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    The Vespers Project

    Welcome to The Vespers Project! The goal is to create a community of meaning and belonging through discussion around “vespers.” Vespers - in this context - are a mix of music and spoken word designed to provoke thought and discussion on a particular word. We will listen and learn from a different vespers offering each episode and then discuss with the author their thought process on the subject. If you like deep talk and feeling inspired, give it a try. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevespersproject/support
    en20 Episodes

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    Episodes (20)

    The Vespers Project - Season 2 - Episode 1 : Goodbye

    The Vespers Project - Season 2 - Episode 1 : Goodbye
    Host Ben Pruitt discusses Goodbye with his guest… Show Notes:Songs -Answer 36, Jessie Shelton; 36 Questions, Podcast Musicalhttps://twoupproductions.com/36-questions/podcastLinger, Traditional Camp Song - Anonymoushttps://www.amazon.com/Courage-Clay-Finnesand/dp/B07B1TVYVGI’m Ready, Tracy Chapman; New Beginning, Tracy Chapmanhttps://www.amazon.com › Im-ReadyQuotes:How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard" Winnie the Pooh/A. A. Milne“I'll tell you how the sun roseA ribbon at a time...It's a living book, this life; it folds out in a million settings, cast with a billion beautiful characters, and it is almost over for you. It doesn't matter how old you are; it is coming to a close quickly, and soon the credits will roll and all your friends will fold out of your funeral and drive back to their homes in cold and still and silence. And they will make a fire and pour some wine and think about how you once were . . . and feel a kind of sickness at the idea you never again will be.So soon you will be in that part of the book where you are holding the bulk of the pages in your left hand, and only a thin wisp of the story in your right. You will know by the page count, not by the narrative, that the Author is wrapping things up. You begin to mourn its ending, and want to pace yourself slowly toward its closure, knowing the last lines will speak of something beautiful, of the end of something long and earned, and you hope the thing closes out like last breaths, like whispers about how much and who the characters have come to love, and how authentic the sentiments feel when they have earned a hundred pages of qualification.And so my prayer is that your story will have involved some leaving and some coming home, some summer and some winter, some roses blooming out like children in a play. My hope is your story will be about changing, about getting something beautiful born inside of you about learning to love a woman or a man, about learning to love a child, about moving yourself around water, around mountains, around friends, about learning to love others more than we love ourselves, about learning oneness as a way of understanding God. We get one story, you and I, and one story alone. God has established the elements, the setting and the climax and the resolution. It would be a crime not to venture out, wouldn't it?It might be time for you to go. It might be time to change, to shine out.I want to repeat one word for you:Leave.Roll the word around on your tongue for a bit. It is a beautiful word, isn't it? So strong and forceful, the way you have always wanted to be. And you will not be alone. You have never been alone. Don't worry. Everything will still be here when you get back. It is you who will have changed.”Donald Miller - Through Painted Desserts. In the Season 2 premiere, we discuss Goodbyes with Benjamin Major, Long time Teen Director for the Richmond YMCAs - specifically Northside. Now he is off on a new journey - listen to learn more. Acknowledgments - As always - a huge thank you to Blue Ridge Leaders School for inspiring this podcast. I want to thank Ben Gant for his creativity and graphic design. A huge thank you to everyone for submitting a Vespers to the project, and especially to Jason Wykoff for being a friend and for allowing me to learn and grow through his friendship. Lastly - thanks to the Ark of E for hosting our Podcast and giving us a platform to allow others to enjoy this art. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevespersproject/support

    The Vespers Project - Episode 10 : Respect

    The Vespers Project - Episode 10 : Respect
    Host Ben Pruitt discusses Respect with his guest… Show Notes:Songs -Who You Are, Anna Clendening; Who You Are, Jessie Jhttps://www.amazon.com/Who-You-Are/dp/B014AUHZUSCourage, Clay Finnesand; https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Clay-Finnesand/dp/B07B1TVYVGTake Me As I Am, Chuck Adams; Take Me As I Am, Chuck Adamshttps://www.amazon.com/Take-Me-As-I-Am/dp/B07751P7JRA Million Dreams (Instrumental), Ensemble : The Greatest Showmanhttps://www.amazon.com/Million-Dreams-Greatest-Showman-Instrumental/dp/B07B1S8R2B We talk about Respect in this episode with Jason Wykoff - BRLS Staff member and Honor Leader in 2018. Acknowledgments - As always - a huge thank you to Blue Ridge Leaders School for inspiring this podcast. I want to thank Ben Gant for his creativity and graphic design. A huge thank you to everyone for submitting a Vespers to the project, and especially to Jason Wykoff for being a friend and for allowing me to learn and grow through his friendship. Lastly - thanks to the Ark of E for hosting our Podcast and giving us a platform to allow others to enjoy this art. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevespersproject/support

