A Conversation (18:57) on Addiction and Supporting those who have lost individuals to overdose. International Overdose Awareness Day at East Brentwood Presbyterian Church (8/31/2025). GraceTable @EBPC. ebpctn.org. To listen and watch this conversation on our YouTube Channel. 

Lent is a season that invites us to be intentional. 

How will you grow closer to God and your neighbor?

It is a time of strength training: what will you do to strengthen your faith? In this special  Ash Wednesday episode we look at the space in our lives between our good intentions and our actions. This 24 minute episode includes scripture, liturgy around the imposition of ashes and a contemplative musical piece by Nate Strasser

In today’s podcast, Pastor John brings in Becky and Noah Walton as conversation partners, who, when asked what people who are struggling need to hear, responded with, “I SEE YOU.”

Here’s what else Becky shared:

“My son is an addict—the hardest words I’ve ever spoken. I want to take this opportunity to speak to caregivers and anyone who feels lost and invisible, to say ‘I see you.’ I feel your pain. I know what it’s like to walk the halls at night doing overdose and suicide checks, praying with every step that tonight is not the night, and praying for peace. I understand the isolation of shrinking myself smaller and smaller, trying to preserve every ounce of strength just to keep my child alive, while watching other families go on vacations, watch their kids graduate, and tour colleges. There are no GoFundMe campaigns, 5Ks, or community events rallying behind the addict and caregiver who are just trying to survive. You feel alone. I know what it’s like to stand in the dark, but I also know what it’s like to see God’s love, the only pinpoint of light, saying, ‘I’m still here, and so are you."

After the interview, you'll hear Nate Strasser's upbeat arrangement of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” sung by Briana Tyson. 

For today’s podcast, we will listen in on a conversation between Rev. John Hilley and Chris Peterson, the new youth director at East Brentwood Presbyterian Church. This conversation took place on Epiphany Sunday when we once again heard the timeless tale of the Magi from Matthew 2:1-12. Chris’s journey in faith in some ways is similar to the story of the Magi. These wise travelers from the East didn't follow a straightforward path to find Jesus. Guided by dreams and stars, their journey was filled with unforeseen detours. Their experience teaches us a comforting lesson about our winding paths: feeling uncertain or lost is okay. We don't need to have everything figured out. Sometimes, the most profound moments in life come from taking a courageous turn that leads us away from our meticulously-planned routes. 

Rev. John Hilley focuses on the text from Ruth 1 and Ecclesiastes Chapter 4: 9-12. These texts are more frequently read at wedding occasions than in the lead-up to Christmas but their message is relevant: the daring belief that our lives are better intertwined. In today’s message Pastor John looks at the lives of one Tennessee family against the backdrop of the story of Ruth and events currently happening in our nation. I will follow John’s message with the song “Help Us Accept Each Other”.

Today we have a special edition of the podcast for you as we bring you inside the sanctuary of East Brentwood Presbyterian Church from last Sunday’s service  remembering. Charlie Strobel, founder of the Room in the Inn. 

Room in the inn is a terrific program that gives churches the opportunity to provide the homeless men of Nashville with a hot meal and a place to sleep. East Brentwood is one of many churches in the Nashville area who are privileged to provide this ministry. 

Visiting with us last Sunday was Rachel Hester, Executive Director of the Campus for Human Development and Amanda Fernandez who along with pastor John and Leticia Tyler had a meaningful conversation talking about Charlie’s life and his still thriving ministry to the homeless of Nashville. 

Following the interview, you’ll hear"Let There Be Peace on Earth" sung by Briana Tyson and the praise band.

Are you a parent struggling with a youth or young adult who is suffering from substance addiction? This episode features Yarnell Beatty, a Tennessee parent who lost his oldest son, 24-year old  Alex, to a drug overdose in 2016.  Yarnell discusses the dos and don’ts for parents wishing to pierce the anger that  substance use disorder and mental health challenges can impose on families and how to preserve a loving relationship with a child who is struggling. Parallelling the parable of the Prodigal Son, hear how this father found self-forgiveness and a way to honor the life of his son by helping other parents avoid his tragic mistakes.   If you are a parent with a youth or young adult struggling through addiction, Yarnell knows what you are going through, but more importantly, what you will go through. If you are an addiction treatment facility with programs for parents of addicted children, Yarnell is willing to tell his story and help parents navigate through inevitable anger. He is not a licensed counselor or mental health provider, just a parent who knows the effect of the disease on families and grief for the loss of a beloved son. You may contact him through East Brentwood Presbyterian Church, [email protected] or directly at [email protected].