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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 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.

Sunday Dec 01, 2024
God's Acre On the Go: Seating Chart
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
In this episode, we explore Luke 14:7-14, where Jesus transforms a simple dinner into a lesson about humility, inclusion, and the radical hospitality of God’s kingdom. What happens when we invite not just friends and family, but the overlooked, the marginalized, and even our enemies to the table? Through compelling stories and practical reflections, we’ll uncover how generosity, compassion, and a willingness to expand the seating chart reflect the heart of the gospel. Join us as we consider what it means to rejoice in the invitation we’ve received and ensure there’s room for all at the Lord’s table.

Sunday Nov 24, 2024
God's Acre On the Go: Repeat the Sounding Joy!
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
In this Thanksgiving Sunday message, we reflect on Psalm 100, the "Old Hundredth," exploring the profound power of repetition in faith. How do repeated words and practices shape who we are and remind us of our identity in God? Drawing on both evangelical creativity and traditional liturgy, this sermon reveals how spiritual disciplines ground us in God's goodness, steadfastness, love, and faithfulness. As we prepare for the Advent season, discover how "repeating the sounding joy" of this timeless psalm can transform how we live, worship, and reflect our Creator.

Sunday Nov 17, 2024
God's Acre On the Go: Gift of Inspiration
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
In this episode, we explore Mark 12:41-44, where Jesus observes a poor widow’s small but powerful offering. On this Stewardship Sunday, we reflect on how acts of sacrificial giving—whether great or small—can inspire others and reveal the heart of faithfulness. From the widow’s mite to modern stories of generosity, discover how giving not only supports the mission of the church but also inspires hope and renewal in God’s creation. Join us as we consider how our own gifts, offered in gratitude, can be a source of joy to God and a witness to the world.

Sunday Nov 10, 2024
God's Acre On the Go: When in Canaan...
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
In this episode, we dive into Deuteronomy 6:1-12, exploring Moses' final words to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. With vivid imagery of the "land of milk and honey," we reflect on the spiritual dangers of abundance and the importance of remembering God’s provision. Discover how forgetfulness can undermine faith and why practicing gratitude is the key to thriving in your own "Canaan."

Sunday Nov 03, 2024
God's Acre On the Go: Mislabeled
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
In this episode, we explore the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-10, uncovering a powerful message about mislabeling and misjudging others. What if Zacchaeus wasn’t a notorious sinner transformed by Jesus, but a generous man wrongly perceived by his community? This fresh perspective challenges us to see beyond the labels we place on others—and ourselves. As we approach a divided time in our nation, discover how Jesus’ radical empathy offers a model for healing, understanding, and unity. Join us as we reflect on the power of calling people by name and praying for those we struggle to understand.

Sunday Oct 27, 2024
God's Acre On the God: Blind Faith
Sunday Oct 27, 2024
Sunday Oct 27, 2024
The scripture reference in "Blind Faith" is Mark 10:46-52.

Sunday Oct 20, 2024
God's Acre On the Go: Great at Good
Sunday Oct 20, 2024
Sunday Oct 20, 2024
In this episode, we reflect on Mark 10:35-45 and explore what it means to pursue true greatness in God’s kingdom. From the bold request of James and John to modern examples of faith-filled service, we’ll uncover how ambition can lead to extraordinary acts of compassion and justice. Through stories of those who’ve made a world of difference—like the Macauleys of Americares or Rob Morris of Love 146—we’re reminded that greatness comes not from power but from serving others. Join us as we discover how to be “great at being good” in a world that desperately needs it.

Sunday Oct 13, 2024
God's Acre On the Go: Christmas in October
Sunday Oct 13, 2024
Sunday Oct 13, 2024
In this episode, we unpack Mark 10:17-22 and explore the story of the rich man through the lens of A Christmas Carol. What does it mean to be spiritually weighed down by our possessions? How can shedding what holds us back bring us closer to Jesus? Drawing parallels between the chains of Jacob Marley and the rich man’s grief, we reflect on the liberating joy that comes with generosity and simplicity. Discover how a little “Christmas spirit” in October can lead to a life of freedom, faith, and a closer walk with God.