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Awaken Kindness by DaRevsUSA

Take control of your own self-care! A weekly progressive podcast looking at the stories of the Bible that enhance self-care and wellness. Hosted by DaRevsUSA, Rev Dr Penny Taylor and Rev Dr Bill Ressl ... In Awaken Kindness by DaRevsUSA, clergy couple Penny and Bill offer simple, fun, yet profound, progressive theological commentary on scripture through reflections, prayer, and song. More than just reading a scripture verse … Penny and Bill prepare each episode to seamlessly weave together scripture, reflection, prayer, and song. You’ll be challenged to think theologically and clinically recognizing how your God walk and God talk impacts all parts of your life. Unlike any other Religious podcast, Awaken Kindness, by DaRevsUSA podcast, hosted by distinguished Protestant theologians and clinicians the Rev Dr Penny Taylor LCSW and the Rev Dr Bill Ressl LCSW, offers a ground-breaking simple, yet profound, progressive approach to understanding Christ’s love. In each episode, this clergy couple in the United Church of Christ (UCC) unpacks the contemporary relevance of scripture as well as how to apply it to daily life. Join as Penny and Bill, Co-Founders of the Center to Awaken Kindness, share scripture, prayer, song, and their reflections through experiences from family, work, and 30+ years of married life. The Awaken Kindness by DaRevsUSA podcast is from the Center to Awaken Kindness which is a division of the Penny & Bill Company, a faith-based online educational learning corporation. Begin to… + see the sacramental realities of life all around + start living your best life in a new God walk and God talk + experience the transformative power of God’s love, so that you can share it with others + feel and awaken kindness in life Listen as DaRevsUSA, Penny and Bill… + highlight significant stories from the Bible, in particular the New Testament + reflect on scripture through theology, theory, and life experiences + share in prayer + join in song + share some time together with you Each episode is about 15 to 20 minutes and includes… + a scripture reading from the Bible, in particular the New Testament + a reflection by DaRevsUSA, Rev Dr Penny Taylor, Rev Dr Bill Ressl, or both + time for prayer as we share together in the prayer Jesus taught us to pray + a song to enjoy ~ or sing-a-long with DaRevsUSA + some shared time together with DaRevsUSA and with God At times, scripture contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children, therefore parental discretion is advised.

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Episodes

3 days ago

Share the Story (with Penny)

3 days ago

Penny talks about a special guest. The crowd is wild. Jesus is walking by. Let us share the story. It is time to celebrate our relationship with God. We are in a time of turmoil – and like the days of old we are invited to tell the story so each generation can hear it, share it, and live Christ’s love. Come, let your light shine! Join DaRevsUSA, Penny and Bill, as they explore and reflect on the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 21, verses 1-11, share in the Lord’s prayer, and join in singing Tell Me The Stories of Jesus. Awaken Kindness by DaRevsUSA, a podcast. A progressive podcast looking at the stories of the Bible that enhance self-care and wellness. Hosted by DaRevsUSA, Rev Dr Penny Taylor and Rev Dr Bill Ressl. Simple (grounded in Christ’s love), fun (sharing some time together), yet profound (grounded in a progressive theological lens). LISTEN: On your favorite podcast app. SUBSCRIBE: Discover Premium commercial free early listening on Podbean For all the mindful contemplative possibilities, visit CenterToAwakenKindness.com Please note: At times, scripture contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children, therefore parental discretion is advised.

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Wednesday May 11, 2022

Be Bad… or Good? It’s A Choice (with Penny)

Wednesday May 11, 2022

Penny delves into life’s reality – it’s a choice… be bad or good. Each of us can do either. What would a Good Shepherd do? What does civility look like? What type of world do we wish to live in… to create… to leave to a future generation? Do we follow the model of the Good Shepherd or ??? Come – let’s explore. Let your life shine as an example of the Good Shepherd. Be present with Christ here and how – let your light, your love, the radical power of Jesus Christ deep within shine in your life… and share it. Join DaRevsUSA, Penny and Bill, as they explore and reflect on the Gospel of John, Chapter 10, verses 1-10, share in the Lord’s prayer, and join in singing God Be With You Till We Meet Again. Awaken Kindness by DaRevsUSA, a podcast. A weekly progressive podcast looking at the stories of the Bible that enhance self-care and wellness. Hosted by DaRevsUSA, Rev Dr Penny Taylor and Rev Dr Bill Ressl. Simple (grounded in Christ’s love), fun (sharing some time together), yet profound (grounded in a progressive theological lens). LISTEN: On your favorite podcast app. SUBSCRIBE: Discover Premium commercial free early listening on Podbean For all the mindful contemplative possibilities, visit CenterToAwakenKindness.com Please note: At times, scripture contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children, therefore parental discretion is advised.

