In this episode, Osheta and Jer explore hope and its paramount importance in Everyday Peacemaking, inspired by this season of Eastertide. They delve into how hope, seen as both a skill and a practice, is essential in looking for and participating in ‘little resurrections’ amidst life’s challenges and divisions. Through personal stories, they illustrate the power of adopting a ‘Yes, and...’ posture, which acknowledges difficulties while remaining open to the ever-present possibility of resurrection breaking forth in daily life. The conversation culminates with a call to embrace the ‘resurrection impulse’ as Everyday Peacemakers, seeking out and nurturing moments of new life and hope in both the mundane and the monumental. 00:40 Reflecting on Eastertide08:04 Little resurrections09:57 Story of counter-protestors22:04 Community and interior formation27:03 Moving closer31:11 Low stakes moments32:55 Closing Invitation   Learn more: globalimmerse.org Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

Our next Virtual Immersion conversation into the Israel/Gaza war wrestles with what to do as peacemakers when we drift into despair, give in to fear, or move in our anger from righteous indignation to dehumanizing rage. Jer Swigart is joined by Mercy Aiken and Bruce Fisk from the Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME), who are navigating these realities while fighting like peacemakers for an end to this suffering. The discussion is anchored in their personal stories of awakening to the injustices and complexities of the crisis, centered on the transition from being pro-Israel or pro-Palestinian to adopting a pro-human perspective. The conversation delves into the costs of taking such a stance, highlighting the personal, professional, and emotional tolls and the importance of solidarity and relationship-building in pursuing peace. The dialogue shifts to confronting feelings of despair, the challenges of maintaining hope, and the complexities of managing anger without dehumanizing the other, all towards growing our resilience and deepening our souls for sustained practice. 00:00 Opening Context06:53 Mercy and Bruce Introductions09:57 Waking up to a Larger Story20:29 Pro-human is not neutral22:39 The high cost of leaving a Pro-Israel Christianity32:18 Despair, Fear, and Anger40:58 What to do with despair46:10 Anger The Virtual Immersion is a series of conversations to platform and amplify the experiences and insights of our Palestinian and Israeli friends and peacemaking partners. The live conversations first take place on Instagram Live @globalimmerse, and are then made available as podcast episodes. These are vulnerable, challenging conversations with peacemakers embedded within this war's trenches. Support our work at globalimmerse.org/donate Learn more about NEME's work: neme.network

This powerful next conversation in our Virtual Immersion series is with Mahmoud Subuh, a Palestinian Muslim Peacemaker waging peace in the midst of the Balata refugee camp in the West Bank, currently under complete siege. Mahmoud shares openly about the immense challenges of both raising his own kids as well as working with Palestinian youth amidst the heightened tensions and trauma caused by living in one of the most densely populated and heavily fortified refugee camps. He discusses his efforts to guide them toward healing, advocating for reconciliation over revenge. This conversation grapples candidly with the question: Is it possible to cultivate the next generation of peacemakers in an environment overshadowed by violence? The Virtual Immersion is a series of conversations to platform and amplify the experiences and insights of our Palestinian and Israeli friends and peacemaking partners. The live conversations first take place on Instagram Live @globalimmerse, and are then made available as podcast episodes. These are vulnerable, challenging conversations with peacemakers embedded within this war's trenches. Support our work at globalimmerse.org/donate

Jer and Osheta discuss the table as a vital tool in mending divides. Osheta sets the stage with a poignant tale of gumbo-making that fostered connection, empathy, and a sense of belonging to one another. The duo unpacks practical strategies, emphasizing the essence of simplicity in hosting, the significance of thoughtful recipe choices, and the role of pacing for restorative conversations. They extend an invitation for listeners to participate in Maundy Thursday by hosting an intentional meal and proposing a meaningful red beans and rice recipe out of solidarity with our global kin. 03:34 Osheta’s Story10:18 Maundy Thursday11:33 Jer Responds14:27 The Pace at the table20:45 Recipes22:59 Red beans and rice24:58 Jer’s comfort food28:38 Sending guests out into the world34:39 Closing   Osheta's Red Beans and Rice Recipe: https://bit.ly/oshetasredbeansandrice Listen to the first episode about the power of the table in everyday peacemaking: globalimmerse.org/blog/powerofthetable/ Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage: globalimmerse.org/blog/gazaceasefirepilgrimages/ CCDA Holy Week Devotional: bit.ly/CCDAGIholyweekdevotional Learn more about us at globalimmerse.org Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate   Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

