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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 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.

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.