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Wednesday May 04, 2022

I Can See (with Penny)

Wednesday May 04, 2022

Do you see? Penny examines blindness as Jesus heals a man born blind with mud made from his spit. Imagine seeing the world for the first time by breaking the barriers of blindness. The local community questions what is happening – who did it – why? They knew the blind man as a beggar, not part of their community - although he knew them. He lived with them, heard their stories, and had always been very present in the community. The community responded and drove him out. Jesus found him and asked: “Do you believe?” He said: “Lord, I believe.” The blind man had always been and was part of God’s spiritual community, although at times he was challenged by society. Let Christ be present with you here and how – let your light, your love, the radical power of Jesus Christ deep within shine in your life… and share it. Join DaRevsUSA, Penny and Bill, as they explore and reflect on the Gospel of John, Chapter 9, verses 1-12, and 35-41, share in the Lord’s prayer, and join in singing one verse of Amazing Grace. Awaken Kindness by DaRevsUSA, a podcast. A weekly progressive podcast looking at the stories of the Bible that enhance self-care and wellness. Hosted by DaRevsUSA, Rev Dr Penny Taylor and Rev Dr Bill Ressl. Simple (grounded in Christ’s love), fun (sharing some time together), yet profound (grounded in a progressive theological lens). LISTEN: On your favorite podcast app. SUBSCRIBE: Discover Premium commercial free early listening on Podbean For all the mindful contemplative possibilities, visit CenterToAwakenKindness.com Please note: At times, scripture contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children, therefore parental discretion is advised.

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Wednesday Apr 27, 2022

Paralyzed by Doubt and Fear (with Penny)

Wednesday Apr 27, 2022

“Peace be with you.” Penny explores the peace that healed the disciples who were in lockdown, paralyzed by doubt and fear. Have you ever experienced that type of fear and the peace that heals? The disciples were hiding in fear. Jesus had died on the cross. Doubt and fear filled their hearts - so they hid. Jesus appeared to them and said: “Peace be with you.” He was not angry. He was not filled with hatred that he had been betrayed by some, dismissed by others, and that all were paralyzed in fear not living in the love he had encouraged. Rather, he shared his peace. Find peace. Experience God’s peace that heals. It’s free and all around us – be open to God’s free gift of peace and love.   Join DaRevsUSA, Penny and Bill, as they explore and reflect on the Gospel of John, Chapter 20, verses 19-31, share in the Lord’s prayer, and join in singing Go Tell It On the Mountain.   Awaken Kindness by DaRevsUSA, a podcast. A weekly progressive podcast looking at the stories of the Bible that enhance self-care and wellness. Hosted by DaRevsUSA, Rev Dr Penny Taylor and Rev Dr Bill Ressl. Simple (grounded in Christ’s love), fun (sharing some time together), yet profound (grounded in a progressive theological lens).   For all the mindful contemplative possibilities, visit CenterToAwakenKindness.com   Please note: At times, scripture contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children, therefore parental discretion is advised.

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Wednesday Apr 20, 2022

Gratefulness in Uncertain Times (with Penny)

Wednesday Apr 20, 2022

Jesus is dead. His body is gone! At times gratefulness can be hard. Penny explores Mary’s gratefulness at the empty tomb of Jesus. …It was a dark morning. Jesus was dead. Mary visits the tomb and discovers it empty. Jesus’ body is gone! Who took it? Mary runs back to tell the other disciples. They run to the tomb. Upon entering the tomb, indeed Jesus’ body is gone. The disciples return home. Mary stays at the tomb. Weeps. Two angels and a gardener appear – then Jesus makes himself known and says: “Mary!” Mary responds… come, listen, discover the rest of the story… gratefulness in uncertain times. Join DaRevsUSA, Penny and Bill, as they explore and reflect on the Gospel of John, Chapter 20, verses 1-18, share in the Lord’s prayer, and join in singing Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise. Awaken Kindness by DaRevsUSA, a podcast. A weekly progressive podcast looking at the stories of the Bible that enhance self-care and wellness. Hosted by DaRevsUSA, Rev Dr Penny Taylor and Rev Dr Bill Ressl. Simple (grounded in Christ’s love), fun (sharing some time together), yet profound (grounded in a progressive theological lens). LISTEN: On your favorite podcast app. SUBSCRIBE: Discover Premium commercial free early listening on Podbean For all the mindful contemplative possibilities, visit CenterToAwakenKindness.com Please note: At times, scripture contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children, therefore parental discretion is advised.