Theologian and peacemaker Alejandra Ortiz joins Osheta and Jer for a profound discussion on the practice of lament as central to our formation as Everyday Peacemakers. They explore how lament gives space to grieve the brokenness of the world. Alejandra shares a rich theological perspective illustrated with stories from her personal practice of lament. The conversation illuminates how lament fosters honesty before God, cultivates hope, and deepens our participation in community. The trio delves into lament’s biblical roots, its significance in personal and communal healing, and practical ways to integrate it into everyday life, even amid challenges like maintaining mental health.   Ultimately, this episode encourages you to embrace lament as a transformational practice that brings you closer to God, deepens your compassion, and equips you for the realities of Everyday Peacemaking. This episode was recorded live on March 6. 05:54 Define Lament07:43 How to cultivate space for lament11:53 Lament as a community practice16:03 Ideas for practices20:07 Not a quick fix, but a way to sit in the pain23:21 Lament and mental health27:11 Having someone walk with you through lament30:52 How to start31:31 If you’re exhausted Learn more about us at globalimmerse.org Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate   Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

In this episode of the Everyday Peacemaking Podcast, hosts Osheta Moore and Jer Swigart discuss the centrality of the table as the most important furniture used in the work of peacemaking. Jer shares an incredible story from his recent trip to the front lines of the conflict in Burma, where a shared meal revealed the belovedness of former enemies. Osheta helps apply Jer’s story to the everyday tables we are a part of, encouraging us to use what we have, lower our expectations, embrace a slower pace, and make room for one another. They also reflect on the role of the interpreter at the table, the person helping heart-level communication happen. The conversation culminates with an invitation to consider what our “other” might need to hear that disarms their walls and makes space for our shared humanity to come forward. Learn more about us at globalimmerse.org Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate   Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

As we step into 2024, Osheta and Jer invite us beyond New Year’s resolutions into a journey of intentional self-reflection. In a year already marked by “anti” sentiments, they aim to shift their focus towards what they aspire to be “for”. Embracing the belovedness of each person, they discuss loving their enemies and the necessary shifts in their lives to better love their neighbors. They emphasize the importance of remaining curious about others and acknowledge the challenge of letting go of relationships and spaces that no longer serve their formation as peacemakers. Join us as we embark on making peacemaking a habit in 2024. Learn more and participate in the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimages this Lent at gazaceasefirepilgrimage.com Learn more about us at globalimmerse.org Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate   Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

Peacemaker Ben McBride joins Jer for this soul-stirring conversation about the interior formation of peacemakers in 2024. With the humanity and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. as a springboard, they grapple with the idea that the social transformation we’re dreaming of will not be realized in our lifetime. They wrestle with the stark contrast of peacemaking work fueled by anger versus animated by love and candidly consider who our “enemy” really is. Finally, Ben gives a prophetic invitation to us all in response to the question: What kind of peacemaker do you want to be in 2024? Ben's website: benmcbride.com Purchase Troubling the Water: benmcbride.com/the-book Follow Ben on Facebook: facebook.com/benjmcbride Follow Ben on Instagram: instagram.com/officialbenmcbride/ Learn more about us at globalimmerse.org Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate   Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

This Advent, while global Christians prepare to commemorate the arrival of the Prince of Peace, our Palestinian kin in Gaza suffer unthinkable violence. Their cries for deliverance, echoing those of two millennia ago, seem to be falling unheard in the United States. To see their pain and hear their cries, US Christians must move beyond information to transformation...from webinar to worship. On December 23, the special worship gathering "Christ in the Rubble" was live-streamed from Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, featuring this sermon by Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac.  Central to this liturgy of lament is the prophetic message that if Jesus was born today, he would be born "under the rubble." [Co-organized by Red Letter Christians, Christ at the Checkpoint Conference, Bethlehem Bible College and Churches for Middle East Peace; supported and sponsored by kindred organizations]

