Joy City

Brian Warth is the founding pastor of Chapel of Change in Los Angeles (Chapel of Change - Home) which has four campuses: Whittier, Paramount, Carson and Long Beach. Brian is the author of the book, "Young Man Arise" Young Man Arise! Warth, Brian V: 9781629526072: Amazon.com: Books, which details his life growing up in gang infested area of Los Angeles in which his family suffered the impact of gang violence. Brian's older brother was shot and killed, and Brian would later find himself arrested and incarcerated for a gang inflicted murder, in which he received a life sentence as a teenager. Brian tells his story of restoration and hope in the darkness of his prison cell, his marriage to his wife and about being a father to three amazing children. A message Brian carries with him everywhere, entitled, Fresh Hope. 

MMI Director Terry Beasley joins Joy City as we talk to men, about men and by men. Terry and I discuss some of the common concerns facing many men around the world today. MMI reaches men both domestically and internationally. Terry's weekly prayer zoom regularly has men from Pakistan, Australia, the U.K. and cities across America. His prayer zoom is accessible to all and you can reach him on his Facebook page by searching Terry Beasley. Just a few of the issues we discussed; our inability as men to "humble-down" and ask for help or directions in our lives based upon the perceived incompetence or weakness that it shows when we are unable to "figure it out." Terry has extensive personal life experience and ministry experience in which he shares to assist men in being open, honest and vulnerable with other men. We also discuss the possibility of rejection when engaging with other men, which has left men with their walls up and in a defensive posture when they encounter other men. The episode is loaded with some golden nuggets and is sure to benefit all men, everywhere, regardless of age. Be blessed and enjoy the episode. 

Founder and senior attorney at Church Law Center joins Joy City. Mr. Steeves has served twice as Dean of Trinity Law School and also serves on the Board of Directors of Nasthotah House Seminary in Wisconsin. Mr. Steeves shares four pillars or attitudes of joy that he shares with us. One, is when good things are happening, and it lets us know what joy feels like. Two, realigning your thought patterns, or disciplining your thinking. This is a spiritual habit believers should consider developing. Three, the filling of the Spirit, though your moment may be unpleasant...I know that my Redeemer lives. Four, is when a situation does not make sense or when bad things happen. Here's Jesus on the cross at Calvary, "My God, my God, why has Thou forsaken Me?" Enjoy our conversation regarding joy. 

This is a continuation of our group conversation talking addressing change in our lives. DK & Deborah faced a life and death decision in planning their family and Josh & Jaimie were wrestling with uprooting their family and moving to Montana. We all face daunting decisions in our lives and how we go about making those decisions can be critical to us moving forward. We talk the importance of building community and having people around you who are safe places to share, learn and be encouraged. 

This 2-part series deals with the major changes that impact all of our lives. Choong Man (aka DK) talks about preparing to have a child after doctors advised that his wife could die during child birth and Josh shares about moving his family from his hometown to Montana and the anxiety, worry, fear and anger during the process. "If it doesn't challenge you, it can't change you." If you are facing challenges in your life, be encouraged and build yourself a supportive community of people who will value you, support you, encourage you, excite you and learn with you. Community is critical. 

1 Corinthians 7:7, "For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that." Wow! Welcome to Joy City with my guest, Ashley Stovall. Ashley works at Modesto Junior College and is in charge of recruiting new students, student support services and the testing center. She has a Master's Degree in Public Administration and many social interests. As a single Black woman, I sat with Ashley to talk about the Gift of Singleness. 

