Technicolor Jesus

This week, Matt and Adam are joined by Casey Thompson to talk, spice, messiah's, and Denis Villeneuve's new adaptation of Dune. As the source of so many sci-fi and fantasy tropes, it is hard to talk about this movie independent of all that came after. So in the first segment, the conversation twists and turns around ideas of myth, influence, and ideas of leadership in a broken world. In the second segment, the group discusses how Dune might help us understand the lectionary texts for November 14, year B. Finally, Matt talks about Children's lit and Adam reflects on a synth chord from an old Radiohead album.

After a long hiatus, Matt and Adam are back to talk movies, ministry, and the church. This week they welcome Christian Century editor Amy Frykholm to the show. Amy has just published the book Wild Woman: A Footnote, The Desert and My Quest for an Elusive Saint. Given that Amy went on a quest to write the book, what better movie to discuss than Richard Donner's 1985 suburban quest fantasy, The Goonies. In the first segment, the conversation swirls around the makings of a quest and why we are drawn to them. In the second segment, the conversation turns to the lectionary passages for October 31st as the group discusses Ruth, the greatest commandments, and the Shema. Finally, Matt endorses some Broadway and Adam wonders about the church of the early 2000s. Friends, up there, it is their time. But down here, it is our time. So let us follow in the footsteps of Chester Coppperpot and search for hidden treasure. It's time for Sunday Morning Matinee.

On this last episode before summer break, Matt and Adam talk about their love for Fast Five, the dumbest and most brilliant of the Fast and Furious movies. Over the course of the show they talk about what it means to be a family, they also drink Coronas and toast to their family, then they plan a heist, and finally, by the end, they become family to each other. It's quite a ride. Show Note: the podcast was recorded a few weeks ago with the intention of putting it up for the second lectionary week of ordinary time. Then life intervened. We are dropping it now because it was a fun conversation and should be listened to by everyone who is intending to see F9 in a few days.

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam revisit a classic, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Hoping to find gold in the old movie, the two were left with more questions than answers. What happens when something so influential is consumed by its inspirations? And how in the world do you make theological sense of this movie? If you'd like to listen to two people try to spin gold from straw, then this one is for you. Of course, the conversation then turns to Pentecost and the way in which the Spirit presses the church always into the coming future-- even if it doesn't want to go. Finally, Adam talks about the Sons of Korah, and Matt gets wound up about the Oscars.

This week is a little different. In anticipation of the 2021 Academy Awards, Matt and Adam watched the Best Pictures Nominees in order to discuss what these movies have to do with ministry, theology, and the world. So before the red carpet is laid out on Hollywood and Highland, come and join the conversation about this crazy year in movies.

As Easter Sunday approaches, Matt and Adam talk about violence, resurrection, and the 2012 James Bond film, Skyfall. In the first segment, the two discuss the many iterations of Bond and whether the character and genre have any lasting significance. In the second segment, the conversation centers on James Bond and Resurrection Sunday. Does Bond have anything new to add to our Easter theologies? Finally, Adam talks about Holy Week poetry and Matt considers the art world.

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam are joined by Tim Hughes to discuss, magic, identity, and Derek Delgaudio's In and Of Itself. in the first segment, the group discusses Delgaudio's popular stage show that is part magic, part performance art, and part group therapy. Diving deep into the show, the conversation searches out themes of belonging, identity, deception, and the artifice of church worship. In the second segment, the group discusses the intersection of the lectionary passages for March 21st and In and of Itself. Finally, to tend the show, Matt thinks about an online SXSW and Adam talks about Robertson Davies.

Ok, campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's coooooold outside, and it's time to talk about growth, pain, and the classic film, Groundhog Day. This week, Adam and Matt are joined by frequent guest Steve Bragaw to discuss the theological and ministerial themes of Groundhog Day. In the first segment, the conversation centers on questions of grace, truth, and growth. Is Phil Connors sanctified by the end? Where does grace come into play here? In the second segment, the group looks at the lectionary passages for March 14th, the third Sunday in Lent, and discusses how they connect with Groundhog Day. Finally, in the final segment, Matt talks TV and Adam longs for a trip to the sea. Listen, I got you, babe, it's time for Sunday Morning Matinee.

After a holiday break, Adam and Matt return to discuss parties, worship, and Steve McQueen's new film, Lover' Rock. In the first segment, Matt and Adam examine the films themes and how they relate to theology and ministry. The two spend a long time discussing "the scene" of the movie (if you have seen it, you know the one.) The two then discuss how Lovers' Rock intersects with the lectionary passages for February 14. Finally, Matt gives some movie recommendations, and Adam falls in love with a kid's show.

