The McFalls Vineyard Podcast!

We're in the home stretch of Lent - Holy Week: It's the most intense, emotional, and transformative week in the Christian calendar. But what does it all mean, and how can we make the most of it?In this episode, Josh and Mike reflect on the past 40 days of Lent, break down the days of Holy Week, and discuss the opportunities for engaging with the most incredible story of redemption!

In this captivating episode, we dive into the profound biblical story of Lazarus—raised from the dead after four days in the tomb—and explore its surprising connections to the ancient narrative of Eden. Join us as we unravel how these two tales, separated by centuries, weave together themes of life, death, and divine renewal. We'll start in Bethany, where Jesus calls Lazarus forth from the grave, a miracle that stunned onlookers and hinted at something greater than mere resurrection. Then, we'll journey back to the Garden of Eden, where humanity's first brush with mortality set the stage for a cosmic story of loss and redemption.

The Wilderness, the Garden, and the Tomb: Tracing Temptation and TriumphIn this episode, we dive into the fourth week of Lent by exploring the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness and its profound connections to the Garden of Eden and the Resurrection. Journey with us as we unpack how Jesus, fasting and alone, faces Satan's challenges and emerges victorious where Adam and Eve once fell. From the lush abundance of Eden to the barren wilderness, and ultimately to the empty tomb, we'll trace a thread of obedience and redemption that rewrites the human story. What does Jesus' triumph over temptation mean for us today? How does the Resurrection transform our struggles?

Join us for a deep dive into the third week of Lent as we unpack the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness—a raw, defining moment that echoes all the way back to the Garden of Eden. In this episode, we explore the striking parallels to Adam and Eve's encounter with the serpent. What do these two wildernesses—one lush with promise, the other stark with trial—reveal about human nature, sin, and redemption?We'll break down the first of three temptations Jesus faced—turning stones into bread—and how they mirror the lure of the forbidden fruit. Where Adam and Eve stumbled, Jesus stands firm, rewriting the story of humanity's fall with a victory of obedience and trust. The rich and ancient narratives speak to our own Lenten journey: the deserts we face, the choices we wrestle with, and the hope of a Savior who's been there before us.

Welcome to this week's episode of the Mechanic Falls Vineyard Podcast, where we dive deeper into the second week of Lent. As we continue our journey toward Easter, we reflect on the themes of repentance, renewal, and self-discipline. In this episode, we explore the importance of deepening our spiritual practices, embracing fasting, and finding moments of quiet reflection. We also discuss ways to stay focused on our Lenten goals and how to grow in faith and patience throughout the season. Whether you're seeking inspiration or looking for practical tips to make the most of your Lenten experience, this episode offers insight and encouragement to help you stay committed on your path. Join us for a thoughtful conversation as we navigate the middle of Lent together!

In this episode, we dive into the spiritual foundation of Lent by exploring the three pillars that guide this season of reflection and renewal: Prayer, Fasting, and Giving. We'll unpack each pillar's significance, how they deepen our faith, and practical ways to incorporate them into our daily lives. Whether you're observing Lent for the first time or seeking new ways to engage with these practices, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and encouragement to make this Lenten season truly transformative. Tune in as we discuss how these pillars help us grow closer to God and serve those around us.

In this episode, Josh Ray and Mike Lyle dive deep into the spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits of observing Lent. From the practice of fasting to the act of giving something up, Lent offers a powerful opportunity for self-reflection, personal growth, and a deeper connection to one's faith. They discuss how Lent can help foster discipline, mindfulness, and gratitude, as well as its ability to inspire positive changes that extend beyond the 40 days. Join us as we explore how this season of sacrifice can lead to renewal in all areas of life, helping you grow stronger, both spiritually and personally. Whether you're observing Lent or simply curious about its benefits, this episode is for anyone seeking to make the most of this sacred time.

It's a New Year! It is time for reflection, dreaming about the future, and making adjustments. In this episode, Josh Ray talks about tools that help us discern God's voice, reveal blind spots, and capture fresh vision. Check it out!

Mike Lyle and Josh Ray wrap the Advent series by discussing the gift of gratitude. They reflect on this Advent season and discuss what they have learned through this series.

In this episode, Mike Lyle and Josh Ray discuss how this next phase of Advent, Anticipation, grows into an ever-increasing explosion of joy, celebration, and hope that cannot be contained. As we get closer to Christmastide, the chaos also grows, the busyness gets busier, but it cannot stop the coming of the King and everything that comes along with His arrival!

Check out this fresh rendition of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," composed by Janelle and Aaron Skolfield and produced and recorded at Anchour Studio. This classic hymn is rich in hope, expectation, and anticipation of Jesus's coming and is a fantastic companion to the Advent season. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

In this episode, Mike Lyle and Josh Ray discuss the transition from "searching for the light" in Week One to preparing for Jesus's arrival in Week Two. They explore the unique parallels between Jesus's birth as a baby and His second coming, as well as how these events impact our lives today.

Advent is a special season, and there is a building excitement as we march towards Christmas, the arrival of God as savior. Mike and Josh unpack what this season is, discuss the power of Advent, and discuss the search for hope amid chaos.

In this episode, Josh Ray and Aaron Skolfield discuss summer goals and the ministries taking place at the church during the summer. They also delve into the concept of leading a simple yet purposeful life. Furthermore, they discuss the idea of dreaming with God and the unexpected implications that accompany it.

This week, in the final installment of our Lent series, Josh & Dick Ray have a conversation about Jesus finishing His time in the desert, passing the tests of the Devil, and starting His ministry in “The Power Of The Spirit”. 

This week, Josh Ray talks about the “All In Life” of worship. In looking at Luke 4 and the story of Jesus in the wilderness, we see Jesus being tempted to worship the devil as a way out of suffering. Josh unpacks the invitation of Jesus to go “All In” to receive eternal life.