Welcome to Joy City and today I am joined by the creator of Why Not U?, Derrick Wells. Derrick enlarged the vision and created Why Not U Leadership Academy for the Sacramento area schools. He developed the core curriculum to present to the admin at each location and has spent the last several months hitting up big time conferences to keep learning, enlarging and implementing the vision. Coach E.T., Eric Thomas and the 120 Conference-You Owe You in Chicago, John Maxwell Leadership Conference in Florida and most recently, CMCR Marriage Conference with Married Into Crazy podcast host who served as the keynote speakers. Here’s my interview with Derrick Wells. We talk Why Not U? Coach E.T. and John Maxwell as well as a Marriage Conference in Lake Tahoe. Derrick feels that conferences are a way to continually invest in yourself and grow. Derrick’s mission and goal is not only to serve others but to inspire over 1,000,000 people in podcasting and coaching. He talks the John Maxwell, “Law of the Lid” and more. To be around “winners” and there is no complacency, everyone is striving to become better. So that pushes him to greater heights. The Marriage Conference, “Married Into Crazy” is a podcast from Snooks & Lovie and CMCR Marriage Retreats had them as the keynote speakers. In this conference they learned about creating a vision for your marriage, setting goals and defining the dreams for your marriage. So the conference pushed you into communicating with your spouse and then creating a vision board and a plan to work towards the vision. Why Not U? was formed after talking to people and would find them not taking action on their words. Excuses, obstacles and other hinderances that keep people from their giftings and ideas. Derrick wants to inspire and coach people to operate in their God given gifts and help to elevate people to reach their dreams. Derrick speaks on allowing people around you, close to you, to help you discern your gift. Ask people, what do you see that I am good at? What do you see that excites me? Then take that information to help define your calling and gifting. Just some great takeaways and insight from Derrick on leadership, coaching, ministry & marriage. You can find Derrick on his IG page @thewhynotu or his website, simply click on the link in his bio. Just an amazing time with Derrick. So, when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. Every tribe and nation under heaven, worshipping God as one. As the Apostle Paul says, “may we fight for the UNITY of the faith in the bond of peace…” No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at pastorstuart@lifeconnection4christ.org or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. and I am excited to be joined today by Evan Moore, Vice President JP Morgan Chase Bank / Community Manager and Board member of the Modesto Stanislaus Chapter of the NAACP as the Religious Affairs Chair. Evan is a husband, a father, a pastor and a young man on mission. I was fortunate to join some pastors for lunch and met Evan there.  Evan, welcome to the show, welcome to Joy City. I could not be more thrilled to have you make time for Joy City. Evan shares about how it is to navigate his faith while working in the banking industry and the NAACP while being a youth pastor. Kingdom first is his attitude in tackling all his roles, he speaks about being led by God in all the areas of his life. Light shines in darkness but at times we want our light to shine amongst other lights. Evan also shares how it is operating in these spaces as a Millennial and walking in humility is critical. He finds challenges in being young and wanting to flex your muscles, but he resists that by being a listener first. He is the youngest Vice President Community Manager in Northern California and one of the youngest preachers at his Church (Lighthouse in the Valley, Stockton, CA). Operating inside the walls of the church and within the community is his current calling. He speaks on “self-mastery” and the ability to truly read others but find challenges in seeing their own flaws. As a youth pastor, he engages his group and ask them, “what is the best way to reach your generation?” He goes even further by asking more challenging questions and talks about how that is even being done in the secular spaces. He shares on ways to speak and get the outcome you desire and it’s not talking “at them” but talking to them and addressing their sensitivities. Most leaders are opinionated, and it seems like this is a generation of leaders. Evan shares some of the hardships of his upbringing; from being hit by a diesel truck at 3 years old and being put in a body cast, to being homeless and attending continuation school to now being one of the youngest V.P.’s in Nor Cal banking industry. Evan’s father was not in his life and was a drug dealer and his mom battled a drug addiction but knew the Lord. And through it all, God watched over and kept them and healed them. Even in her addiction, she would protect and pray over him and was a staunch advocate for him and his well-being. Just an amazing life story that you don’t want to miss. You can connect with Evan by email evan.moore@chase.com or Facebook or Instagram (evn.moore).So, when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. Every tribe and nation under heaven, worshipping God as one. As the Apostle Paul says, “may we fight for the UNITY of the faith in the bond of peace…” No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at