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    <fireside:hostname>web01.fireside.fm</fireside:hostname>
    <fireside:genDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 17:00:58 -0500</fireside:genDate>
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    <title>Draw Near - Episodes Tagged with “Community”</title>
    <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/tags/community</link>
    <pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <description>At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us.
Rooted in the Catholic faith, our podcast is a space where authenticity meets joy. We’re two best friends navigating life, family, and faith with honesty, humility, and a lot of love. Each episode is a heartfelt conversation—sometimes deep, sometimes lighthearted, but always real. We strive to be vulnerable, faithful, and passionate, sharing insights and stories to inspire you on your path toward Christ.
This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace.
</description>
    <language>en</language>
    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>Helping each person to draw near to Christ and to one another. </itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us.
Rooted in the Catholic faith, our podcast is a space where authenticity meets joy. We’re two best friends navigating life, family, and faith with honesty, humility, and a lot of love. Each episode is a heartfelt conversation—sometimes deep, sometimes lighthearted, but always real. We strive to be vulnerable, faithful, and passionate, sharing insights and stories to inspire you on your path toward Christ.
This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace.
</itunes:summary>
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    <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
    <itunes:keywords>Faith; Christ; Podcast; Catholic; Friends; Draw Near</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>drawnear.me@gmail.com</itunes:email>
    </itunes:owner>
<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality">
  <itunes:category text="Spirituality"/>
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<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality">
  <itunes:category text="Christianity"/>
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<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality"/>
<item>
  <title>Friend Day: Want to Join? </title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/229</link>
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  <pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/f9a662b0-a0af-48bd-8f00-fa09cd94a429.mp3" length="64957517" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>New Draw Near Episode! When life gets heavy, sometimes you just need a Friend Day.
Fred &amp; Kara pour some coffee, ask each other fun (and deep) questions, and invite you to join the conversation.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>45:06</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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  <description>Sometimes, we all just need a friend day! Grab your favorite drink and join us today for our much needed friend day chat. In this relaxed episode of Draw Near, let's cut throught the stresses and weariness. Fred and Kara catch up, asking each other questions that spark joy, honesty, and laughter. Want to join us? 
Help us grow by following the Draw Near podcast on your favorite platform. 
Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)."
Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. 
"Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/)! 
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.  (https://www.drawnear.me/)
Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! 
Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Draw Near, Fred and Kara, friend day, draw near podcast, catholic podcast, christian friendship, faith and friendship, catholic spirituality, authentic friendship, prayer and community, catholic conversation, catholic encouragement, catholic ministry, real life faith, catholic marriage, christian discipleship, spiritual growth, catholic relationships, faith and laughter, christian podcast conversations, joy and faith</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Sometimes, we all just need a friend day! Grab your favorite drink and join us today for <em>our</em> much needed friend day chat. In this relaxed episode of Draw Near, let&#39;s cut throught the stresses and weariness. Fred and Kara catch up, asking each other questions that spark joy, honesty, and laughter. Want to join us? </p>

<p>Help us grow by <strong>following</strong> the Draw Near podcast on your favorite platform. </p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Sometimes, we all just need a friend day! Grab your favorite drink and join us today for <em>our</em> much needed friend day chat. In this relaxed episode of Draw Near, let&#39;s cut throught the stresses and weariness. Fred and Kara catch up, asking each other questions that spark joy, honesty, and laughter. Want to join us? </p>

<p>Help us grow by <strong>following</strong> the Draw Near podcast on your favorite platform. </p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>A Chosen People: Building the Kingdom of God</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/216</link>
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  <pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/b4e9ed2d-8db8-4ef9-b8c9-395b01aab55e.mp3" length="9572774" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>What does it mean to be a "living stone" in God's Church? How can we live as a royal priesthood, and build communities that truly reflect the love and unity of Christ?

In this episode, Fred explores the readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter and unpacks our identity as chosen people—called not just to believe, but to build. Drawing from Acts, Revelation, and John’s Gospel, we’ll dive into what it means to be part of something eternal and radiant: the Kingdom of God.

🔹 Discover how God is building his Church through us
🔹 Learn what it means to offer spiritual sacrifices in daily life
🔹 Be inspired to live your faith with peace, purpose, and unity

Whether you're new to the faith or a lifelong disciple, this episode will challenge and encourage you to take your place in God’s spiritual house.

</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>8:44</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/cover.jpg?v=2"/>
  <description>What does it mean to be a "living stone" in God's Church? How can we live as a royal priesthood, and build communities that truly reflect the love and unity of Christ?
In this episode, Fred explores the readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter and unpacks our identity as chosen people—called not just to believe, but to build. Drawing from Acts, Revelation, and John’s Gospel, we’ll dive into what it means to be part of something eternal and radiant: the Kingdom of God.
🔹 Discover how God is building his Church through us
🔹 Learn what it means to offer spiritual sacrifices in daily life
🔹 Be inspired to live your faith with peace, purpose, and unity
Whether you're new to the faith or a lifelong disciple, this episode will challenge and encourage you to take your place in God’s spiritual house.
Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)."
Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. 
"Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! 
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.  (https://www.drawnear.me/)
Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! 
Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>living stones, spiritual growth, royal priesthood, sixth sunday of easter, building the church, kingdom of God, catholic podcast, draw near podcast, scripture reflection, easter season, peace of Christ, holy spirit, acts 15, john 14, revelation 21, chosen people, unity in the church</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>What does it mean to be a &quot;living stone&quot; in God&#39;s Church? How can we live as a royal priesthood, and build communities that truly reflect the love and unity of Christ?</p>

<p>In this episode, Fred explores the readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter and unpacks our identity as chosen people—called not just to believe, but to build. Drawing from Acts, Revelation, and John’s Gospel, we’ll dive into what it means to be part of something eternal and radiant: the Kingdom of God.</p>

<p>🔹 Discover how God is building his Church through us<br>
🔹 Learn what it means to offer spiritual sacrifices in daily life<br>
🔹 Be inspired to live your faith with peace, purpose, and unity</p>

<p>Whether you&#39;re new to the faith or a lifelong disciple, this episode will challenge and encourage you to take your place in God’s spiritual house.</p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>What does it mean to be a &quot;living stone&quot; in God&#39;s Church? How can we live as a royal priesthood, and build communities that truly reflect the love and unity of Christ?</p>

<p>In this episode, Fred explores the readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter and unpacks our identity as chosen people—called not just to believe, but to build. Drawing from Acts, Revelation, and John’s Gospel, we’ll dive into what it means to be part of something eternal and radiant: the Kingdom of God.</p>

<p>🔹 Discover how God is building his Church through us<br>
🔹 Learn what it means to offer spiritual sacrifices in daily life<br>
🔹 Be inspired to live your faith with peace, purpose, and unity</p>

<p>Whether you&#39;re new to the faith or a lifelong disciple, this episode will challenge and encourage you to take your place in God’s spiritual house.</p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
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