VCLA Podcast

From The Vine | EP.8 | Mieko Poindexter

Join us on the From the Vine podcast with special guest Mieko Poindexter! A recent high school grad. Mieko shares stories about her life; She dives into her experience growing up in the Catholic Church, finding her way to Vineyard, and her journey of starting a Bible study at her Catholic high school. Mieko also gives us a sneak peek into her incredible plans for the next nine months as she embarks on a mission trip around the world. Get ready for laughs, heartwarming stories, and a powerful testimony of faith and obedience!

Meekness Isn't Weakness | Fruit of The Spirit EP.8 | Josh Shaw

Ever feel like you have to fight back, lash out, or prove your worth? In a world that glorifies anger and demands justice at every turn, what does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? Pastor Josh dives deep into the biblical concept of meekness and gentleness, revealing that it's not about being weak, but about having power under control.
This sermon challenges the modern American definition of meekness, which often equates to a lack of courage or strength. Instead, Pastor Josh illustrates how true gentleness is a profound act of faith—trusting God to be your vindicator while you choose peace over rage.
Discover how this counter-cultural approach to life can lead to true rest for your soul and become a powerful witness to a watching world.

From The Vine | EP.7 | James Warwick

Join us on this episode of "From the Vine" with James Warwick, a Chicago native who shares his incredible journey to faith. We talk about everything from the best French fry shapes and overrated fast food joints to growing up after his parents' divorce and finding his way to Vineyard Church. James opens up about his personal struggles and the powerful transformation he experienced through Jesus, culminating in his decision to get baptized. His story is a powerful reminder that with faith and community, true change is possible. Get ready to be inspired!

The Power of Self-Control | Fruit of The Spirit EP.7 | Brianne Shaw

In this powerful sermon on self-control, Brianne dives deep into the meaning of this often-misunderstood fruit of the Spirit. She challenges the common misconception that self-control is about gripping the steering wheel of our lives tighter. Instead, she reveals the biblical truth that true self-control is about surrendering our lives—body, mind, and soul—to the one who is already in perfect control: Jesus Christ.
This message shows us that freedom is found not in our own efforts, but in bringing our whole selves, our communities, and our world under God's loving and sovereign control.

From The Vine | EP.6 | Robert (Tommy) Williams

Get ready for a powerful testimony! Join us as we sit down with Tommy, a prayer minister and counselor from our community. He takes us back to his wild days growing up in Venice Beach, hanging out with the beatniks and living in the midst of the '60s counterculture. But a life of heavy drug use and emotional pain led him on a desperate search for meaning. In this episode, Tommy shares the incredible story of how he went from a high school dropout shooting heroin to a respected minister and counselor, all thanks to a direct, life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. This is a story of radical transformation, second chances, and the profound power of God's love.

Building A Faithful Life | Fruit of The Spirit EP.6 | Josh Shaw

Do you ever feel like faithfulness is a one-way street? What if the Bible reveals a two-way street that changes everything? In this sermon, Pastor Josh dives deep into Galatians 5 to uncover the true meaning of faithfulness as a fruit of the spirit. He breaks down what it means to be faithful to God and how that directly impacts our faithfulness to others.
This message will challenge you to build your life on a solid rock, not on shifting sands, and discover the biblical practices of a trustworthy life. Learn how to honor your word, protect confidences, and stick with people through thick and thin, just as Jesus does for us.

From The Vine | EP.5 | Loida Blackley

In this episode, we sit down with Loida Blackley, a mother, wife, and member of our church community, to hear her incredible story. She shares her opinions on Mexican food, the unique flavors of her Guatemalan heritage, and a powerful testimony of how Jesus transformed her life. After years of struggling with depression and PTSD from her time as an active-duty soldier, Loida found healing and freedom for herself and her daughter. This is a story of faith, warfare, and the undeniable power of the Holy Spirit.

How to Walk in The Peace of the Holy Spirit | Fruit of The Spirit EP.5 | Josh Shaw

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and out of control? In a world filled with chaos, conflict, and constant demands, finding true peace can feel impossible. In this powerful sermon, Pastor Josh dives deep into the often-misunderstood fruit of the Spirit: peace.
Drawing from powerful biblical stories and practical examples, we'll discover that peace isn't just the absence of conflict—it's a divine presence that can transform our lives and the world around us. Pastor Josh shares three incredible ways peace is produced through us and how this fruit is the secret ingredient that unlocks the power of self-control.

From The Vine | EP.4 | Matt Olivencia-Audet

Join us for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation with Matt, a software engineer at Google, as he shares his journey from his early life to a brand new dad! Matt opens up about the joys of raising his eight-month-old daughter, Grace, and the bittersweet transition back to work. We dive into his unique career path at Google, his faith journey from a teenager seeking stability to finding a lifelong community at Vineyard, and how his college years with his wife, Emily, shaped everything. Plus, get the inside scoop on his transition from marching band to the worship team. This episode is packed with relatable stories about parenting, faith, and the wild ride of finding your calling—both at work and in life.

The Power of Real Kindness | Fruit of The Spirit EP.4 | Aaron Keyes

What does it truly mean to live a life of authentic faith in a chaotic world? In this powerful and practical sermon, guest preacher, Aaron Keyes, dives deep into Galatians 5, exploring the difference between the counterfeit fruits of the flesh and the real fruit of the Spirit.
Using powerful metaphors he unpacks the critical difference between mere "niceness" and genuine kindness, and the danger of "virtue signaling" versus living with true goodness and integrity. This message is a wake-up call for anyone who feels disconnected, burnt out, or is struggling to live their faith in a world full of distractions and pressure.