    The Vespers Project - Episode 9 : Masterpiece

    The Vespers Project - Episode 9 : Masterpiece
    Host Ben Pruitt discusses creating a Masterpiece with his guest… Show Notes:Songs -Together, Us the Duohttps://www.amazon.com/Together-Us-Duo/dp/B07DRQ5LV2Count On Me, needtobreathehttps://www.amazon.com/Count-Me-NEEDTOBREATHE/dp/B073RTMY11Fear is a Liar, Zach Williams; Chain Breaker, Zach Williamshttps://www.amazon.com/Fear-Is-a-Liar/dp/B01MSZC0PSThis is Me, Keala Settle: The Greatest Showman (lyrics by Ke$ha)https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-greatest-showman/id1324419603We talk about Authenticity and what it is to create a Masterpiece in this episode with Marc Weinstein - 6th year leader with Camp Cristina Leaders Club in Florida. Acknowledgments - As always - a huge thank you to Blue Ridge Leaders School for inspiring this podcast. I want to thank Ben Gant for his creativity and graphic design. A huge thank you to everyone for submitting a Vespers to the project, and especially to Jason Wykoff for being a friend and for allowing me to learn and grow through his friendship. Lastly - thanks to the Ark of E for hosting our Podcast and giving us a platform to allow others to enjoy this art. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevespersproject/support

    The Vespers Project - Episode 8 : Vulnerability

    The Vespers Project - Episode 8 : Vulnerability
    Host Ben Pruitt discusses Vulnerability with his guest… Show Notes:Songs -Reflection, Lea Salonga: Disney’s Mulanhttps://www.amazon.com/Reflection-From-Mulan/dp/B0163XIVHQSpeak Life, TobyMac: Eye On It, TobyMachttps://www.amazon.com/Speak-Life/dp/B008TMR8N8Under the Stars, Hans Zimmer, Elton John, Mbongeni Ngema, Richard Harvey: Disney’s The Lion Kinghttps://www.amazon.com/Under-Stars-Lion-King-Score/dp/B00JRITXSQDear Insecurity, Gnash Featuring Ben Abraham; We, Gnashhttps://www.amazon.com/Colors-Wind-Pocahontas/dp/B014XRRZ1MThis is Me, Keala Settle: The Greatest Showman (lyrics by Ke$ha)https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-greatest-showman/id1324419603The Good Parts, Andy Grammer: The Good Parts, Andy Grammerhttps://www.amazon.com/Good-Parts-Andy-Grammer/dp/B076VJCV8FWe talk about Vulnerability in this episode with Mia Bocko - long time leader with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA. Acknowledgments - As always - a huge thank you to Blue Ridge Leaders School for inspiring this podcast. I want to thank Ben Gant for his creativity and graphic design. A huge thank you to everyone for submitting a Vespers to the project, and especially to Jason Wykoff for being a friend and for allowing me to learn and grow through his friendship. Lastly - thanks to the Ark of E for hosting our Podcast and giving us a platform to allow others to enjoy this art. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevespersproject/support

    The Vespers Project - Episode 7 : Inclusion

    The Vespers Project - Episode 7 : Inclusion
    Host Ben Pruitt discusses Inclusion with his guest… Show Notes:Songs -Different Colors, Walk the Moonhttps://www.amazon.com/Different-Colors-EP-WALK-MOON/dp/B018UY8ZA4Keep Your Eyes Open, needtobreathe: The Reckoning, needtobreathehttps://www.amazon.com/Keep-Your-Eyes-Open/dp/B005LD1L5OColors of the Wind, Tori Kelly: Originally from Disney’s Pocahontashttps://www.amazon.com/Colors-Wind-Pocahontas/dp/B014XRRZ1MWe talk about Inclusion in this episode with Megan Curbelo - Honor Leader in name and through action. Acknowledgments - As always - a huge thank you to Blue Ridge Leaders School for inspiring this podcast. I want to thank Ben Gant for his creativity and graphic design. A huge thank you to everyone for submitting a Vespers to the project, and especially to Jason Wykoff for being a friend and for allowing me to learn and grow through his friendship. Lastly - thanks to the Ark of E for hosting our Podcast and giving us a platform to allow others to enjoy this art. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevespersproject/support

