OverviewOn today’s podcast, Bessy Holdren, a marriage and family therapist, talks with Alanna Sullivan on Identity formation, what true Biblical Identity looks like, and how to use a simple acronym PBC (Prayer-Bible-Community) to stay rooted in a Biblical Identity during challenging times. Identity Form: 0:00 - 13:00Bessy talks about her own identity formation growing up as an immigrant child from Honduras. Identity Formation: 14:00-19:00Bessy talks about factors that typically influence identity formation and how Covid has been a catalyst in exposing these early formational challenges. Identity Formation: 19:30-30:00Bessy talks through Biblical identity and a simple acronym to root us in Biblical identity during challenging times (PBC).PrayerBible:Community:  Bonus: 17 Bible Verses to Remind You of Your Identity in ChristJohn 1:12 ~”Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”Romans 8:28~ “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.“Ephesians 1:7 ~ “ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.“John 15:16 ~ “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.“Romans 6:6~ “ For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.”Genesis 1:27 ~ “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”Jeremiah 1:5 ~“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”1 Peter 2:9 ~ “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.“Galatians 2:20~ “ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”John 15:15~ “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”Ephesians 2:10~ “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”Philippians 3:20~ “ But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ”2 Timothy 1:7~ “ But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”Colossians 3:1-4~ “ Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.Romans 8:37~ “ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.“Psalm 139:14 ~ “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”2 Corinthians 5:17~ “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Grace Chapel - San Diego

Conversations: Identity Formation & Reclaiming Biblical Identity with Bessy Holdren

Sermon: Take your Next Step with George Clerie

Sermon: A Week of Prayer & Fasting

OverviewOn today’s podcast, Celeste Garcia talks with Alanna Sullivan about how vulnerability is a key to unlocking deeper community and creates a path to growing closer to God. Celeste is a trained Psychologist that currently works with at-risk youth within San Diego County. Shame & Vulnerability: 0:00 - 12:00PartI: Celeste shares about her own experience with shame and vulnerability as a child and also as a Christian young in the faith. She shares how deep community in home gatherings helped her to be vulnerable accelerating her relation with with the Lord.She also covers some of the basics of shame and vulnerability.  Biblical Connections: 12:00-22:00Part II: Celeste covers biblical connections to the importance of vulnerability and carrying one another’s burdens. She also covers some practical advice with the congregation around how vulnerability, both as a one who enters into vulnerability, but also as one who bears it for another is of the utmost importance in intimate community. 

Conversations: Vulnerability as a Path to God with Celeste Garcia

OverviewOn today’s podcast, Hosts Peter, Alanna, and Producer Aeron talk a little about The Gathering Podcast, why and how it got started, and also what to look forward to in 2021. The first half (through minute 16) focuses on the podcast, how and why it got started, as well as what to expect from it in 2021.The second half (through minute 30) focuses on Peter, Alanna, and Aeron, a little about them in the context of the Podcast, as well the sharing of a Google Form where you can share your own feedback, thoughts, or recommendations for the podcast!FEEDBACK FORM

Welcome to The Gathering Podcast in 2021!

OverviewOn today’s podcast, Pastor Bill Impey talks with Peter Varberg about exercising wisdom this year as we transition from 2020 to 2021 to take a pause and try to hear from God about what he may be speaking to you personally at this time of transition.Introduction to Hearing from God: 0:00 - 16:00Common reasons you may not be hearing from God: 16:00-26:00Lesser-Known reasons may not be hearing from God: 26:00-60:00How to find your one word: 60:00-85:00ResourcesInner Healing & Prayer GuidePracticing the Presence of GodMy One WordThe Promise Principle

Conversations: Hearing God's One Word for You with Pastor Bill Impey.