On this week's show, Adam and Matt are joined by pastor Becca Messman to talk about the rise and fall of the movie, Love, Actually. Released in 2003, Love, Actually had a run as a feel-good Christmas movie before it began to evaporate into the ether. This episode sorts through the craziness of the movie and tries to find some redeeming qualities that could bring some Christmas cheer. The conversation then turns to the lectionary passages for December 20th and how Love, Actually might help make sense of them. It's a crazy task, but hey, that's the show. The show concludes with some talk about theaters and theater. So grab some egg nog and come along for a wild Christmas ride.

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam discuss the recent release, Bill and Ted Face the Music. Given the anxiety of the election, Matt and Adam needed to watch something stupid; hence Bill and Ted Face the Music. It is a stupid movie but in a way that hits the spot in these times. In the first segment, the conversation centers on the need for foolish things, the value of a corporate song, and how to leave a legacy. In the second segment, Matt and Adam examine the lectionary passages for November 15 and talk about Jesus' parable of the Talents and how it intersects with Bill and Ted. Finally, in the final segment, Adam discusses outtakes, and Matt talks about "Joy and Grief."  Party on.

On this episode of Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam discuss theology, ministry and Jeff Nichols' 2011 film, Take Shelter. In the first segment, the discussion ceneters around questions of the apocalypse, mental health, and caring for the vulnerable in ourt churches. In the second segment, Matt and Adam discuss the lectionary texts for October 25 and how they connect to Take Shelter. Finally, Adam ends by listing documentary films and Matt wonders about all the cast reunions forming to raise money for the upcoming election. So escape from the world in your tornado shelter and listen to Sunday Morning Matinee!

82: Enola Holmes by Matt Gaventa & Adam Hearlson

After a summer hiatus, Matt and Adam are back to talk about all the things they watched during their summer break. Breaking from the usual format, the discussion centers around the movies that kept them sane during the pandemic.

On this week's episode of Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk with constitutional scholar, Steve Bragaw about the theological implications of stealing the Declaration of Independence. Really, this is what this podcast was made for. We watched a bonkers movie and then talked with a smart person about conspiracies, theology, scripture and hermeneutics. Then we tried to ask how Pentecost might be understood in light of the themes of National Treasure. We were built for this (and maybe only this). So far down the rabbit hole with us, it's time for Sunday Morning Matinee.

Ooooooh boy. Well this is a week late! A quarantine fog set in and delayed this podcast. Forgive us for our lateness. Today we rest in the confidence that grace abounds! That said, this is a great episode! We have Eric Barreto from Princeton Theological Seminary, talking smart about Apollo 13, the need for agility in this time, and the book of Acts. Matt says some very smart things about duct tape. Adam chimes in with ideas about leadership. This is a good conversation. You should listen to it, even if it is talking about the lectionary passages from a week ago.  So buckle up, get in your space shuttle, and blast off to another episode of Sunday Morning Matinee.

As Holy Week begins, Matt and Adam talk hope, resurrection, and Pixar's newest movie, Onward. Considering everyone is sheltering in place, it is time to tuck in and watch a good old fashioned adventure movie. A movie about courage, magic, and partially resurrected dads! In the first segment, Adam and Matt talk about resurrection, magic, and Eastertide. I the second segment, Adam and Matt talk about the RCL texts for Easter and how Onward can help us better understand the resurrection accounts. Finally, Adam gets nostalgic and Matt talks about his favorite movie theater. Grab your wizard staff and let's do this. Onward and upward!

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam are joined by pastor, beekeeper, and chaplain at the Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly, Kathy Anderson to discuss the widely-acclaimed 2019 documentary, Honeyland. Set in rural Macedonia, Honeyland follows one of Europe's last wild beekeeper's as she tries to maintain her practice in an unforgiving world. In the first segment, the discussion centers on the lives of bees and how they can be a rich source of theological imagining. In the second segment, the group discusses the Palm Sunday texts for April 5 and what bees can help us understand about Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Finally, in the final segment, Matt gives thanks for Mo Willems and Adam offers up a boring old academic article. As the bees arrive, let us gather together, even as we remain apart!

As we all hunker down, Adam and Matt revisit Edgar Wright's 2004 zombie rom-com, Shaun of the Dead. In the first segment, they discuss why Shaun of the Dead is still relevant for ministry in the age of coronavirus. In the second segment, they consider the lectionary for March 22nd and how it intersects with Shaun of the Dead. Finally, Matt talks about Austin and Adam talks about local history. As you find something else to do while you are home, join Sunday Morning Matinee for a conversation that will eat up at least 45 minutes of your day!

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Adam and Matt welcome Sarah Kinney Gaventa, Dean of Students at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, to talk about work, sexism, Dolly Parton, and the 1980 hit movie, 9 to 5. In the first segment, the group discusses the sad ways in which this 1980's workplace farce diagnosis our current problems of sexism in the workplace. Then the discussion turns to the wonder of Dolly Parton and her ability to cross boundaries. In the second segment, the group discusses 9 to 5 and its relevance for the lectionary passages for Lent 2, March 8. Finally, Matt takes a sabbath and Adam sort of recommends a book.