Personal Stories

844 | Nice to Matcha | Leslie Pascua | President of Seventy Designate

From a childhood lived in poverty to the heights of hope and service to others comes another outstanding minister called to join the Quorum of Presidents of Seventy in Community of Christ. Join host Blake Smith for an inspiring conversation in which Leslie Pascua shares the testimony of his journey to this place in his…

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839 | Coffee in the Swarm | Callie Dennis

The spotlight is back on at Graceland University, and this time it’s shining on freshman and academic honors scholarship winner, Callie Dennis. Callie hails from the Liberty Street congregation in Independence, MO, and she has her eyes fixed on the goal.  That said, she’s taking time to enjoy the Graceland experience and make it her…

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838 | Nice to Matcha | President of Seventy Designate | Sylvester Ochieng

From a young age, Sylvester Ochieng’s parents gave him “a crystal clear knowledge about God in [his] life.” With a deep respect for a culture of prayer and a healthy reverence for God, Sylvester was well on his way to giving his life in service to God and to God’s children. In this episode of…

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830 | Nice to Matcha | Meet the New Harmony Board Members

Harmony, a nonprofit for LGBTQIA+ advocacy within Community of Christ, aims to affirm dignity and worth without regard to gender, race, or sexual orientation. Host, Robin Linkhart, sits down with newly elected members of the Harmony Board: Shelby Williams, Andy Markle, and Sean Langdon.  Shelby, a CPA and youth leader, emphasizes her role as a…

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826 | Coffee in the Swarm | Anna Long

It’s time for another episode of Coffee in the Swarm, and today’s guest comes from a “Long” line of Community of Christ members and Graceland alumni. From early on, Anna Long determined that she would probably go to Graceland.  It was, after all, a regular topic of conversation at family meals and gatherings. And, her…

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821 | Nice to Matcha | President-Prophet Designate | Stassi Cramm

World Conference 2025 is almost here, and this is going to be a historic Conference once again as Stassi Cramm’s call to serve as Prophet-President is considered. Stassi has always sensed a deep connection with God and with the church. She had been told that there were special things ahead, and she promised God she…

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818 | Cuppa Joe | Women of the Restoration | A Prophetic People

As Community of Christ moves closer to the historic moment of considering the call of the first woman President/Prophet of the church, Stassi Cramm, there is no better time to reflect with Karin Peter and historian extraordinaire, Wendy Eaton, to take a look across the years at all the women who have had a prophetic…

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816 | Coffee in the Swarm | Ishbel Wilson

Aliyah and Mike are back in the Swarm at Graceland University, and this time they’re sitting down with senior, Ishbel Wilson. Ishbel hails from Independence, Missouri and the Liberty Street congregation where she established a strong foundation in the church. She’s continued her connection through various ministries at Graceland while working on a triple major….

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810 | Nice to Matcha | New Leader | Shannon McAdam

From rule-following teenager to mischievous Gracelander, to volunteer leadership in the church and a career in technology and business sales, Shannon McAdam (she/her) has spent her life journeying with God in community. Now, Shannon has accepted a call to the Council of Twelve. Join host Robin Linkhart as she sits down with Shannon to get…

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809 | Nice to Matcha | New Leader | Kat Hnatyshyn

After 20 long years of self-sustaining ministry, including her most recent role as Midlands Mission Center President, Kat Hnatyshyn has said yes to a role that requires a change in career… but not a change in passion.  In this episode of Nice to Matcha, host Robin Linkhart sits down with Kat, a first-time guest at…

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