Sermon: Jesus Birth & Christmas Message with George Clerie

Sermon: Opening Luke with Pastor Bill

OverviewOn today’s podcast, Debbie Roller, a member of the Gathering and longtime missionary, is interviewed by Alanna Sullivan on her work in the Philippine. We also talk about how her own testimony and witness to God’s redemptive work in her life brought her out of similar circumstances to those she ministers today. Debbie's Child Testimony: 0:00 - 9:30Debbie's Adult Faith Testimony: 9:30-19:30Debbie's Growing Faith and Heart for the Marginalized: 19:30-27:00Debbie's Missionary Work 27:00-47:00Starting her schoolMinistries she supportsHow to get involved & supportFaith Moves Mountains

Ministering to the Marginalized with Debbie Roller

OverviewIn the eighth episode of The Gathering Podcast,  you will hear from Pastor George Clerie interviewed by Peter Varberg on the topic of Christmas. George and Peter discuss the impacts of Covid on our Christmas traditions, and the opportunities it affords us to hit reset this year. 2020 is an opportunity to refresh our understanding of Christmas, and what we allow to take our attention in relation to Christmas. It's a great discussion you don't want to miss.Intro Discussion - 0:00A Russian Christmas - 4:30Christmas Texts - 8:00John 1:1-5 & 14: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.Matthew 1:20-23: But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).Key Truths from the Text: 11:24 Truth #1- Jesus the Word (Logos) God fully conceived and fully expressed15:30 Truth #2- Jesus (the Word) became flesh (fully human) 18:45 Truth #3 - Jesus came to be God with us. He didn't swing by for a visit but he made his dwelling.24:06 Truth #4 You saw Jesus, you saw God- He is Awe-inspiring, Christmas should be a time of aweKey Takeaways from the Text: 29:21 #1 Salvation "God Saves"31:37 #2 Identity37:36 #3 Courage40:07 #4 Mission43:28- Analogy of Bill Gates Resources:BibleProject Videos:Luke 1-2Heaven & Earth

The True Meaning of Christmas with George Clerie

OverviewIn the seventh episode of The Gathering Podcast,  you will hear from Ray Pigeon interviewed by Peter Varberg on the topic of cultivating healthy habits. Ray is a medical doctor who specializes in internal medicine. Ray speaks from both a biblical and medical perspective as he discusses healthy habit building with Peter. Intro Discussion - 0:00-6:00Ray talks a little about his past and how his family seemed destined to enter the medical field.Taking Care of Yourself With Diet 6:00-24:00Taking Care of Yourself Physically 24:00-34:00Taking Care of Yourself Emotionally & Spiritually 34:00-49:00Resources:http://www.lowcarbmd.com www.dietdoctor.com/

Cultivating Healthy Habits with Ray Pigeon

OverviewIn the sixth episode of The Gathering Podcast, hear from Jeff Doria, interviewed by Peter Varberg on the topic of healing, and how to experience healing with God. Jeff shares his experience as a clinical chaplain on the topic of healing, as well as help us to understand healing by defining it. Intro Discussion - 0:00-13:00 Jeff talks about three areas of healing:Physical Healing Emotional Healing Psalm 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."Divine or Spiritual HealingMatthew 8:17 "This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”James 5:14-16 "Is anyone among you sick? Scriptural Flyover -  13:00-40:00Jeff covers healings as found in the scriptures. He also shares about his own personal experiences of healing through ministry work, and also as a benefactor of healing through his family's experience with medical challenges with his daughter(s).Old TestamentJeremiah 30:17 "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD"Psalm 30:2 "LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me."Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.Psalm 103:2-6 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, Psalm 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.Jesus - the HealerMatthew 4:23-24 “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Luke 13:11-13 - Crippled woman for 18yrs was healed.John 5:1-15 — Healing of the paralytic at the pool of Bethesda.John 9:1-7 — Jesus heals the blind man with mud and saliva after he washes at the Pool of Siloam.How Jesus would healJesus always addressed the obvious physical need in order to address the greater spiritual need.Purpose of Spiritual Gifts:1 Cor. 12:7-10 v.7 - each of us has a spiritual gift. The gift(s) are given for the “common good” (NIV)v.11 — spiritual gifts are God’s will to the church as He distributes and determines.1 Peter 4:10-11 As Christians, the use of our spiritual gifts is a form of exercising faithful stewardship of God’s grace for the purpose of 2 things...Mutual edification of the Body of ChristGlorify GodRomans 12:6-8 v.6 — Spiritual gifts are a grace given to us as Christians to use them.Sarah’s story as a missionary in India“The Day Priya Walked Her Cow” — https://www.sdrock.com/stories/sarahdoria/The Remedy -  40:00-47:00The acronym HEALH - Hope in Jesus as our ultimate healer.E - Expectation for God to fulfill His ultimate purpose in your life .A - Acknowledge His Sovereignty & Goodness over your life, You’re not in control, He is...L - Letting go of the outcome, let the God of all comfort, comfort you. Surrendering the outcome to the Lord.What to pray for healing over.Pray for healing over your/others' physical ailments, sicknesses, and disease.Pray for healing over broken hearts.Pray for healing over wounds caused by others in your life, or pain you may have caused to others. Pray for healing over our nation, and the world around us. As we experience God’s healing, we can experience God's peace (shalom).

