Britian. They describe their resource as an “audio sanctuary” where people can explore their faith. Below you’ll find a link to a devotion based on the John passage. It includes music, scripture, reflection, and great accents!
Connect & The Bible Project
In the link below, The Bible Project looks at the idea of connection and how it shows up throughout the Bible. Take some time to read the essay.
Connect & Enter the Bible
Enter the Bible is an offering from Luther Seminary. Below is a link to a podcast episode exploring feelings of disconnection from faith. Have you ever felt disconnected from faith, disconnected from God, disconnected from the Church? I have. It was a lonely time. Use the link below to listen to this candid conversation.
Connect & ELCA
“A Connected Church” was the message shared by Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry at synod assemblies this past summer. Click the link below to watch the video and hear his thoughts on how we’re connected across the country and across the world.
Connect & Community
Jon Batiste is known around the world. He brings people together through music. Hear his story of how a lifelong love of music helps him create community and connections through joy and music.
Connect & (Re)Connect
Phoenix Rescue Mission is a nonprofit in Arizona. The organization helps people struggling through hardships. With their help, Pete Herdez was able to reconnect with himself and with his family. Use the link below to hear his powerful story.
Connect & Music
Here’s some music connected to our Connect theme.
“Abide with Me”—Orla Fallon
“Looking for the Thread”—Mary Chapin Carpenter
October Playlist
Teach
10/1/26
Denise McClellan, Director of Adult Ministries & Missional Service
Introduction
Mrs. Schaefer, Mrs. Urbanski, Miss Robinson, Mrs. Nute, Ms. Billingham, and Mr. Bartholomew. Those are some of the teachers I remember from elementary and middle school. I loved school. So much so that we played school at home a lot. The house I grew up in had a basement. My dad put a real blackboard on one wall. My little sister and I lined up chairs, and our dolls were the students. We spent many winter afternoons playing school in that basement, and we went through a lot of chalk in those days! Teach is our Playlist Theme this month. Teachers aren’t just in our schools. They’re in our families, in our neighborhoods, and in our churches. Who have been the teachers in your life? Who are your teachers today? Are you a teacher for others? Reflect on these questions the next few weeks.
Teach & Prayer
The following prayer is from the ELW. Use it as your guide as you work your way through the Teach Playlist.
Sovereign God, you have created us to live in loving community with one another. Form us for life that is faithful and steadfast, and teach us to trust like little children, that we may reflect the image of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.
Amen.
Teach & Scripture
When I think of Teach in the Bible, I hear the words of the disciples, “Lord, teach us to pray.” They are hungry to learn, and Jesus responds with The Lord’s Prayer. Read Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:1-4. Where did you learn this prayer? Who taught it to you? Why is this such a powerful prayer?
Teach & The Bible Project
In the link below, The Bible Project looks at The Lord’s Prayer. It includes a study video and reflection questions. This is part of their series on The Sermon on the Mount. In that series you’ll find other links to lessons Jesus taught his followers.
Teach & Afghanistan
There’s a secret school in Afghanistan. Since coming back into power, the Taliban banned education for girls beyond the sixth grade. Imtiaz Tyab, a CBS News Correspondent, visited the secret school. The teachers and students are risking everything for an education. The girls shared letters to the world, expressing their hopes and dreams. They’re powerful words but difficult to read. Click the link below to learn more about the visit, watch the news video, and read the letters.
Teach & Television
TV shows featuring the classroom have a long history. One of the shows I remember watching as a child was Room 222. Our whole family watched it together. The setting was a fictional high school in L.A. and featured Room 222, Mr. Dixon’s history classroom. Use the link below to watch the first episode.
Teach & Belief
“The Person Who Believed in Me” is a regular series on CBS Mornings. In this edition a former student surprises her former teacher by sharing how his encouragement made a difference in her life. Sometimes what teachers do is far beyond teaching the ABC’s.
Teach & Film
Below you’ll find a link to the “Inspiring and Beloved Teachers Film Guide” from the American Film Institute. Maybe it’ll inspire you to rewatch an old favorite or discover a new one. Pop some popcorn and enjoy!
