Thirty structures at Camp Hammer, the beloved camp owned by Twin Lakes Church, were destroyed by a wildfire in August. Today Rene interviews TLC executive pastor Mark Spurlock about what’s next for camp, and how people can expect to be able to help. Then he checks in with Camp Director Eric Swanson-Dexel and his wife Sarah to see how they and other camp staff are holding up, and how we can pray for them.

Rene interviews TLC member Dr. Dana Welle about her experiences as a COVID-19 tester, and how her faith is helping her navigate this pandemic. Also TLC 12-Step leader Heidi Heath Garwood has help for those with addictions; and Pastor Dan Baker about practical assistance for those who are depressed, lonely, or otherwise in need of emotional support.

On this week’s podcast, Rene asks Pastor Hurmon Hamilton, the Black pastor of New Beginnings Community Church, how he is leading his multi-ethnic church through the current cultural conversation on race. Pastor Hurmon suggests four constructive ways to connect, and three hidden dangers. Laurie also shares her own journey on the subject of racism in America. And Rene wraps up with five book suggestions. For more resources, see tlc.org/reconcile. 

Rene and Laurie pray for our community as Santa Cruz County grieves the loss of Sergeant Damen Gutzwiller. Plus: Ian Pitts led a deliberately multi-racial, multi-denominational, bilingual music project that TLC was part of. In this episode, Rene asks Ian how his perspective as a black pastor can inform Rene’s own understanding as a white pastor during these times of renewed awareness of racial injustice. NOTE: If you’d like to read further about Christian perspectives on racial equality, consider reading “Be The Bridge” by Latasha Morrison, “The Minority Experience” by Adrian Pei, or “The Third Option” by Miles McPherson, all thought-provoking books on this topic.

Ed Lake and Elaine Cunningham boarded the Grand Princess for a two-week cruise to Hawaii. It turned into a month of quarantine as the coronavirus took over the ship. Today they tell Rene their harrowing but ultimately uplifting story. Plus Rene and Laurie discuss the latest regulations on church services and how they will impact TLC, and Rene invites WestGate Church pastor Steve Clifford to pray for unity. 

Today Rene has two fascinating conversations: First with County Supervisor Zach Friend about the most frequent questions he’s asked, and what he wants people to know about our county’s experience with the virus crisis. Then TLCer Guy Routley shares a very personal story of how COVID-19 has impacted his close family and friends. Plus Rene asks Laurie about the contact tracing course she took through Johns Hopkins University.

Today Rene and Laurie talk about some fun books they’re reading. Rene then interviews Arlene Auerbach, licensed marriage and family counselor, about the classic stages of grief we are all going through right now, and how you can tell if your “normal” pandemic anxiety might be going toxic. Rene and Laurie wrap up with ways you can boost your mental health immune system-- through gratitude!

Today René and Laurie discuss tips for parents with young kids at home. Then René interviews Dee Dee Vargas, who has a great story about how a small idea has grown miraculously. And did you know that helping others is good for your mental and physical health? René and TLC local outreach director Robin Spurlock talk about ways you can help right now!