pastorstuart@lifeconnection4christ.org or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. and I am joined today by Latricia Beasley-Day, a Community Organizer for Faith in the Valley here in Stanislaus County. If you are familiar with the show, thank you for your support and encouragement – if you are new to the show, I want to welcome you and let you know that our central theme is Almighty God and our relationship to Him through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary and how to grow, nourish and maintain that relationship. Latricia, welcome to the show, welcome to Joy City. Latricia and I met at Clergy Appreciation Day hosted by Doctor’s Hospital. Latricia explains Faith in the Valley as a grass-roots organization that advocates for social justice from many different angles. Trying to engage the clergy community. Faith in the Valley is comprised of five (5) multi-racial, multi-faith federations consolidated into one (1) organization. Housing is a main and critical issue for all the counties, immigration is huge in several counties and in Stanislaus County the need is for housing. However, the organizers are driven by what is crucial for the community. Right now she is meeting with the Jewish community regarding Black & Jewish relations by using a Belong Circle. Walking in multi-faith communities how do you keep Christ first? Latricia talks about how being in this arena makes her even more on fire for Jesus and how she sees there is a void in their lives as Jesus is missing. Yet, she feels the call to love and know the human being. Latricia walks us through her upbringing in the church and how she operated in San Francisco and even becoming a single mother. How the church supported her mother by supplying rides to and from church and then embracing her when she became pregnant as a young woman. The beauty of community in her life and what she is trying to pass to others. How God can take your ashes and make them beautiful. Latricia talks about being involved in a church plant in Modesto and being sent with the organizing and launch team of her church. You can reach Latricia either by email at latricia@faithinthevalley.org or by cell (209) 495-4377.So, when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. Every tribe and nation under heaven, worshipping God as one. As the Apostle Paul says, “may we fight for the UNITY of the faith in the bond of peace…” No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at pastorstuart@lifeconnection4christ.org or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. I want to welcome you to the show. Joy City’s central theme is God Almighty and our relationship to Him through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ and how to maintain that relationship. Jesus said in John 17:13, “…that they may have the full measure of MY joy within them.” Jesus is the very Source of our joy. Not things, achievements, accomplishments, money made but Jesus is our joy. The Apostle Paul says, “I die daily…” It all begins and ends with Jesus. In 2nd Corinthians the Apostle encourages the people by saying, “Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, poor, yet making many rich, having nothing, yet possessing all things.” This my beloved listeners is Joy City.And I want to welcome my guest today, Choong Man Kim, also known as :DK, one of the awesome leaders of DIVIN3KINGDOM. DIVIN3KINGDOM's mission statement is to bring people into the community of the Trinity for the infinity, through serving, mentoring and creativity. :DK will share more on that in a minute and you can also learn more on his website www.divin3kingdom.org. My guy is married, expecting their 1st child, and he and his wife serve in ministry together. Enough already, we will get into all of that, welcome to the show Choong Man. He is a graduate of William Jessup University and later attended Seminary (Gateway) where he received his Master of Divinity degree. :DK began his rap adventures when he was sixteen (16) years old and attended a party where he consumed alcohol for only the 3rd time in his life. Due to the alcohol courage, he jumped into what’s called a “Battle Rap.” His friends and all the people at the party, “went crazy.” He stated that he was getting a lot of positive attention from negative behavior. However, he had an experience battle rapping with a close friend and he felt his rap crossed the line, so he quit rapping for quite some time.While at a retreat, he started rhyming for fun and edifying the kids and lifting them up and he was encouraged by a minister to use his gift of rap for God. He continued seeking God in this lane and was supported greatly by a mentor figure, Ron Sararana (aka DJ Efechto of Humble Beast Records). He uses basketball and music to encourage and minister to people all around him. He has had the opportunity to play basketball behind the wall at San Quentin State Prison as well as having his voice recorded on NBA2K when Michael Jordan was on the cover. You can connect with Choong Man (aka :DK) through his website, www.divin3kingdom.org. If you would like to learn more about the ministry, reach out to him directly. So, when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. Every tribe and nation under heaven, worshipping God as one. As the Apostle Paul says, “may we fight for the UNITY of the faith in the bond of peace…” No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at pastorstuart@lifeconnection4christ.