In our ongoing Virtual Immersion series, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Rabbi David Jaffe from the Kirva Institute. Delving into the complex landscape of the Gaza-Israel conflict, we navigate through the lenses of antisemitism, Islamophobia, trauma, and power dynamics. Rabbi Jaffe brings a distinctive perspective to the forefront, shedding light on Jewish self-determination and advocating for a theology of power and sharing the land. We candidly explore the imperative need for theological transformation within Judaism and Christianity, steering away from doctrines of dominance toward embracing our collective mandate of unprecedented hospitality and sacrificial love. The conversation culminates with the importance of maintaining human connections amid the conflict in order to be part of healing our wounded world. 02:30 October 7th06:46 current war15:17 anti-semitism20:53 resisting binaries24:54 theology35:03 word to American Christians The Virtual Immersion is a series of conversations to platform and amplify the experiences and insights of our Palestinian and Israeli friends and peacemaking partners. The live conversations first take place on Instagram Live @globalimmerse, and are then made available as podcast episodes. These are vulnerable, challenging conversations with peacemakers embedded within this war's trenches. Learn more about us at globalimmerse.org Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate Learn more about the Kirva Institute at rabbidavidjaffe.com/the-kirva-institute

This Virtual Immersion features a conversation between Greg Khalil (@eternalvagabond) of @thetelosgroup and @jerswigart. It includes remarkable analyses of this current moment in Israel & Palestine, what made it both predictable and preventable, and the outcomes that global power brokers are pursuing. They discuss the power of language to shape realities that either move us toward or away from one another. They challenge us to break agreement with image management, performance, and platform-building if we want to be a part of ushering in a world of mutual flourishing. The conversation culminates with Greg issuing a prophetic call to American Christians to live into the extraordinary and very distinct power and influence we have to promote human security by demanding our own leaders defend human rights. 02:29 Greg intro10:33 Unpacking this current moment15:13 Jerusalem24:05 Problematic Evangelical Theology26:00 Use of language36:01 US American Christians49:03 Closing Reflection The Virtual Immersion is a series of conversations to platform and amplify the experiences and insights of our Palestinian and Israeli friends and peacemaking partners. The live conversations first take place on Instagram Live @globalimmerse, and are then made available as podcast episodes. These are vulnerable, challenging conversations with peacemakers embedded within this war's trenches. Learn more about us at globalimmerse.org Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate Learn more about Telos: telosgroup.org

Osheta and Jer wrestle with Advent and how it exemplifies our posture as Everyday Peacemakers. Osheta explores the gift of pondering as Mary did, waiting in expectation for God’s restoration. Jer confesses deep feelings of despair and discouragement as the violence seems to be winning. Together, they rediscover the deeper truth that in our world obsessed with power, the Advent story reminds us that true strength lies in vulnerability and that Christmas was always about powerlessness. Learn more about us at globalimmerse.org Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate   Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

