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The Faithful Resistance

The Faithful Resistance

By: Abbey Normal
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Reimagining church for a generation of exiles.
Pushed out or choosing to leave conservative traditions, many Christians are walking wounded. They still have faith but are rightfully fearful of practicing it in community.
This story is about a woman who inadvertently discovers the Episcopal Church, which offers her a space of healing from religious trauma. Yet, its traditions- though beautiful and meaningful- lack the down-to-earth Jesus community connectedness that she longs for.
Without a model for this hybrid expression of Christianity, she decides to start her own church. A place for ex-Evangelical wanderers. A place where the faithful, resist.

Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • St. Lucy's Church
    Dec 15 2025

    This is the chaotic, joyful birth of new church, St. Lucy’s! Everything does not go as planned. And some things, elder Abbey has not had to pre-think about – The Many Children! How do you mesh spiritual traditions with rambunctious toddlers? Well, this episode you get to hear how the crew handled it, corralling babies behind an altar rail, and ultimately discovering- you have to feed the kids!

    Tune in to hear all about this wacky and wonderful launch day, and what the team has learned since. It’s warm, imperfect, and full of hope. With joy on the inside, joy on the outside, oh what a change we can make.

    If you find this show entertaining or thought provoking, please rate it wherever you listen.

    If you’re ever in the San Francisco Bay Area come visit us at St. Lucy’s- Sunday Night at 5:00 pm. Find more info at Stlucyschurch.org

    You’re also welcome to email me your kind regards at abbeynormalpodcast@gmail.com

    Music: Kim Taylor: Like a Woman Can

    Blue Dot Sessions: Palms Down, Goose and Hutch, Betany, Caveman, Donnalee, Gallant Fantasie, Brass Buttons, Leaf Spot, A Little Powder, Town Market

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    56 mins
  • Introduction: The Faithful Resistance
    Dec 2 2025

    What's coming on The Faithful Resistance

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    4 mins
  • Praying Shapes Believing
    Nov 18 2025

    St Lucy’s is almost a church! But, what will a church service be like? In the final month of planning, the team learns what is required for an Episcopal Eucharistic Service. They discuss each of the 7 steps that provide structure, and wonder about the meaning behind each one. How do you create an experience that won't create in-groups and out-groups, but practices anyone can participate in?

    Poking at implied power structures, this is about community more than perfection: flexible liturgy, homemade challah and thrifted cups, a table for offerings (and needs), and conversation instead of lecture. We fumble through the Book of Common Prayer, tinker with community created music, and discover how common practices have the power to quietly, subtly, reshape belief.

    Stlucyschurch.org

    Music: Kim Taylor: Like a Woman Can Blue Dot Sessions: Telly’s Place, Highway 104, Skyway, Silk and Silver, Etude 8 Dimitri, Deacon Will, Dippler, Quindi, Horizon Liner, Paramo Ocho

    Resources: Book of Common Prayer, An Order for Celebrating the Holy Eucharist Evolving Faith Podcast: Your Woke-Ness in Not Worship with Sandra Maria Van Opstal

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    51 mins
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