Hello and welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. I want to welcome you and let you know that our central theme is God Almighty and our relationship to Him through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ and how to maintain that relationship. John 17:13, “…that they may have the full measure of MY joy within them.” Jesus is the very Source of our joy. Not things, achievements, accomplishments, money made but Jesus is our joy. The Apostle Paul says, “I die daily…” It all begins and ends with Jesus. Executive Director, Kevin VanDonselaar, of Christian Berets joins me on today’s show. You can learn more about Christian Berets on their website at: Christianberets.orgKevin is marred with (3) teenage children, they all serve in ministry together. Kevin has been an attorney, practicing law, for over (25) years and has served as a volunteer, board member and now the E.D. for Christian Berets. I met Kevin when I was invited by members of our own church (Brice & Sandy Ringsby) to Christian Berets camp last summer.Christian Berets ministers to such a diverse group of needs; from those with Down Syndrome, or those on the spectrum, to those with physical limitations and yet there is a wide variety of ministry for those who attend camp. They provide amazing, compassionate and caring counselors. If you know someone with disabilities, a family member or you would like to volunteer, go to the website and get engaged. The pillars of the ministry are: Love, Serve, Protect, and Share the Gospel. The staff desires to demonstrate the Gospel and then share the Gospel. There is chapel, songs, bible stories and live-active learning experiences. Another highlight is the camp talent show, the fire department comes to have “water-wars” with the campers and staff, as well as a suds mountain. Go carts and a 4 seater Razor with a Superman wrap on it. Volleyball, Wiffleball, carnival activities, outdoor amphitheater and board games. Add the amazing chef that provides tremendous meals for the campers, staff and family. Christian Berets camp is also accessible to non-Christians and Kevin shares an amazing story of a camper who wanted to go home and felt “tricked” into camp because she was not a Christian. Kevin called the parent, Mom told her to stay one more night and if she wanted to come home she could. It was that next day, that particular camper said YES to Jesus and is now a self-professing Christian. Kevin was called to this ministry and then was tasked with leaving his career and talking about this with his family. His wife and kids all prayed, all came into agreement and they wanted to experience the ministry as a family. All Kevin’s kids serve in the ministry and his wife travels to camp after her work hours. Serving when it’s convenient is one thing and sacrifice is another. Kevin goes through this transition in our interview. No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at pastorstuart@lifeconnection4christ.org or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and Happy New Year, welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. I’m joined by my co-host, Bro. J.C. (really pastor JC). If you are familiar with the show, thank you for your support and encouragement – if you are new to the show, I want to welcome you and let you know that our central theme is God Almighty and our relationship to Him through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ and how to maintain that relationship. As we enter 2023, we have such high expectations for the new year, but for many, 2023 has not began the way they envisioned it. JC, who is a life coach, teaches many of his clients that you have to have a plan – a goal and making it something that we enjoy doing. John 17:13, “…that they may have the full measure of MY joy within them.” Jesus is the very Source of our joy. Not things, achievements, accomplishments, money made but Jesus is our joy. The Apostle Paul says, “I die daily…” It all begins and ends with Jesus. We dive into Psalms 139 and ask every listener to read this Psalms every morning for (30) days and then journal what stands out to you. Just a glimpse is “O Lord, You have searched me and know me…” This Psalms reminds us that God has a perfect knowledge of us, describes us as fearfully and wonderfully made and that God’s thoughts towards us are precious. Think about that, God not only thinks we are marvelous, but when He thinks about us, the thought is precious. Wow! We don’t even think about ourselves in such high esteem as God does. We also discussed leadership Guru, John C. Maxwell and his year end questions. Reflection questions, the now question and the forward questions to prepare us for the new year.So, when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. Every