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God’s Acre on the Go Podcast, from The Congregational Church of New Canaan and hosted by Rev. Dr. Stephen Chapin Garner, features weekly sermons and reflections from the church’s pastors, exploring biblical themes and their relevance to contemporary life. This podcast is for anyone seeking spiritual growth and thoughtful engagement with Christian faith, particularly those interested in exploring how faith intersects with everyday experiences and challenges.
Episodes

Sunday Feb 09, 2025
God's Acre On the Go: Plaid Prophets
Sunday Feb 09, 2025
Sunday Feb 09, 2025
What does it mean to be a prophetic witness in a divided world? In this episode, we explore the calling of the prophet Jeremiah and how his ministry speaks to us today. Jeremiah’s words in Jeremiah 1:4-19 were both challenging and hopeful, reminding God’s people of both impending consequences and future restoration.
But prophecy isn’t just an individual calling—it’s a communal one. How does our church, a gathering of people with vastly different backgrounds, perspectives, and politics, serve as a living testimony to God's desire for unity? Can we be a prophetic community not by erasing differences, but by weaving them together in love?
We’ll reflect on what it means to be a “Plaid Church”—distinct threads of red and blue, woven together to create something stronger, warmer, and more beautiful. In a world eager to pull people apart, could choosing to stay together in love and commitment be the most prophetic act of all?
Join us as we consider how our faith calls us to resist division, embrace one another, and be the kind of church—and nation—that bears witness to God's unifying love.

Sunday Feb 02, 2025
God's Acre On the Go: Pardon the Forgiveness
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Forgiveness is at the very heart of the Christian faith, yet it is often one of the hardest things for us to practice. In this episode, we explore the powerful story of the woman who anoints Jesus as told in Luke 7:36-50, an act of love and gratitude that unsettled the religious leaders around her. Why is it that we can so readily accept God’s grace for ourselves, yet struggle to extend it to others?
We’ll reflect on the depth of Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness—how it frees us, heals relationships, and transforms lives. We’ll also examine why some people resist forgiveness and how understanding our own need for grace can help us become more merciful toward others. Finally, this episode offers a moment of reflection—a space to truly accept the forgiveness Christ offers and, in turn, extend it to those who have wronged us.
If you’ve ever wrestled with forgiving someone—or with believing you yourself are forgiven—this episode is for you. Let’s step into the radical grace of Jesus together.

Sunday Jan 26, 2025
God's Acre On the Go: A Word to Live By
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
How do we endure hardships, navigate life's disappointments, and maintain our character in the face of challenges? In this episode, we explore Jesus’ homecoming to Nazareth as told in Luke 4:16-30 and how his grounding in Scripture gave him a clear sense of purpose and mission. Jesus’ reading from Isaiah, declaring his call to bring good news to the poor and release to the oppressed, provides a powerful example of how knowing who you are and what you’re called to do can sustain you through even the darkest times.
We’ll reflect on practical ways to find your own “word to live by”—through Scripture, prayer, community, and discernment. Whether you're facing a season of transition or longing for direction, this message reminds us that clarity of purpose not only helps us endure life's challenges but also empowers us to live a life of meaning, service, and faith. Let’s discover how embracing God’s call can lead us to transformational living.

Sunday Jan 19, 2025
God's Acre On the Go: GG's Jar
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
In this week's episode, Senior Youth Director Kelly Antonson shares a powerful message about Jesus's first miracle at the wedding in Cana, John 2:1-11. Through personal anecdotes and biblical insights, Kelly explores how God transforms our moments of emptiness into abundance.

Sunday Jan 12, 2025
God's Acre On the Go: Sticks and Stones
Sunday Jan 12, 2025
Sunday Jan 12, 2025
In this episode, we reflect on Jesus' baptism in Luke 3:21-22 and explore how words—both hurtful and healing—shape our identities and relationships. Drawing from personal stories and the transformative experience of Jesus hearing, “You are my beloved Son,” we consider the power of affirming words to heal wounds, build others up, and inspire hope. How can we embrace our own belovedness and become a source of healing in a world so often marked by hurtful words? Join us as we discover how simple words of love and encouragement can transform lives and reflect the heart of Jesus’ mission to heal the world.

Sunday Jan 05, 2025
God's Acre On the Go: Guiding Light
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
In this episode, we focus on the story of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-15 which offers insight into seeking purpose and direction in life. During the dark and oppressive rule of King Herod, the Magi followed a celestial star, trusting it would lead them to a king. Their journey brought them to Jesus, filling them with joy and changing their course. This epiphany reminds us to seek light in times of uncertainty and darkness.
The Magi’s willingness to ask for direction and follow signs highlights how openness to God’s guidance can reshape our lives. In contrast, Herod, driven by fear and insecurity, resisted seeking truth, resulting in cruelty and destruction. For those searching for clarity, the story encourages asking God what He desires for us and paying attention to the signs—be it scripture, dreams, or inner callings.
When we follow God’s light, like the Magi, we not only find purpose but also become light for others.

Sunday Dec 29, 2024
God's Acre On the Go: God with Us
Sunday Dec 29, 2024
Sunday Dec 29, 2024
Raymond Fellow, Eliana Cañas Parra shares the message with us this week. The scripture reference in "God with Us" is Psalm 23.

Sunday Dec 22, 2024
God's Acre On the Go: Where God is Revealed
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
In this episode, we reflect on Micah 5:2-5 and the unexpected places where God reveals divine presence and power. From the little town of Bethlehem to overlooked churches and unnoticed communities, we explore how God chooses to work through the small, the hidden, and the forgotten. Through powerful stories of faith, art, and community transformation, this message reminds us that God’s greatest work often begins where we least expect it. Join us as we discover how "small beginnings" can lead to world-changing impact, offering fresh hope and renewed imagination for our faith journey.

Sunday Dec 15, 2024
God's Acre On the Go: Aging Faith
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
In this episode, we reflect on Matthew 1:18-25 and the quiet but profound role of Joseph in the story of Jesus' birth. After 400 years of divine silence, God speaks through the angel Gabriel, inviting Joseph into a new adventure that redefines faith, patience, and trust. Through Joseph's story, we explore how age, experience, and surrendering control can open us to God's greater plan. This sermon reminds us that, even in silence, God is at work, calling us to be part of something far greater than we can imagine. Join us as we consider how our ancient faith invites us into holy wonder, unexpected adventure, and a life grounded in Emmanuel—God with us.

Sunday Dec 08, 2024
God's Acre On the Go: The Gift You Want
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
In this Advent message, we reflect on Luke 1:5-24, 57-66, 78-79, focusing on Zechariah’s encounter with the angel Gabriel and his unexpected nine months of silence. But was this silence a punishment—or a gift? This sermon invites us to consider how stillness and quiet can open us to God’s imagination for our lives. In the midst of Advent’s busyness, we’re called to pause, listen, and make space for the impossible possibilities of God’s plan. Join us as we explore how silence can prepare us for new birth, deepened faith, and a world transformed by the Prince of Peace.