Today, Danny and Kyle sit down with Max Michael. Born and raised in Pendleton, Max embraced a unique blend of interests during high school that have continued throughout his life.  Married to Dana, he spent a large portion of his life working for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, where he managed the statewide emergency spill response program for two decades. Now retired, he balances part-time roles at Roxley Games in Calgary and Saltire Games on Pendleton Pike. A dedicated history buff, Max loves participating in reenactments and having served as an Elder. His pride lies in his two daughters, Alyson and Kinsey, who embody bravery and brilliance.

For those looking for a game from Max, check out "Eighth Air Force Commander" by Stratamax Games, set for release soon.

On this special episode of Sacred Sitdowns, Rev. Sarah Renfro will join Danny and Kyle again as they talk about turkey, family, and thankfulness. It’s been over a year since we started this podcast, and we would like to thank all those who have come to share their stories with us and the podcast world. We also want to thank all those who keep tuning into this podcast. We believe stories allow us to connect to God and each other, and we hope to continue providing powerful, faith-filled stories to you, our listeners. Until then, enjoy this second annual Thanksgiving special.

Strangers 

I like to belly up to bars
At local establishments (or airports as it were)
Not necessarily for the drinks 
But for the locals (and travelers)
I overhear stories
Answer questions when asked
And sometimes…
Some wonderful times
I have the privilege 
Of hearing one life’s experience
And sharing my own 
Eliminating boundaries 
Expanding horizons, hope, and grace
To listen to one’s life is a gift 
To behold and hold sacred 
To be witness to vulnerability is a blessing and a responsibility 
An act of mutuality in trust 
A breaking of walls, hearts, and bread 
Lives spilt wide open 
Onto those with ears to hear
And hearts to heal 
Thanks be 

Casey Osterkamp is currently serving as the Vice President of Operations at Herron Classical Schools. This intentionally diverse, tuition-free, college prep charter school network serves 1900 scholars in three schools in downtown Indianapolis. She and her family moved to Indianapolis earlier this year from Missouri where she was the Director of the Division of Personnel for the State of Missouri. Casey started her professional career as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy and has worked in management roles for the Chicago Public Schools and IBM. Casey earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Communication from Northwestern University, her Master of Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and her Master of Education Policy and Leadership from the University of Missouri. Casey, her husband Beau, and five-year-old son Jesse live in Indianapolis.

On this episode of Sacred Sitdowns, Kyle and Danny sit down with Geist Christian Church Elder Lindsey Schiesser. Lindsey and her spouse Jason have two children: Tyler is a freshman at Clemson University, and Mia is a junior at Fishers High School. Lindsey and Jason met while in college at Camp Tecumseh, where they were both serving as camp summer staff. She has served as a sponsor on numerous youth mission trips and is involved with Taking Flight Ministries Geist's ministry to college students. Lindsey shares about her faith journey, specifically as it relates to living with a spirit of generosity. 

Today, we sit down with Dominic Minatel, a Junior at Texas Christian University. Dominic grew up at Geist Christian Church and was an active member of the youth group.  In our sit-down, we will explore his call to ministry, his summer with “Be the Neighbor,” a ministry that equips youth and adults to live lives of love, service, and justice, as well as, all things TCU.

Sam Copeland is the Associate Minister for Youth and Young Adults at Geist. She's originally from Richardson, Texas in the Dallas area and studied at TCU (go Frogs!!) and Vanderbilt Divinity School. She is the proud dog mom of Mocha, who she rescued from the Humane Society for Hamilton County in 2021 right after she moved to Indy. Sam loves all things Target and sometimes spends more time there than at her house in Broad Ripple, but when she is home she loves hosting her friends for dinner, TCU football games, and so much more!

Your mental health matter and you never have to do this all alone. Free, confidential support is available for everyone. Call 211 (or 866-211-9966) to be connected with a trained counselor 24/7.

Link: https://www.in.gov/bewellindiana/resources/mental-health-resources/

 Today we sit down with Rev. Grace Kozak. Grace is an Indiana native and graduate of Christian Theological Seminary. Prior to seminary, after completing her Masters of Social Work degree in 2015, she worked as an organizer for Clean Water Action and the American Cancer Society. Grace’s call to ministry is animated by her core belief that God desires a world where all people deserve to live with enough resources to thrive in healthy, supportive communities. Grace currently serves as State Organizer for Indiana at Bread for the World. When not changing the world, Grace loves to read, having people over to visit on her porch, and working on her family’s flower farm.

Dick and his spouse Marcia moved to the Indianapolis area from Wisconsin and joined Geist Christian Church in 2009. Dick is passionate about continuing to learn and grow in faith, expanding both mind and heart. He is active in The Bridge men's ministry, the Guatamala mission trip, and currently serves as an Elder. He is retired from a career in finance and is an avid cyclist.