tribe and nation under heaven, worshipping God as one. As the Apostle Paul says, “may we fight for the UNITY of the faith in the bond of peace…” No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at pastorstuart@lifeconnection4christ.org or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. If you are familiar with the show, thank you for your support and encouragement – if you are new to the show, I want to welcome you and let you know that our central theme is God Almighty and our relationship to Him through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ and how to maintain that relationship. And in his book The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence encourages us to practice the presence of God daily and try to know the Holy Spirit that is in the Scriptures. Now Brother Lawrence was a lay member, not a cleric, priest or pastor – an ordinary, and I’m putting that in air quotes, brother who loved God. It demonstrates for you and me and millions of others, God wants to draw close to us.Chrystal Welch, my wife, joins Joy City today as we discuss disruption, transition, connection and ministry in the context of our relocation to Modesto, CA. Chrystal discusses leaving relationships behind and being unable to connect with a running group or meaningful relationships since moving. Family, children and her parents remain in their local areas. As well as making huge moves and being engaged in ministry. Tune in and hopefully some nuggets will help you in the midst of disruption or transition. So when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. Every tribe and nation under heaven, worshipping God as one. As the Apostle Paul says, “may we fight for the UNITY of the faith in the bond of peace…” No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at pastorstuart@lifeconnection4christ.org or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

          Welcome to Joy City where I am joined by my son; Cayman Welch and my co-host, Brother J.C. who now serves as the pastor of Christ Centered Missionary Baptist Church in Hayward, CA.           We welcome Cayman who has his own media company, Black Ambition Media, and part of that is his podcast, The Rising (@egtherising), dealing with social issues that impact the Black Culture. Cayman and his crew also had the honor of facilitating the 1st ever Juneteenth Celebration for the City of Elk Grove. Big moment for his life and trajectory of his life and aspirations. This shows the Lord can open doors and provide opportunities and we must be prepared to engage.           Bro. J.C. asked Cayman, "how does it feel to be out on your own and creating your own identity apart from your dad?" Cayman expresses that the things he has learned growing up, the principles of prayer & reading scripture are things to lean into as he learns the principles of life on his own.  JC reminds him that he is creating his own legacy.          JC continued with, "What are 2 challenges that you have faced being a PK (pastor's kid)?" Cayman talks about seeing what "people first" looks like. At times it is hard to see people first when you are a kid and you want stuff.  2nd challenge was just being under a spotlight - when you're a pastor's kid people will put expectations on you.           Cayman also serves as worship leader for a church in Lodi, CA. He began his experience at our 1st church plant when he was about 8-9 years old. He has grown so much in his musical gift and using it to God's glory as a young man. I asked Cayman to share his thoughts on church today. Cayman actually likes what we generally call "old school" church and dealing with some young people today, they don't have a similar church history and some have never been to church.           In addition, as young people, you have grown up in the digital age and the hip hop area, this becomes a filter in which younger generations view church or the Bible. Cayman discusses how he sees integrating these concepts into what is deemed ministry today.           We discuss trying to reach out to those who may be lost in the sense of how the Bible uses the term lost souls. COVID pushed many churches to realize that you have to be engaged with the population, connecting with people where they are in love and compassion. Community organizing is a big piece, doing things for people for the sake of being a resource or helping hand. God is there and may we be the hands and feet of God.          Enjoy the conversation and you can reach out to Cayman on YouTube by entering Black Ambition Media, listen in to the podcast at @eg_therising or email at egtherising@gmail.com.What an amazing time speaking and sharing with Cayman today and I pray it is encouraging for you too. 

