Resilient Faith

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Brendan Lynch — an accomplished actor, singer, and tenor soloist, who serves as the tenor section leader at Brentwood Presbyterian Church. Brendan brings his passion for performance and faith together in a heartfelt conversation centered around “Learning Your Lessons Well,” a beloved song and monologue from the musical Godspell.

Through this dialogue, Brendan shares the timeless lessons that art, music, and storytelling can teach us about grace, growth, and living with intention. He opens up about how his work on stage and in ministry continues to shape his perspective on life’s challenges — and how we can all learn to embrace the messages hidden within every experience.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Godspell’s message continues to resonate across generations
• The spiritual and emotional depth behind “Learning Your Lessons Well”
• How music and storytelling can guide personal growth and self-awareness
• Why performing with purpose transforms both the artist and the audience

Tune in for a moving blend of artistry, faith, and wisdom — and discover how Brendan Lynch uses his voice, both literally and figuratively, to inspire others to listen, learn, and live more fully.

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BPC Youtube Channel:
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Today’s guest is Kelsey Figone—a remarkable woman whose journey spans continents, classrooms, and cutting-edge research.

Kelsey grew up in Oregon, where her curiosity and love for learning first took root. After college, she spent time teaching in Indonesia, an experience that shaped her global perspective and deepened her commitment to understanding the forces that impact communities worldwide.

Now living in Los Angeles with her husband, Charlie Sponsel, a Pastor at BPC, Kelsey is pursuing her doctorate in economics at UCLA. 

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https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/

BPC Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

Today, we’re joined by our very own Carol Maddon . She is a talented musician with a voice that moves hearts, a devoted leader in our church community, and a woman whose words carry both wisdom and grace. Through her music, her leadership, and her faith, she inspires others to draw closer to God and to live with courage and purpose.  She shares how God gave her hope, peace and joy and made her life so much better.  

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Support us here:
https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/

BPC Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

Today, we are honored to welcome a very special guest, Linda Regan Johnson, our Worship Elder. Linda is a gifted musician and writer whose creativity and passion shine through in everything she does. With a heart for sharing truth and beauty through both words and music, she inspires others to look beyond the ordinary and see the presence of God in their daily lives. In today’s conversation, Linda will be sharing her reflections on The Light of the World—a message of hope, faith, and the power of light to guide us through even the darkest seasons. 

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Support us here:
https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/

BPC Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

Today on the podcast, we are honored to welcome Betsy Baker Newell — a gifted actress, a treasured member of Brentwood Presbyterian Church, and someone whose life beautifully reflects faith in action. Betsy has touched countless hearts both on stage and in our community, and today she shares a faith journey — After Betsy’s story, we invite you to stay with us for a time of reflection and meditation, offering a time to connect more deeply with your own spiritual walk.

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Support us here:
https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/

BPC Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

In this new season of Resilient Faith, we begin by exploring the transformative power of gratitude as a spiritual practice. Whether you’re walking through a season of joy, grief, uncertainty, or renewal, gratitude can anchor your heart and deepen your connection with God. Join us for a reflective and faith-filled conversation about how giving thanks—especially in the hard moments—can shape your perspective, strengthen your spirit, and lead you closer to grace.

✨ Join music leader and former elder, Janice McQueen in this meditative practice of finding faith in the small moments of gratitude.

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Support us here:
https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/

BPC Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

As we tread the solemn path of Holy Week, we invite you to walk with us through the poignant contrasts of Palm Sunday and the ensuing days that shaped the very foundation of faith. In the latest episode of Resilient Faith, we'll unravel the complexities of trust, particularly during Lent, and the challenge of keeping faith amid life's inevitable uncertainties. Prepare to experience a journey through the key moments of Holy Week, as we take you from the jubilation of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem to the introspective reflection brought upon by His suffering and crucifixion. Together, we'll share a prayer and extend an open invitation to participate in the upcoming services at Brentwood Presbyterian Church, fostering a space for continuous spiritual growth and resilience.

Amidst the trials we face, the strength of our faith is often tested. This episode of Resilient Faith is more than just a recount of biblical events; it's an exploration of how unwavering belief serves as an anchor in believers' lives, through prosperity and adversity alike. Delve  into Brentwood Presbyterian Church's dedication to nurturing a resilient community in West Los Angeles, reinforcing faith's role as a sustaining force. We discuss the importance of connection in these trying times and invite you to join the conversation through our social media platforms. This Holy Week, allow the Resilient Faith podcast to guide you in cultivating a faith robust enough to weather life's storms and emerge steadfast and hopeful.

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Support us here:
https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/

BPC Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

Imagine the profound impact trust can have on our lives, the resilience it builds, and the depth it adds to our spirituality. That's exactly what we explore in this episode of Resilient Faith, where we delve into the beauty of the natural world and its cycles that offer us comfort and a sense of certainty. This episode will guide you through the simple yet profound act of breathing, the restorative power of sleep, and the importance of starting each day with a heart full of gratitude and hope. It's a conversation that will encourage you to contemplate the strength drawn from our connections with others, and how trust becomes an internal affirmation of our capacity to love, give, and believe in ourselves.

Journey with us as we share inspiring stories that highlight the gifts we exchange in life, reminding us that the trust and love we foster will live on, even after our final moments. We discuss the unwavering support of friends during our darkest times and the beauty of trusting in oneself. This episode is an ode to the enduring nature of faith and the tapestry of life it weaves—inviting you to feel inspired by the power of trust, both in the divine and in the myriad interactions that define our existence. Be prepared to be moved and reassured that the trust you cultivate will continue to flourish, even in the hearts of those we leave behind.

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https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/

BPC Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

“Not everything is going to be okay.

And our assignment is to carry this truth without yielding to despair, and while tending to the flames of radical hope — the kind that demands our grittiest love and biggest imagination.“

How do we hold onto hope when we're faced with the stark truth that not everything in life will turn out okay? Journey with Lora East, as we grapple with this haunting reality and the transformative power of radical hope. In this episode, inspired by the wisdom of Simone Sol, we contemplate the gritty reality of life's trials and the resilient faith required to move through them. You'll discover how to cultivate a trust in God that's as unwavering as it is necessary, even when the path forward is veiled in uncertainty. This isn't just about finding light in the darkness; it's about learning to navigate the shadows with a hope that is audacious and love that is tangible.

As we move through our Lenten series, Trustful, we're reminded of the undeniable influence of Jesus Christ's example of gritty love and how His teachings can guide us in fostering trust. By embracing the idea that while not every outcome is within our control—or even within our lifetime—our capacity for hope and love can still flourish. Tune in and be inspired to imagine the boundless possibilities of faith and to employ the greatest version of yourself in the face of life's relentless challenges. Let's embrace this season together, understanding that although everything may not be okay, our trust in God's plan can still shape a future filled with grace and redemption.

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Support us here:
https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/

BPC Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

When the ground beneath you crumbles and your world is riddled with loss, where do you find the strength to navigate the uncharted waters of grief? Nancy Reeves, from Brentwood Presbyterian Church, bravely opens up about her personal story of heartache and the resilience of her spirit.  She shares a poignant reflection that tested her faith and how music that helped pave the path to healing.

In an episode that is as touching as it is insightful, Nancy discusses how the unexpected passing of her partner and mother within a short span shook the very foundations of her life. She explains how she found solace in the arts and the steadfast support of her church community. Her story is a profound reminder that amidst the depths of sorrow, there remains a hearth within our souls, a sanctuary where faith and love persist.  Through her testament, we're reminded of the enduring power of faith and the arts in guiding us through the darkest of times.

Support the show

Support us here:
https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/

BPC Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch