Sunday Morning Matinee show

Sunday Morning Matinee

Summary: Sunday Morning Matinee -- formerly Technicolor Jesus -- is a podcast about movies and ministry for pastors, preachers, and Sunday school teachers, brought to you by the Christian Century. Hosts Matt Gaventa and Adam Hearlson choose movies from across the history of film and discuss how these movies might connect to the coming Sunday scripture from the Revised Common Lectionary.

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  • Artist: Matt Gaventa & Adam Hearlson
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Podcasts:

 #48: Midnight Special (LIVE at Mo Ranch) | File Type: audio/x-m4a | Duration: 00:51:46

On this week’s episode of Technicolor Jesus, Matt and Adam are LIVE at Mo Ranch in the hill country of central Texas. After leading a retreat on the theological power of movies, Matt and Adam are joined by retreat guests to talk about Jeff Nichols’ 2016 sci-fi superhero movie, Midnight Special. In the first segment, Adam and Matt talk about how Midnight Special defies typical movie conventions to say something larger about family, sacrifice, and transcendence. The audience is then invited to ask questions and provide comments about the movie. In the second segment, Adam and Matt turn their attention to the lectionary passages for this week, the 18th Sunday in ordinary time. After a quick discussion of Esther and responsibility, the hosts dig into the Mark passage and its implications for ministry and care. Finally, in the final segment Adam talks BBQ and Matt retrieves a forgotten tradition. Special thanks to Mo Ranch for their hospitality and to all our guests for their participation.

 #47: Won't You Be My Neighbor? | File Type: audio/x-m4a | Duration: 00:51:39

Annnnnnnnnnd...We are back! After a summer vacation, Matt and Adam return for another season of Technicolor Jesus. This fall they will talk to old and new friends about movies, theology, ministry and our world. On the first episode of the season, Matt and Adam welcome back Old Testament Professor, Laurel Koepf-Taylor to discuss the new Fred Rogers documentary, Won’t you be My Neighbor? In the first segment of the show, the group considers the model of Fred Rogers for ministry today and how sincerity, earnestness, and care might infuse the work of ministry whether it be worship or advocacy. In the second segment of the show, the group discusses the lectionary passages for September 16th, the 19th Sunday after Pentecost. With the theme of teaching evident in this week’s lectionary the dicussion turns to Roger’s role as a teacher and what we might learn from his work. Finally, in our last segment, Adam promotes a tiny desk concert and Matt suggests another podcast. After a summer of rest, Adam and Matt have jumped back on the trolley. Won’t you join us, neighbor?

 #46: The Social Network | File Type: audio/x-m4a | Duration: 01:06:10

On this week’s episode, Matt and Adam talk with Steve Thorngate, associate editor of The Christian Century, about David Fincher’s 2010 movie, The Social Network. In the first segment, “Justification by Faith,” the group talks about facebook, ambition, and the creation myth of the tech geek. In the second segment, “Preaching to the Choir,” the group discusses the intersection of The Social Network and the lectionary texts for May 27th, 2018, Trinity Sunday, focusing on Isaiah’s heavenly vision, the themes of belonging in Romans 8, and the moral center of The Social Network. Finally, in the last segment, “Postludes,” Adam discusses a hidden moral problem that plagues our social media and Matt plays Tetris.

 #45: Double Indemnity | File Type: audio/x-m4a | Duration: 00:52:53

On this week’s episode, Matt and Adam talk with Kathryn Reklis, Fordham University Professor and The Christian Century media critic about Billy Wilder’s 1944 noir classic, Double Indemnity. In our first segment, “Justification by Faith,” the group talks about depravity, confession, and illusions of control. In our second segment, “Preaching to the Choir,” the group discusses the intersection of Double Indemnity and the lectionary texts for May 20th, 2018, Pentecost Sunday. Focusing on Pentecost text, the group discusses how Peter’s sermon can be a sign of hope in the midst of a broken world. Finally, in the last segment, “Postludes,” Adam copies Matt and Matt goes to Mars.