    The Vespers Project - Episode 6 : Passion

    The Vespers Project - Episode 6 : Passion
    Host Ben Pruitt discusses Passion with his guest… Show Notes: Songs - This is Me, Keala Settle: The Greatest Showman https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-greatest-showman/id1324419603 Music of the Night, Michael Reed: Phantom of the Opera, Andrew Lloyd Webber https://www.amazon.com/The-Music-Of-Night/dp/B000V6TIX8 Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World, Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole: Wonderful World, IZ https://www.amazon.com/IZ-Wonderful-World-Israel.../dp/B000P1YM2G We talk about Passion in this episode with Matthew Schwab - Co-President of the local Gigi’s Playhouse Youth Advisory Board. Acknowledgments - As always - a huge thank you to Blue Ridge Leaders School for inspiring this podcast. I want to thank Ben Gant for his creativity and graphic design. A huge thank you to everyone for submitting a Vespers to the project, and especially to Jason Wykoff for being a friend and for allowing me to learn and grow through his friendship. Lastly - thanks to the Ark of E for hosting our Podcast and giving us a platform to allow others to enjoy this art. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevespersproject/support

    The Vespers Project - Episode 4 : Caring

    The Vespers Project - Episode 4 : Caring
    Host Ben Pruitt discusses Caring with his guest… Show Notes: Songs - Maybe IDK, Jon Bellion: The Human Condition, Jon Bellion https://www.amazon.com/Maybe-IDK-Explicit/dp/B01F9W9FS6 Count On Me, Bruno Mars: Doo-Wops & Hooligans, Bruno Mars (This version performed by KenYOfficial) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVpseMbhFV8 https://www.amazon.com/Count-On-Me/dp/B0043ZBJ6W Angels, Khalid; American Teen, Khalid https://www.amazon.com/Angels/dp/B01N7Y52Q8 Quotes & Inspiration - The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman https://www.5lovelanguages.com “If I could give you one thing in life, I would give you the ability to see yourself through my eyes, only then would you realize how special you are to me.” Frida Kahlo --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevespersproject/support

    The Vespers Project - Episode 3 : Patriotism

    The Vespers Project - Episode 3 : Patriotism
    Host Ben Pruitt discusses Patriotism with his guest… Show Notes: Songs - Here We Go...Motivated, US Army Rangers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB5tcfU9M10&list=WL&index=35 TedTalk on Extreme Ownership, by Jocko Willink https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljqra3BcqWM&t=125s Patriots, Earth Essence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc3g7olR1yk Brother, Kodaline https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6TXPNybrmk Quotes and Inspiration - “What's in a life without Camaraderie? For setting sail on a ship with a band of merry brothers by your side is much more gratifying than drifting aimlessly on a boat lost alone at sea.” -  Saim Cheeda Braving the Wilderness - Brene Brown https://www.amazon.com/Braving-Wilderness-Quest-Belonging-Courage/dp/0812995848 “To serve one another humbly in love” - Galatians 5:13 https://www.bibleref.com/Galatians/5/Galatians-5-13.html Acknowledgments - As always - a huge thank you to Blue Ridge Leaders School for inspiring this podcast. I want to thank Ben Gant for his creativity and graphic design. A huge thank you to everyone for submitting a Vespers to the project, and especially to Jason Wykoff for being a friend and for allowing me to learn and grow through his friendship. Lastly - thanks to the Ark of E for hosting our Podcast and giving us a platform to allow others to enjoy this art. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevespersproject/support

    The Vespers Project - Episode 2 : Light

    The Vespers Project - Episode 2 : Light
    Show Notes: Songs - You Will Be Found, Dear Evan Hansen: Benj Pasek and Justin Paul; Sung by Grace Tate https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Hansen-Original-Broadway-Recording/dp/B01N65O4U9/ref=sr_1_1?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1548712092&sr=1-1-mp3-albums-bar-strip-0&keywords=dear+evan+hansen+soundtrack Brother, NeedtoBreathe: NeedtoBreathe https://www.amazon.com/Brother-NEEDTOBREATHE/dp/B00SDOLZQS/ref=sr_1_1?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1548712144&sr=1-1-mp3-albums-bar-strip-0&keywords=brother+need+to+breathe Sky Full of Stars, Coldplay: Ghost Stories, Coldplay https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Stories-Coldplay/dp/B00IR3W52S/ref=sr_1_2?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1548712193&sr=1-2-mp3-albums-bar-strip-0&keywords=sky+full+of+stars+coldplay Searchlight, Philip Phillips: Behind the Light, Phillip Phillips https://www.amazon.com/Searchlight/dp/B00K33ORRQ My Wish, Rascal Flatts: Me and My Gang, Rascal Flatts https://www.amazon.com/My-Wish-Album-Version/dp/B005R96YKO Quotes & Inspiration - Bible - Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city upon a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do 12  people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine…” Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?...” https://www.amazon.com/Return-Love-Reflections-Principles-Miracles/dp/0060927488 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thevespersproject/support