Hello, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA and even in Joy City we shed tears, voice frustrations and struggle to deal with the tragedies of this life. That’s why I am so excited to welcome my guest today, Pastor Rick Countryman. Rick is what we call the Pastor Emeritus of Big Valley Grace Church here in Modesto. What that means is that after 40 years of pastoring, he handed the mantle over, but he remains a vital and valuable member of that pastoral staff. We will cover a lot today and you will hear some tremendous insight, a few actionable tips that you can implement to grow in your pursuit of God, and I am confident that you will find at the very least some mild amusement along the way too. Rick welcome to the show. Now we have to dive into this horrific shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde Texas that killed (19) children and (2) teachers. Now Rick, I know that you have seen some tragedies hit the lives of loved ones, family members or church members, what would you say if you had the opportunity to stand in front of this community. Rick went on to share his own loss of his 1st wife in a tragic car accident as well as other things that can impact us with no notice at all. He also remarked about the importance of a church community to come around you and how we as believers are called to bare one another’s burden’s and weep with those who weep. He comments on leaving the ER after a death and going up a few floors to a new baby being birthed. How we live in this life of tension, weeping one moment and rejoicing another. Thank you for that and somehow someway, I pray that God get that sentiment to these families. Now lets keep it moving we went on to talk about Rick’s journey to Christ, his engagement at Big Valley Grace, his run for Mayor of Modesto and so much more. So when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at pastorstuart@lifeconnection4christ.org or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

In this week’s episode on dealing with disputes, many people think we are living in some far away land that it’s impossible to live in when you are surrounded by all this COVID, mask mandates, vax’d or un-vax’d, rising prices and homelessness – how you gonna live in Joy City. As the Word is spreading, some cities sent for the Apostle Paul to come and preach and teach in their city and Paul would respond by teaching the Gospel message from the beginning to the raising of Jesus from the dead and would conclude with the message that “and this salvation is now offered to all of you” and the city would rejoice. So much so, they would beg for Paul to come back each week and preach this message and the Bible says, nearly the entire City would come out.Now envy arose, the Gentiles were glad but the Jews expelled Paul and Barnabas from the city. Now how do you handle these situations, how do you handle dissention – God always has an answer for us to follow. Paul and Barnabas took one route, they shook the dust from their feet and went their way. But they went their way it says with GREAT JOY and the Holy Spirit. You see they didn’t let what others thought about them, felt about them, said about them alter their JOY. Beloved, as residents of Joy City, our worth, value or significance does not depend on OTHERS. Hallelujah, it depends on how God values us. Now I’m already knowing, some of you are saying – well, I can’t just shake the dust from my feet, I can’t just pick up and leave, I can’t just take off – these people live with me, they are my spouse, my children, my parents, my family or co-workers on my job and students in my class. Whatever the relationship, I can’t get away from them – so what do I do. Let me say this, don’t ever get caught up on the demonstration of the Christian life over the true heart connection of the Christian life. What I mean by that is many times we hear, “hey, fake it till you make it.” No my friend, don’t try and fake it, it won’t last and then you really have a dilemma. No, no, what you do is get real with your God, Father, I’m really struggling here – I really need You to guide and lead like you did the apostles so that I can rejoice and celebrate in the midst of this chaos. Trust me, God wants to and He’s waiting to – He promises if you call He will answer, He will reveal Himself and He is not a respecter of persons, but what He does for one, he will do for all. Glory to God. So lets look at another example of resolving disputes from the Apostle Paul who has had his share of lessons in order to teach us. In the 4th chapter of the book of Philippians we see a dispute between Euodia and Syntyche. Now we don’t know what caused their dispute, which shows God is not necessarily concerned with the cause of the dispute as He is with the disruption of the UNITY in the Body. God desires the Body of Christ work in sync with itself, that every member of the Body functions as prescribed and performs its duty to the benefit of the Body, so anytime that UNITY is fractured, God has remedy. So here, Paul pleads rather than commands. You see, he doesn’t appeal to his authority over them, he appeals to them as their friend, a brother in Christ, giving us a glimpse how we entreat one another as brothers and sisters, not authoritarians. Then he calls the community to engage in the matter, yes we are one another’s keeper and we are to be concerned with what impacts one of us impacts all of us. We are relational beings, relationships are under attack from all sides; I mean our belief systems, COVID and mask or vaccines, families are being torn apart and over the last few years, we have clearly seen where the holes are as relationships are being ruptured daily. So Paul urges the residents of Joy City, hey lets come together and lets engage in this situation and then he directs them back to the constitution of Joy City, “be of the same mind in the Lord.” 