 #44: Stranger than Fiction | File Type: audio/x-m4a | Duration: 00:50:07

On this week’s episode Matt and Adam talk with pastor, writer, and speaker MaryAnn McKibben Dana about stories, improv, and the 2006 comedy, Stranger than Fiction. In our first segment, “Justification by Faith,” the group talks about authors, the impact of our stories, and the sacrifice that counts as love. In our second segment, “Preaching to the Choir,” the group discusses the intersection of Stranger than Fiction and the lectionary texts for May 6th, 2018, Easter 6. The conversation centers mainly on Peter’s baptism in Acts as a moment of improvisation of God’s story. Finally, in the last segment, “Postludes,” Adam digs up an old story on ambition and Matt learns a thing or two from Mike Birbiglia.

 #43: Jesus Christ Superstar Live Concert | File Type: audio/x-m4a | Duration: 00:47:32

On this special episode of Technicolor Jesus, Matt and Adam talk with Tim Hughes Williams, pastor of Light Street Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, Maryland, about the live television performance of Jesus Christ Superstar. With mounting acclaim, the live performance of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Jesus Christ Superstar, starring John Legend, Sara Bareilles, and Brandon Victor Dixon has become a favorite topic of internet conversation. So Matt and Adam jumped on the line with friend of the show Tim Hughes Williams to talk about the musical, this performance, and the live TV musical phenomenon. Tim was also kind enough to stick around and join in the postlude fun.

 #42: Moana | File Type: audio/x-m4a | Duration: 00:45:06

On this week’s Technicolor Jesus, Matt and Adam welcome Margaret Aymer, The First Presbyterian Church, Shreveport, D. Thomason Professor of New Testament Studies at Austin Theological Seminary, to talk about water, call, Easter and Moana. In our first segment, Justification by Faith, the group talks about how Moana helps us understand Christian narratives of call and formation. In the second segment, Preaching to the Choir, the group discusses the intersection of Moana and the lectionary passages for Easter Sunday, Year B. Engaging the resurrection accounts in Mark and John, the group explores themes of redemption, restoration and gardening. Finally, in the last segment, Postludes, Adam lifts up an old sermon and Matt finds insight in amazing houses.

 #41: The Greatest Showman | File Type: audio/x-m4a | Duration: 00:46:31

On this week’s Technicolor Jesus, Matt and Adam welcome Jill Duffield, editor of The Presbyterian Outlook, to talk about outcasts, the circus, Palm Sunday and The Greatest Showman. In our first segment, Justification by Faith, the group discusses The Greatest Showman and its themes of family, ambition, and the making of true community. The group also discusses the role of hagiography in our corpus of sacred stories. In the second segment, Preaching to the Choir, the group discusses the intersection of The Greatest Showman and the lectionary passages for the Palm Sunday, Year B. Intrigued by Jesus’ journey into the temple, the group discusses the role of crowds in the Palm Sunday story and the ways in which our expectations need retuning. Finally, in the last segment, Postludes, Matt tells us all about his great south by southwest discovery and Adam extols the virtures of the great Pina Bausch.

 #40: Black Panther | File Type: audio/x-m4a | Duration: 00:59:18

On this week’s Technicolor Jesus, Matt and Adam welcome friend of the show Charles Howard, University Chaplain at The University of Pennsylvania, to talk about reconstruction, ancestors and the power of Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther. In our first segment, Justification by Faith, the group talks about how Black Panther tries to reconstruct the center to make room for marginalized experience. Specifically, the conversation wrestles with the figure of Erik Killmonger and the tragedy of his story. In the second segment, Preaching to the Choir, the group discusses the intersection of Black Panther and the lectionary passages for the fourth Sunday in Lent, Year B. Intrigued by the serpent in the wilderness, the group discusses the power and dangers of symbols. Additionally, the conversation turns to John’s exegesis and the lessons of reading old texts. Finally, in the last segment, Postludes, Matt retcons early Marvel canon and Adam learns about the magic of role playing games.

 #39: Oscars Recap | File Type: audio/x-m4a | Duration: 00:26:58

Adam and Matt are back for a brief episode breaking down the 2018 Academy Awards and the movies of 2017.