Teach & Podcast
Teachers’ Lounge, a podcast from WNIJ News Northern Public Radio, is based in Illinois. What’s it like to be a new teacher in 2026? Find out by listening to the podcast. In the episode linked here, you’ll meet Kelcey Dodd. The podcast will interview her monthly throughout the school year. Come along for a glimpse into the world of a teacher.
Teach & The Silver Apple Award
Local Phoenix television stations, Channels 3 and 5, offer the Silver Apple Award for teachers. You can use the link below to see stories about recent recipients. If there’s a deserving teacher you’d like to nominate, there’s also a link to the Nomination Form.
Teach & Music
Here’s some music connected to our Teach theme.
“Lord, Teach Us How to Pray Aright”—Brent Holl
“I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing”—The New Seekers
September Playlist
Compassion
Denise McClellan, Director of Adult Ministries & Missional Service
9/1/26
Introduction
Take a look at the image above. Compassion is a verb. While that’s not true grammatically, it is true in the real world. Empathy and compassion are often mentioned together; yet, they are different. Empathy is feeling for someone’s situation. Their difficulties. Their struggle. Their loss. Compassion is taking the next step. Compassion is feeling for someone’s situation and then acting on it. Doing something to help the person. Yes, compassion is a verb. Keep that in mind as you work your way through the Compassion Playlist this month.
Compassion & Prayer
The following prayer is from sundaysandseasons.com, a resource offered by Augsburg Fortress, the publishing company of the ELCA. Use it as your guide as you work your way through the Compassion Playlist.
O God, rich in mercy, you look with compassion on this troubled world. Feed us with your grace and grant us the treasure that comes only from you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
Compassion & Scripture
The Feeding of the Five Thousand appears in all four Gospels. Compassion is a word used in several versions of the story. Spend some time reading Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, and John 6:1-14. Jesus models compassion for us by feeling for the people, recognizing their hunger, and feeding them. How does this story speak to you? Where are you feeling empathy for others? How are you being called to act with compassion.
Compassion & Jesus
You’ll find a link below to a devotion written by Dr. Mark D. Roberts, Senior Fellow at Fuller Seminary’s Max De Pree Center for Leadership. He offers a reflection of Jesus as our compassionate good shepherd.
Compassion & Jesus
Compassion & The Chosen
Click the link below to watch a clip from The Chosen, the TV series. It offers an interpretation of the Feeding of the Five Thousand.
Compassion & The Bible Project
In the link below, The Bible Project looks at compassion and God. It includes a study video and reflection questions.
Compassion & The Bible Project
Compassion & Poetry
Robert William Service was a British-Canadian poet and writer. One of his poems is printed below.
“Compassion”
A beggar in the street I saw,
Who held a hand like withered claw,
As cold as clay;
But as I had no silver groat
To give, I buttoned up my coat
And turned away.
And then I watched a working wife
Who bore the bitter load of life
With lagging limb;
A penny from her purse she took,
And with sweet pity in her look
Gave it to him.
Anon I spied a shabby dame
Who fed six sparrows as they came
In famished flight;
She was so poor and frail and old,
Yet crumbs of her last crust she doled
With pure delight.
Then sudden in my heart was born
For my sleek self a savage scorn,–
Urge to atone;
So when a starving cur I saw
I bandaged up its bleeding paw
And bought a bone.
For God knows it is good to give;
We may not have so long to live,
So if we can,
Let’s do each day a kindly deed,
And stretch a hand to those in need,
Bird, beast or man.
Compassion & The Movies
One of the movies in theaters this summer was Disclosure Day. After seeing an interview with Steven Spielberg, I was interested to see it. I was curious because, unlike other films featuring aliens, this one has a message of empathy and compassion. Click the link below to watch the interview. Afterwards, maybe you’ll want to check out the film.
Compassion & The News
Principal Rob Burnside acted with compassion for one of his students, and he paid a price for that compassion. While most of us aren’t asked to make a sacrifice like his, we can learn much about compassion from Mr. Burnside. Click the link below to watch his story.
Compassion & Music
Here’s some music connected to our Compassion theme.
“Come to Me, All Pilgrims Thirsty”—Mary Munson
“Do Something”—Matthew West
“Hands”—Jewel