This special Virtual Immersion conversation is with two peacemakers, Robi Damelin (Israeli Jew) and Layla Alsheikh (Palestinian Muslim), bereaved mothers who share their stories of loss, reflect on the current horror in Israel and Palestine, and encourage us forward on the journey from revenge to reconciliation. Robi and Layla are members of the Parents Circle – a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization made up of more than 700 bereaved families. Their common bond is that they have lost a close family member to the conflict. But instead of choosing revenge, they have chosen a path of reconciliation. This live conversation was held on November 13, 2023, in partnership with Feast World Kitchen, a Spokane-based nonprofit renowned for its elevation of immigrant chefs and former refugees. Feast took center stage on November 12 in a stirring act of solidarity. Five local chefs, united by their Israeli-Palestinian heritage, crafted a menu featuring traditional recipes from both cultures, showcasing unity amidst the turmoil in Israel and Gaza. The day’s proceeds were dedicated to the Parents Circle. The Parents Circle and Global Immersion have partnered in immersion experiences for American faith leaders in Israel/Palestine, empowering them for the vital work of peacemaking. Here are five quick links to resources mentioned in the conversation. 1. Parents Circle Jam Session, a collaboration of Israeli and Palestinian mothers and chefs: https://www.theparentscircle.org/en/pcff-communities_eng/pcff-women_eng/jam-session_eng/2. New York Times article by Nicholas Kristof featuring Parents Circle: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/08/opinion/israel-palestine-war-family-loss.html3. NPR Interview featuring Parents Circle: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/11/05/1209976575/israel-hamas-war-hope-empathy-personal-stories4. CNN article featuring Robi and Layla: https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/15/us/iyw-israeli-palestinian-hth/index.html5. An upcoming conversation on Israel/Gaza at Whitworth University in Spokane (11/30 @ 7p): https://forms.whitworth.edu/calendar/event/detail/4152 Here are the five next steps offered in the conversation: 1. Host a viewing and/or share this conversation.2. Contact your Member of Congress to demand a ceasefire with this script: https://www.telosgroup.org/advocacy-call-script-call-your-member-of-congress-now/3. Reach to your Jewish and Muslim kin in your communities.4. Invest in and subscribe to organizations like Parents Circle, Feast, and Global Immersion that are training peacemakers, mobilizing healers, and incubating dreams. - Parents Circle: https://parentscirclefriends.org/donate/ -Feast: https://www.feastworldkitchen.org/donate -Global Immersion: https://globalimmersion.networkforgood.com/projects/206880-support-global-immersion5. Grow a more holistic, pro-human understanding of and response to the violence in Israel and Palestine by listening to other voices in our Virtual Immersion featuring peacemakers embedded in the trenches of this war on Global Immersion's Instagram and the other “Virtual Immersion” conversations in our podcast feed: https://www.instagram.com/globalimmerse/ The Virtual Immersion is a series of conversations to platform and amplify the experiences and insights of our Palestinian and Israeli friends and peacemaking partners. The live conversations first take place on Instagram Live @globalimmerse, and are then made available as podcast episodes. These are vulnerable, challenging conversations with peacemakers embedded within this war's trenches.

In our second Virtual Immersion conversation, we delve into the profound realms of Jewish trauma with Jared, a Jerusalem-based Jewish historian and theologian. Through his personal narrative on October 7th, Jared provides insights into the pervasive fear that extends throughout the Jewish community, exacerbated by the ongoing violence in Gaza—a consequence he attributes to the collision of unaddressed trauma and unchecked power. Throughout our discussion, we explore various peacemaking themes. Jared emphasizes the influence of language in either reinforcing or dismantling oversimplified binaries and false equivalencies. We delve into the delicate balance between urgency and grief, contemplating how to navigate this tension effectively. We underscore the significance of speaking truth to power and advocating for societal change within our respective traditions, fostering engagement rather than disengagement. Our conversation also touches on the paradoxical nature of attempting to eradicate an ideology with the very violence that gave rise to it. We highlight the imperative of cultivating a more comprehensive, pro-human understanding and approach in the face of crises. Finally, we speak to the power of acknowledging one’s fallibility—the recognition that we are never entirely right and are inherently prone to error. The Virtual Immersion is a series of conversations to platform and amplify the experiences and insights of our Palestinian and Israeli friends and peacemaking partners. The live conversations first take place on Instagram Live @globalimmerse and are then made available as podcast episodes. These are vulnerable, challenging conversations with peacemakers who are embedded within the trenches of this war. Follow Global Immersion on IG: https://www.instagram.com/globalimmerse/ Support our work: https://globalimmerse.org/donate/

Osheta and Jer delve into the challenges of bridging ideological differences when power differentials are at play. Osheta shares a challenging personal experience that kicks off the conversation, sparked by their interaction in Episode 2 where Jer shared a story about bridging differences with his dad.   They consider how to move beyond mere thought experiments to grasp the impact of our ideology on individuals from different social locations. Peacemaking is ultimately framed as a process of transformation where each party commits to becoming a better, more holistic, flourishing version of themselves. Key takeaways from this episode include recognizing power imbalances, prioritizing understanding the pain of others, and learning to move at the pace of trust.   This conversation is particularly relevant in the context of ongoing discussions about the Israel/Gaza conflict in light of the power differentials involved. --- Listen to the episode a few weeks ago when Jer shares about bridging differences with his dad, which sparked the conversation in this episode: https://globalimmerse.org/blog/navigating-deep-disagreement-with-loved-ones-everyday-peacemaking-podcast-s5-ep-2/   Learn more about us at globalimmerse.org Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate   Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