Hello, welcome to Joy City, a weekly blog and podcast, hosted by yours truly, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church, Modesto, CA. I want to invite you in, to join with an amazing community of friends that are quickly becoming an intimate part of my daily life. I am your host and excited to deliver great content that can change your life and truly transform as we celebrate the greatness of God and His presence in the every day moments of our lives. Knowing the Creator, the Grand Weaver of our lives is present with us and then leaning into that Presence can be revolutionary for many of us, so lets enter in to the City – Joy City. Have you ever heard the phrase, challenge is necessary for mature functioning or change is a must for change equals self-improvement? Well that is how Joy City came about, it came about due to the challenging circumstances in the lives of men and women who faced the threat of death daily at the hands of Christian persecutors. This risk, forced many people to flee and scatter all over – but guess what, they didn’t run and hide, they fled and began to teach and minister the principles of Jesus Christ wherever they found themselves. In one particular instance, one man named Philip found himself in a city called Samaria. While there, Philip preached and ministered the word of God and the people were saved, healed, delivered and we read there was great joy in that city. So in the midst of the threat of death, torture and all manner of evil directed at them, the people not only flourished but they found Joy City, a place where the people celebrated what they had to offer. In Joy City, faith is all important. For without faith it is impossible to please God. In Joy City, we understand that by faith we can receive anything and it can take us anywhere in the kingdom of God. But without it, I can’t even approach God, cannot receive forgiveness, deliverance, salvation, communion or any spiritual life at all. No, in Joy City, faith is the key that unlocks the door. In this self-centered world that we occupy – MONEY is the commodity everyone seeks. In the upside-down kingdom of Joy City, money is merely a resource not the source, that is God. So here in this earth, we follow hard after the dollar-dollar bill, use slogans like he with the most toys wins, where in the City of Joy, we follow hard after God and that faith has a reward that is more valuable than anything money can buy – God Himself. Like he told Levi, after occupying Canaan land and dividing the land among his siblings. You get no land Levi, what you get is ME! I am your portion and your inheritance – that right there made Levi richer than all his brothers. Now I’m not saying Joy City is free of hardships or suffering. Not at all, oh we cry a lot and feel the anguish at the plight and despair of family, friends and loved ones. However, in the midst of that we experience the true nature of our life in Christ. The Apostle Paul taught us that to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and be a partaker of his sufferings is to join with others in the midst of their suffering and then we become one of solidarity with human suffering. To connect our own vulnerability with those we live with, that is true joy. The joy of belonging, of being part of, of not being different. The sorrow is still there, but God is breaking through, something has changed. This happens when we are no longer standing in front of others, but sitting with them and sharing that moment of togetherness.  The cup of life beloved is the cup of joy as much as it is the cup of sorrow. In that cup is sorrows and joys, sadness and gladness, and mourning and dancing – they are never separated.I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at pastorstuart@lifeconnection4christ.org or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. and I am joined today by Tajira McCoy, a dynamic writer who’s reviews are fire, travelling all across the country participating in tours and readings and just happens to be my niece. Tajira, welcome to the show, welcome to Joy City. I could not be more thrilled to have you make time for Joy City. Taj is currently in Washington, D.C., where she just completed a deadline in submitting her manuscript to her publisher. She has just released her second novel, “Zora Finds Her Happily Ever After”, off the success of her first novel, “Savvy Sheldon Feels Good As Hell.” We talk about the challenges of leaving a full-time career as an Admissions Director at a Law School to becoming a full-time author and literary agent. Taj was first published in 1994, when she was a fifth-grade student and talks about how writing allowed her to process her internal emotions. Tajira holds a J.D. degree, has travelled the world and has experience in dealing with a myriad of challenges. Taj talks about Savvy Sheldon and her insecurities with her weight and identity and how she created Zora. Both books are available on Amazon. Take a listen as she shares how editing, book covers and titles are determined and now, how she is taking the role on of helping other budding authors launch their careers. Connect with Taj by reaching her on her website, tajmccoywrites.com. So, when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. Every tribe and nation under heaven, worshipping God as one. As the Apostle Paul says, “may we fight for the UNITY of the faith in the bond of