Join us as we learn more about the new podcast from Pastor Priscilla where she shares Sacred Stories from the Bible and our lives.
What happens during an episode of Sacred Storytime with Pastor Priscilla?
At the heart of each episode of Sacred Storytime is the retelling of a biblical story. Through lively and thoughtful conversation with a small cast of characters, a story is chosen to be relevant to the lives of the children in our audience and their families. In general, a simple issue is introduced to the listener and by the end of the story, the characters work out a solution with progressive Christian values and a little common sense.
What about this podcast or the podcasting experience energizes you?
I’m very much enjoying the opportunity to tell stories with our family flair of humor and care. As we shape the multitude of characters, I am connected to my early life in theatre. It’s exciting to help kids make the connections between their own lives and the stories in the Bible. I also love doing this work with my family, and finding tangible connections to our own stories as we create together. In our busy lives, the time in the recording studio has become a can’t-miss moment for connection and laughter and shared love while podcasting.
What is the “Why?” behind this podcast? How did the idea come into being, then come to fruition?
If you ask anyone in my family, I’ve always had “a flair for the dramatic.” Even when I was a young child, I was constantly gathering people together to put on skits. During the height of the COVID pandemic, I was looking for a way to connect with the young families in my congregation that could bring relief to tired parents. My family started hosting a monthly Storytime via Zoom. It wasn’t like any of the many other Zoom meetings we were having in the pandemic. These sessions became a means of genuine connection. The hilarity and sacred relationship building that occurred was both life giving and inspiring for us. The kids were hungry to know God’s story and we had found an engaging way to share it.
Who do you hope is the audience for this podcast, and what are some tips you have for how they can fit listening into their busy lives?
The intended audience is children from progressive Christian homes, elementary age (11 years old) and younger. We are trying to reach Christian children who love to laugh and learn through Biblical stories.
Also, during the early launch, what I discovered was that the stories were resonating with kids of all ages and their people. I hope families will turn on the podcast during those commutes between activities, as a ‘wind-down’ before bedtime, or as a wholesome start to a busy day. I hope youth leaders will find it useful in the Sunday School classroom or anytime they need an icebreaker for conversation. I hope pastors will find it useful when they are seeking ideas for a Children’s message in worship. I hope other congregation members will listen to and learn from what is on the hearts of young people in their community and gain insight for connection.
What is your creative process for writing and recording an episode?
Since the podcast is a family project, our method involves the entire family. Once I’ve decided the Biblical story to tell, I and my son sit down to brainstorm the questions that children might have, and the connections we hope they will make during the episode. From there, it’s a messy tag-team effort until we have a first draft script. We then play with our cast of characters to see whose voice will best serve the story. Once we like what we have, we send the script to our team of reviewers who provide feedback on theology, pedagogy, and general audience resonance. The final edits happen in the studio when the family gathers (in character) to implement the script in ways that remain authentic to our voices. This is where the magic of laughter and loving connection happens. Then, the hand-off is to my beloved spouse who does the work of audio editing, adding Sound FX, and episode registration with ASCAP, before posting it to the podcast platform.
How has storytelling made a difference in your own faith life and the lives of your family members?
Throughout my life, it has been through story and imagination that I have been able to connect with people from many different walks of life. It broadens my perspective and enhances the lenses through which I see the world. In my family, stories shape our humor, connect us to our history, and reveal both inspiring and cautionary lessons, while providing opportunities for trial-and-error, care and learning. Storytelling inspires us, encourages us, enrages us and connects us to the Divine. Through stories, we learn about ourselves and the world in which God has placed us. Through stories, we remember who and whose we are in the “kin_dom” of God.
How does the idea that “the church is not a building” relate to this podcast?
The concept of Sacred Storytime was born in a Zoom room and was lived out in family dens across the Seattle region since the COVID-19 pandemic. We were able to remotely engage young people through skits with plush-toys who asked questions of the pastor in our living room. This is our evidence that God’s stories cannot be confined by walls and is not solely contained between the covers of a Bible. By telling stories that relate to the lives of children, we are reminded that God’s mission is not limited by age. It’s in all of us and all of creation.
What else do you want podcast listeners to know?
As we lovingly say - in every closing episode, God made [us all] quirky and loves [us all] a large amount. We want listeners to know that there isn’t anything that can separate you from God’s abundant LOVE. You can listen to Sacred Storytime with Pastor Priscilla wherever you get your podcasts. Listen, like, follow, and share! Deuces and goodbye! #SacredStorytime