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Sunday Apr 17, 2022

BONUS: Breaking News from DRVS - Jesus is Alive (with Penny and Bill)

Sunday Apr 17, 2022

DRVS newscasters Penny and Bill report Breaking News, Jesus is alive after having been crucified. Not the traditional Easter/Resurrection Sunday story, this story examines the struggle that Jesus’ resurrection created for those who knew him personally including Doubting Thomas. Join the journey as Penny and Bill share the story of Jesus appearing after his death as told through the gospel of John and our reporter on the street Pastor Penny. Pastor Penny interviews eyewitness Ellie, that is Ellie the elephant from the Zoo (yes, our hometown Brookfield, IL has the world famous Zoo). Join in singing one verse of Amazing Grace, How Powerful that Gift by Bill Ressl. Come join the journey, be grateful for the gift that is the resurrection and transformation… and see what God has planned. Awaken Kindness by DaRevsUSA, a podcast. A weekly progressive podcast looking at the stories of the Bible that enhance self-care and wellness. Hosted by DaRevsUSA, Rev Dr Penny Taylor and Rev Dr Bill Ressl. Simple (grounded in Christ’s love), fun (sharing some time together), yet profound (grounded in a progressive theological lens). LISTEN: On your favorite podcast app. SUBSCRIBE: Discover Premium commercial free early listening on Podbean For all the mindful contemplative possibilities, visit CenterToAwakenKindness.com Please note: At times, scripture contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children, therefore parental discretion is advised.

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Friday Apr 15, 2022

BONUS: Breaking News from DRVS – Jesus is Dead (with Penny and Bill)

Friday Apr 15, 2022

DRVS newscasters Penny and Bill report Breaking News, the story of Good Friday, Jesus is dead. Delve deep into the story of Good Friday through reports from four reporters who are on the street reporting the events as they unfold… Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Jesus is dead. It is finished. Or is it? Come see what God has planned. We’ll hear the stories of Good Friday from the four gospels, pray, and sing On that Same Day to the tune of Amazing Grace written by Bill Ressl. Come join the journey and see what God has planned.   Awaken Kindness by DaRevsUSA, a podcast. A weekly progressive podcast looking at the stories of the Bible that enhance self-care and wellness. Hosted by DaRevsUSA, Rev Dr Penny Taylor and Rev Dr Bill Ressl. Simple (grounded in Christ’s love), fun (sharing some time together), yet profound (grounded in a progressive theological lens).     LISTEN: On your favorite podcast app.   SUBSCRIBE: Discover Premium commercial free early listening on Podbean For all the mindful contemplative possibilities, visit CenterToAwakenKindness.com   Please note: At times, scripture contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children, therefore parental discretion is advised.

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Wednesday Apr 13, 2022

Good Friday Special (with Penny and Bill)

Wednesday Apr 13, 2022

Penny and Bill share the story of Good Friday through prayer, singing, and scripture. Good Friday commemorates the day Jesus died. It is a time to reflect as well as imagine the complexities of that moment in time for those who unlike us did not yet know the rest of the story… that Jesus would raise from the dead a few days later. Join the journey as Penny and Bill share the story of Jesus’ last hours as told through the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Pray and enjoy listening to new lyrics for the hymn Amazing Grace known as On that Same Day by Bill Ressl, that brings the story alive in new ways. Come join the journey, be grateful for the gift that is Good Friday, and see what God has planned. Awaken Kindness by DaRevsUSA, a podcast. A weekly progressive podcast looking at the stories of the Bible that enhance self-care and wellness. Hosted by DaRevsUSA, Rev Dr Penny Taylor and Rev Dr Bill Ressl. Simple (grounded in Christ’s love), fun (sharing some time together), yet profound (grounded in a progressive theological lens). LISTEN: On your favorite podcast app. SUBSCRIBE: Discover Premium commercial free early listening on Podbean For all the mindful contemplative possibilities, visit CenterToAwakenKindness.com Please note: At times, scripture contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children, therefore parental discretion is advised.

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Wednesday Apr 06, 2022

Do We Destroy… or Nurture? (with Bill)

Wednesday Apr 06, 2022

Bill looks at free will, the choices we make that become our destiny, the legacy we leave behind. What we do or don’t do has consequences. What impact do our actions have for our life and those around us – destroy or nurture? Today we look at the story of a barren fig tree, the gardener, and the landowner. The landowner wants the barren fig tree cut down - the gardener suggests giving it one more year, one more chance. What happens? Do we make informed choices or do not? What does it mean to have freedom? What does it mean that our choices inform our destiny and the destiny of others – the legacy of our actions? Together we’ll share and reflect on scripture from Luke 13:1-9, pray, and join in the song singing Our People are Dying, a reflective ballad Bill wrote in August 2020. Come join the journey and see what God has planned. Awaken Kindness by DaRevsUSA, a podcast. A weekly progressive podcast looking at the stories of the Bible that enhance self-care and wellness. Hosted by DaRevsUSA, Rev Dr Penny Taylor and Rev Dr Bill Ressl. Simple (grounded in Christ’s love), fun (sharing some time together), yet profound (grounded in a progressive theological lens). LISTEN: On your favorite podcast app. SUBSCRIBE: Discover Premium commercial free early listening on Podbean For all the mindful contemplative possibilities, visit CenterToAwakenKindness.com Please note: At times, scripture contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children, therefore parental discretion is advised.