 #38: Get Out | File Type: audio/x-m4a | Duration: 00:59:55

On this week’s episode of Technicolor Jesus, Matt and Adam talk with Derrick Weston, minister, community organizer and podcast host, about horror, race, and Jordan Peele’s 2017 movie, Get Out. In the first segment, Justification by Faith, the group talks about the horror genre, the sunken place and the difficulty in staying vigilant. In the second segment, Preaching to the Choir, the group examines the lectionary passages for the second sunday in Lent, Year B. The conversation probes Jesus’ command to “Get behind me, Satan,” and what it might mean for the work of advocacy and ministry in a racist world. Finally, in the last segment, Postludes, Adam talks about church boats and Matt is left cold by The Darkest Hour. So open your eyes but avoid the tea, it is time for another episode of Technicolor Jesus.

 #37: All the President's Men | File Type: audio/x-m4a | Duration: 00:59:37

On this week’s episode of Technicolor Jesus, Adam and Matt welcome Steve Bragaw, visiting professor of politics at Washington and Lee, to talk about mystery, politics, inheritance and the film, All the President’s Men. In the first segment, Justification by Faith, Steve leads a conversation about the political history of the movie and how its most important questions remain unanswered. The group also talks about the power of words and the waning power of institutions. In the second segment, Preaching to the Choir, the group discusses the last Sunday in Epiphany (February 11), Transfiguration Sunday, and it’s connections to All the President’s Men. Mark’s version of the incarnation and Elijah’s ride on a chariot of fire provide solid foundation for conversations about the slow work of change and the double portion of courage needed to do the work of justice. Finally, in the last segment, Postludes, Adam rambles on about Eugene O’Neill and Matt talks about the Academy Award nominated film, Loving Vincent. So, count to ten. Are you still there? Great, because it is time for another week of Technicolor Jesus.

 #36: The Last Jedi | File Type: audio/x-m4a | Duration: 00:54:23

And… We’re back! After a short holiday break, Matt and Adam are back for the spring season of Technicolor Jesus. On this episode, the two go mano y mano to talk about growth, broken myths, and Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi. In the first segment, Justification by Faith, Matt and Adam discuss their impressions of The Last Jedi and it's theological themes. In the second segment, Preaching to the Choir, the two turn their attention to the lectionary texts for January 2, the fourth Sunday in Epiphany. Matt thinks about how Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth has to do with the light side and the dark side of the force, while Adam thinks about the role of astonishment in Mark. In the final segment, postludes, Matt discusses preaching, Amy Sherman Pallidino and stand up comedy, while Adam talks about his favorite movies of 2017. So jump in your X-wing, it’s time to blow stuff up, it’s time for another episode of Technicolor Jesus.

 #35: Technicolor Jesus Christmas Movie Extravaganza | File Type: audio/x-m4a | Duration: 00:40:59

On this special edition of Technicolor Jesus, Adam and Matt welcome back Eric Barreto, Jessica Mesman Griffith, and Laurel Koepf Taylor to talk about their favorite Christmas movie scenes. In the first segment, Adam and Matt discuss feelings and Christmas. Next Eric Barreto thinks about Trading Places and the place of justice during Christmas, Jessica Mesman Griffith evangelizes on behalf of a rare Jim Henson movie, and Laurel Koepf Taylor examines a deleted scene and why Christmas needs more lament. So as you go over the river and through the woods this Christmas, let Technicolor Jesus be your soundtrack!

 #34: Juno | File Type: audio/x-m4a | Duration: 00:43:32

On this week's episode of Technicolor Jesus, Matt and Adam talk about the 2007 hit movie Juno with writer, speaker and pastor, Carol Howard Merrit. Juno is the story of Juno McGuff, a high school junior who discovers she’s pregnant. Juno eventually decides to carry the baby to term and find adoptive parents.  Directed by Jason Reitman’s and written by Diablo Cody, the movie touches on the typical high school movie themes of maturity, identity, and finding love, but it is something more. Juno is not just a high school romantic comedy, but a bit more hard-nosed, a bit more honest, and a bit more surprising than most of its peers. In the first segment, the group discusses how Juno helps make sense of the advent season and Mary's role as a parent. In the second segment, the group examines the lectionary passages for the fourth Sunday in Advent, Year B, and how a young pregnant woman has a unique vantage to understand the world. Finally, in the last segment, Matt finds hope in a new children's book, and Adam marvels at breath control. So friends, the time is drawing nigh. so while you wrap presents, catch up on another episode of Technicolor Jesus.

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