The fifth and final episode in this series of podcasts about joy includes two more testimonies and a reflection on some of what we heard throughout these episodes. The guests are Rev. Karla Sheffy of First United Methodist Church in Emporia and Rev. Eric Meyer of Trinity UMC in Salina.

Watch a video interview featuring our guests.

It’s tempting to look for a “surefire” and “guaranteed” way to cultivate joyfulness, but it’s just not possible to guarantee joy — it’s a Fruit of the Spirit and given by the Spirit. But is it possible that practicing gratitude is perhaps spreading some fertilizer for the seeds of joy to grow? Take a listen to hear Ashlee and Shelly talk about the connection between gratitude and joy and hear the stories of Rev. Jeff Goetzinger of Little River UMC in Kansas; Pastor Juan Carlos Veloso of Grace UMC in Omaha, NE; and Rev. Changsu Kim of Shawnee UMC in Shawnee, KS.

This third episode in the series exploring how pastors are finding and maintaining joy during this season features the stories of Eduardo Bousson, university minister at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, NE; Kirstie Engel of First United Methodist Church in Lincoln, NE; and Velma Tim, of LaCygne and New Lancaster UMCs in Kansas.

Watch a video of their conversation.