The first conversation as part of our Virtual Immersion into the Israel/Gaza war is with Palestinian pastor, scholar, and peacemaker Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, one of the most profound voices in global Christianity on the crises in Israel/Palestine.   We explore his personal experience of what is unfolding, the importance of language in how we speak truth to power and change to society, the unfortunate history of “truth-less Christianity,” and very practical steps each of us can and must take toward “costly solidarity.” Munther concludes by inviting us to follow the Jesus who broke agreements with reputation, platform, power, and comfort in order to usher in restoration. May God give us the courage to abandon any construction of Jesus that endorses the use of any violence to accumulate and protect our comfort, our safety, our abundance, our agenda. The Virtual Immersion is a series of conversations to platform and amplify the experiences and insights of our Palestinian and Israeli friends and peacemaking partners. The live conversations first take place on Instagram Live @globalimmerse and are then made available as podcast episodes. These are vulnerable, challenging conversations with peacemakers who are embedded within the trenches of this war. Munther's Blog: https://christatthecheckpoint.bethbc.edu/munthers-blog/ Follow Global Immersion on IG: https://www.instagram.com/globalimmerse/ Support our work: https://globalimmerse.org/donate/

In this deeply personal and prophetic conversation, Jer shares his experiences being on the ground as war broke out in Israel and Palestine. Osheta creates a safe space for Jer to reflect on the situation now in Israel and Gaza. Together, they delve into the complexity of the conflict, seeking to move beyond the dismissive phrase “It’s complicated.” By exploring the roots of pain and trauma that have led to ongoing violence, they encourage a deeper understanding of the conflict and speak to the intimate role of U.S. American Evangelicals in it.   Call Your MOCs (Telos Script): bit.ly/telosscriptmoc Learn more about us at globalimmerse.org Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

In our first “From the Field” episode, the leadership team of the Journey of Hope cohort sat down for a conversation as their immersive experience in the Deep South concluded. They reflect on the profound impact of this immersion into the stark realities of institutionalized and structural racism, sharing some truly transformative moments. The conversation extends beyond this specific journey as they explore the broader significance of immersive experiences to the formation of Everyday Peacemakers. They discuss not only the value of carefully curated immersions like the one undertaken by the cohort but also how immersion can become a regular practice within our local contexts.“From the Field” episodes are recorded on location. These episodes are a periodic part of our relaunched Everyday Peacemaking Podcast format. Journey of Hope Cohort: https://globalimmerse.org/joh Learn more about us at globalimmerse.org Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate/ Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

Jer recounts the journey with his dad through political, theological and ideological disagreement that came to a head in one particularly revealing conversation. Osheta and Jer delve into the lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of adopting a humble posture, prioritizing understanding over being understood, and embodying one’s beliefs instead of resorting to empty rhetoric. Their practical conversation offers a range of ideas and insights applicable to anyone looking for a hopeful way forward in strained relationships where the divides seem only to be widening in the face of difference. Journey of Hope Cohort: https://globalimmerse.org/joh Live Conversation with David Gushee: https://bit.ly/gusheeworkshop Learn more about us at globalimmerse.org Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate/ Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

Osheta’s in a funk! Despite her best intentions, her attempts to rest in the summer were hijacked, and she’s starting the fall feeling depleted. She processes her frustration with Jer, and in the process, they surface surprising insights about befriending feelings of jealousy and disappointment. They dig deeper into approaches to sabbath rest and grapple with the particular difficulty Osheta faced in trying to disconnect as the primary parenting partner. Ultimately, they circle back to how Everyday Peacemakers can plan for and protect rest as a way of life. Journey of Hope Cohort: https://globalimmerse.org/joh Live Conversation with David Gushee: bit.ly/gusheeconversation Learn more about us at globalimmerse.org Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate/ Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com