peace…” No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at pastorstuart@lifeconnection4christ.org or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. I am so excited about my guest, Pastor Rod Cochran who serves as the Pastor of Christian Love Baptist Church in Modesto, CA. I met Rod at the City Pastor Luncheons, and we clicked in talking sports, restorative justice and church and I can’t wait to get to know him a bit better today. I know there will be great takeaways here, some information you can use right away and some for later down the road called life and as a father, maybe even some parenting tips. Let’s jump right into it, man Rod welcome to Joy City. I’ve been chasing you for months to get you on the podcast, brotherman, how are you, the family, things at the church? Rod talks taking over a church after losing the only pastor they ever knew and after his first Sunday, we all experience the pandemic and a global shut-down. Dr. Cornell West says, “Never forget, Justice is what love looks like in public.” We have a hard time defining justice, but we know what we mean by love. Majority of people understand love is being respected, accepted and valued. Rod shares growing up in the deep south and what justice means to him. Lastly, hear Rod's story on dying and being dead for over (4) minutes and his life transforming encounter and how he handles "survivor's guilt." So, when God opens our eyes in Joy City, we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts, and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins, we all win. Every tribe and nation under heaven, worshipping God as one. As the Apostle Paul says, “may we fight for the UNITY of the faith in the bond of peace…” No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at pastorstuart@lifeconnection4christ.org or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and welcome back to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. If you are new you may wonder, “Joy City” really? Yes, after the Apostles were beaten and released, they found “great joy…” and Jesus in John 17 says, “that they may have the full measure of my JOY within them.” That yes, we face many trials and storms but the Apostle encourages us, we rejoice in hope and as sorrowful, yet ALWAYS rejoicing…” So welcome to Joy City my friends. I am so excited about my guest, Marissa Mattox Heffernan who serves as the Associate Pastor of Discipleship at New Hope FMC in Rochester, NY. I met Marissa at the FMC Justice Summit where she did a workshop entitled Justice & Jubilee: The Call to Beloved Community. Let’s jump right into it, Marissa welcome to Joy City. I can’t tell you how excited I have been to be able to chat with you. How are you, the family – those 3 beautiful little girls? What’s happening on the East Coast? Rochester is cool right now, someone said, “Summer checked out like someone owed them money!” Marissa serves on both the National FMC Justice Network as well as her local Genesis Justice Network. She attributes her engagement in these networks with her remaining a part of the FM Church. Our goal is to try and lend a prophetic voice to the Church regarding justice. Our local network is more grassroots and she desired to create a team to resource pastors in the justice arena. Creating a more vocal space for people to share and to fit.As an assistant pastor of discipleship, people see discipleship as the God stuff, church and Bible, and justice is that stuff that happens out there. I would like to see justice “re-integrated” into biblical teachings. How we are called to restore fullness and shalom in ourselves, in our community, in our churches and outside them as we remind people of the innate work of God in creating us in His very image. As a Christian, justice is the reparative, reconciliatory power of God in community. https://fmcusa.org/resources/2019bod (Link to the FMC Book of Discipline).Dr. Cornell West says, “Never forget, Justice is what love looks like in public.” We have a hard time defining justice, but we know what we mean by love. Majority of people understand love is being respected, accepted and valued. Also Pastor Bruce Wright was in Liz Cornell’s workshop as we worked through her book, “The Love Required of Us.” https://freemethodistbooks.com/product/the-love-required-of-us-ebook-editionMarissa shares her back story of growing up in a church and then falling away before a life-crisis bought her back to church. Being a woman of color brought friction which allowed her to focus her mission in ministry by ministering to youth who identified as LGBTQ and received push-back from some parents. This is when she begin to be a self-proclaimed “pot-stirrer.” She wanted to create safe spaces for kids who couldn’t find safe spaces to fit in, this should be the church. In helping herself identify, she found great value in Dominque DuBois Gilliard’s book, “Subversive Witness.”  https://www.amazon.com/Subversive-Witness-Scriptures-Leverage-Privilege/dp/0310124034Beloved, God has called us to justice, because he has called us to Himself and justice is an attribute of God. He lays the plan out in Exodus and through Deuteronomy and relativizes the community so we are now brothers and sisters, not by blood, but by something greater, the Spirit of the living God. You can reach Marissa at marissamattoxheffernan on FB, pastormarissa@newhopefree.org, Justicenetworkfmc.org, marissamattoxheffernan.com.