Experiencing God's Healing with Jeff Doria

OverviewIn the fifth episode of The Gathering Podcast, hear from Ali Kaun, interviewed by Alanna Sullivan on the topic of fear and anxiety. Ali shares about her personal struggles with stress and anxiety and how God walked her through a physical, emotional, and spiritual healing process that took over a decade. Discussion0:00 - 8:00 Ali introduces her first experience with anxiety while doing overseas missionary work in Asia, which ultimately brought them home.8:00 Ali talks about her second big bout with anxiety after her husband Devin was hit by a drunk driver just after becoming new parents. She walks through God's faithfulness in healing her from anxiety through that experience and draws a correlation with the story of Naman in Kings.The Remedy -  14:00 Aly outlines three major areas that God healed over many years before she was able to leave crippling fear and anxiety behind her.PhysicalEmotionalSpiritualLasting Peace -  25:00-35:00Finally, Aly goes over a number of scriptures and stories from the scriptures that help cast light on how God has spoken through prophets and authors of the Bible to help give us peace, and how the Bibles and God's work can help create calm and an everlasting sense of peace.References:Scriptures1 Peter 5:7Matthew 6:31-34Philippians 4:6-8Matthew 11:28-30Isaiah 26:3Psalm 4:8John 14:27"From Panic to Power" - by Lucinda BassettSan Diego Christian Counselling

Overcoming Fear & Anxiety with Ali Kaun

OverviewThis is the fourth episode of The Gathering Podcast. Today’s “conversations with the congregation” episode is a conversation between George Clerie and host Peter Varberg around the topic of stress, what it is, and some practical tips on how to let God lighten the load and take care of it for you.Discussion0:00- 10:00 George explains what Stress is, and introduces scriptural passages that address stress, and how they offer us practical wisdom to apply in our own lives, today.10:00- 35:00 George introduces the acronym CALM.C - Choose to rejoice... in God's sovereignty, providence, and mercy.A - Ask for helpL - Learn to be thankfulM - Meditate on good things35:00-40:00 George offers the congregations a few more tips and emphasizes the need to be in community as one of the primary ways to combat the sources of stress in our lives.

Choosing CALM with Pastor George Clerie

OverviewThis is the third episode of The Gathering Podcast. Today’s “conversations with the congregation” episode is a conversation between Scott Wessell and host Peter Varberg around the history, concept, and practice of God's Presence.Discussion0:00- 11:00 Scott explains what joy/happiness are and why they seem so elusive. 11:00- 23:00 Scott explains how to learn to experience consistent joy and happiness by understanding where joy comes from and how to “choose joy.” They also talk about Isaiah 26:323:00- 30:00 Scott explains the Nehemiah ch 8:10 “the joy of the Lord is my strength and what it has to do with choosing joy. He explains what to do with inappropriate emotional responses. 30:00-38:00 Scott explains how the act of focusing on something raises the importance of the thing you are focusing on. 38:00-42:00 Scott explains his favorite spiritual practice and how it helped him deal with lies he had been believing since his childhood. 42:00- 52:30 Scott explains how you can practice the presence of God and some practical tips to incorporate it into your life.52:30- 54:55 Scott explains how to get out of your own way and shares an illustration about our how God desires closeness to us. 54:55- 59:17 Scott runs an experiment of Peter and walks him through an powerful process called “transferring emotions.” Extra ResourcesThe Practice of the Presence of GodBook on AmazonYoutube AudiobookClick HereHope Christian MeditationMindfulness App 

Practicing the Presence of God

Grace: Love Jesus | Journey Together | Bring Hope.Grace Chapel is a multi-cultural, multi-generational church in the Mira Mesa area of San Diego. Come meet our growing community and see how Jesus is using His good news to impact our city.

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Grace Chapel - San Diego

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