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Tuesday Mar 29, 2022

What Do We Value (with Bill)

Tuesday Mar 29, 2022

Bill examines the dynamics and forms of life leading to growth or destruction – which do we value? Today we meet Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and Judas who questions Mary’s actions of “wasting” expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet. Mary had an intentionality to her actions – focused on love and Jesus that at times can seem a bit strange to the forms of society then and now. Together we’ll share and reflect on scripture John 12:1-8, pray, and join in the song singing Take My Life. Come, let us explore the potentials of vitality and growth as well as all the possibilities around us.   Simple (grounded in Christ’s love), fun (sharing some time together), yet profound (grounded in a progressive theological lens). Begin to see the sacramental reality of life. Come join the journey and see what God has planned. Discover Premium commercial free listening, subscribe on Podbean For all the mindful contemplative possibilities, visit CenterToAwakenKindness.com Please note: At times, scripture contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children, therefore parental discretion is advised.

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Simple. Fun. Profound.

Awaken Kindness by DaRevsUSA

In the Awaken Kindness by DaRevsUSA podcast, clergy couple Penny and Bill offer simple, fun, yet profound, progressive theological commentary on scripture through reflections, prayer, and song. More than just reading a scripture verse … Penny and Bill prepare each episode to seamlessly weave together scripture, reflection, prayer, and song. You’ll be challenged to think theologically and clinically recognizing how your God walk and God talk impacts all parts of your life.

Unlike any other Religious podcast, Awaken Kindness, by DaRevsUSA podcast, hosted by distinguished Protestant theologians and clinicians the Rev Dr Penny Taylor LCSW and the Rev Dr Bill Ressl LCSW, offers a ground-breaking simple, yet profound, progressive approach to understanding Christ’s love. In each episode, this clergy couple in the United Church of Christ (UCC) unpacks the contemporary relevance of scripture as well as how to apply it to daily life. Join as Penny and Bill, Co-Founders of the Center to Awaken Kindness, share scripture, prayer, song, and their reflections through experiences from family, work, and 30+ years of married life. The Awaken Kindness by DaRevsUSA podcast is from the Center to Awaken Kindness which is a division of the Penny & Bill Company, a faith-based online educational learning corporation.

Begin to…

+ see the sacramental realities of life all around

+ start living your best life in a new God walk and God talk

+ experience the transformative power of God’s love, so that you can share it with others

+ feel and awaken kindness in life

Listen as DaRevsUSA, Penny and Bill…

+ highlight significant stories from the Bible, in particular the New Testament

+ reflect on scripture through theology, theory, and life experiences

+ share in prayer

+ join in song

+ share some time together with you

Each episode is about 15 to 20 minutes and includes…

+ a scripture reading from the Bible, in particular the New Testament

+ a reflection by DaRevsUSA, Rev Dr Penny Taylor, Rev Dr Bill Ressl, or both

+ time for prayer as we share together in the prayer Jesus taught us to pray

+ a song to enjoy ~ or sing-a-long with DaRevsUSA

+ some shared time together with DaRevsUSA and with God

Please note:

At times, scripture contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children, therefore parental discretion is advised.

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Meet the Hosts

DaRevsUSA, the Rev Dr Penny Taylor LCSW and the Rev Dr Bill Ressl LCSW, are ordained ministers in the United Church of Christ (UCC) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) in the State of Illinois. This clergy couple has been married for 30+ years and has served in co-ministry for over 20 years. Interdisciplinary scholars, both Penny and Bill hold a PhD in theology, ethics, and the human sciences from Chicago Theological Seminary, a progressive seminary affiliated with the United Church of Christ (UCC). Penny and Bill are known for having the heart of a Pastor, being Bowen Family System theorists, and encouraging folks to live a resilient empowered existence grounded in Christ’s love.

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They co-founded the Center to Awaken Kindness in 2020 to offer their expertise in theology, clinical theory, and ritual studies through mindful contemplative tools and practices. They offer mindful journals with contemplative covers, books, podcasts, and the Awaken Kindness Network over-the-top streaming service. DaRevsUSA can be found on most social media networks. Bill is also an international author having authored: “Tillich’s Influence on Pastoral Social Work” in Why Tillich? Why Now? published by Mercer University Press, Macon, Georgia (2021); and, “A World in Need; Brokenness and Reconciliation Explored through Paul Tillich’s Doing of Social Work” in International Yearbook for Tillich Research published by Walter de Gruyter Press, Berlin, Germany (2020).

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