This week, Josh Ray talks with Aaron Skolfield about the power of the word of God. They discuss Jesus using scripture to silence the devil and unpack how the Holy Spirit is an “earnest deposit” of future hope and gives us possession of eternal life as a present reality.

This week, Josh Ray talks with Jacob and Sarah Altemus, youth pastors at the McFalls Vineyard, about cultivating the “secret place”, raising children, leading youth, learning to surrender, and risking to journey with God. 

This week, Josh Ray talks about the voice of “the accuser.” He references the devotional book, “Jesus In The Wild” by Dan Wilt and the book “ The Gospel Of The Kingdom” by George Ladd. Josh discusses how the big lies wreak havoc on humanity and the kingdom of God's power to bring value, worth, and freedom.

This week, Josh Ray talks about being led by the Spirit into seasons of “testing.” It's a dense theological idea that requires us to be humble as we wrestle to understand how God tests us. To help frame our ideas around this idea, he shares from Dan Wilt's book, “Jesus In The Wild”, A.W. Tozer's book, “Delighting In God”, and shares some personal stories about being tested in his faith. Check it out!

In this brief episode, Josh Ray shares some thoughts on the power of Lent to sharpen our spiritual senses. He uses a prompt from a new book by Dan Wilt called "Jesus In The Wild." This 40 day devotional is a great companion to the Lent season. You can get a hardcopy at: https://my.seedbed.com/product/jesus-in-the-wild/or you can get a digital copy on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hZGExiO

This week, Josh & Mike have an incredible conversation with Christian Dunn about the Sermon on the Mount. Christian is the Senior Pastor of City Light Church in Delaware and the national director for Vineyard Youth USA. On this podcast, he shares some powerful personal stories, deeply connected to Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, that are inspiring and encouraging. You don't want to miss this one!

This week, Mike Lyle and Josh Ray hang out with Larry Strondak and discuss the power of the Beatitudes. You don't want to miss this!

In this episode, Josh Ray talks with Mike Lyle and Aaron Skolfield about dreaming with God and how to hear from God. They discuss spiritual vision, seasonal traditions, New Year resolutions gone wrong, prayer methods, music, theology, and much more!

Josh Ray talks with his wife, Ryan Ray, about finding peace amid Christmas chaos. They discuss Advent rhythms, being present with family, shopping blunders, and much more.

In this episode, Josh speaks with his wife Ryan. They discuss the season of Advent, forming spiritual habits with their children, some of their favorite books, and much more!

Before joining The Root Cellar's ministry in Lewiston in 2012, Joel implemented and directed the Bridging the Gap Juvenile Diversion program in Boston, MA serving nearly 100 juvenile offenders annually. Early in this career, Joel was impacted greatly by work within refugee communities in Amman, Jordan and Clarkston, GA. He discovered God's great love for these vulnerable communities as well as the gift that refugees and immigrants offer to a welcoming city.Joel is a graduate of Liberty University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Religion with a concentration in Intercultural Studies, Islam and Arabic. Joel and his lovely wife Hilary live in Wales, ME raising 3 beautiful, wicked smaht daughters and a baby boy.

Joining Jesus in the Restoration of All Things:Week Five With Ted KimTed Kim has been pastoring in churches for more than 20 years. First as a worship pastor, and now as senior pastor in Chicago at the Evanston Vineyard. Ted has done ministry in Washington, California, and New York, plus overseas in places like the United Kingdom, Africa and the Middle East. Ted is passionate about proclaiming the beauty of Jesus and stewarding the formation of our desires toward God, so that we can all flourish. Ted first attended and interned at the Evanston Vineyard in the 1990s, while he was earning a bachelor's degree in biology at the University of Chicago. Ted also holds a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is married to Brittany, an Old Testament scholar, and they live with their three children in West Rogers Park.

Joining Jesus in the Restoration of All Things:Week Two With Molly Kate MosherHow did God relentlessly pursue you? What was your conversion experience like? What happened at that moment? (Did you feel peace, comfort, hope, love, etc? -or- What was your response like?)Take for example: Zaccheus' experience (Luke 19:1-11) or the Woman with the issue of blood (Luke 18:43) or the Leper (Matthew 8). Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.Romans 6:23 for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.Romans 10:9-10 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 6:4 We were therefore buried with Him in through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.Romans 10:13 …for ,”Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-What are some things (natural and spiritual) that God has already restored in your life?John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 

As a church our emphasis has been "Keeping it simple, Love God and Love people." This is still very much who we are and what we are all about. At the same time God is highlighting His work of restoration through Jesus. Our desire is to hone in on "Joining Jesus in the Restoration of All Things." What does it mean to partner with Jesus? What does it look like to be on a mission of restoration with Him? Over the next couple of months our life groups and sermons will be centered on this reality, that Jesus restores us to the Father and the overflow of that is a full life in Him, a life filled with all His goodness not only for the life to come, but for life now. 

In this episode, Josh Ray speaks with Casey Corum about growing up in Southern California, coming to faith, helping plant a church, becoming a record producer, engaging in mystery, the artist Prince, and much more!

In this episode, Josh Ray speaks with Nick & Emily Rinchich about moving to Maine, engaging the community, meeting new people, Tom Brady and the Bucs, dealing with crises, raising kids, and much more!

In this episode, Josh Ray speaks with Mike Lyle, Aaron Skolfield, staff members of the Mechanic Falls Vineyard. They talk about new changes coming to the local church, Variety magazine, division in culture, unity in the body, and much more!

In this episode, Josh Ray speaks with Ben & Marty Mosher. They discuss their early years of faith, becoming missionaries, living in Ireland, the power of home, living a surrendered life, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and much more!

In this episode, Josh Ray speaks with Aaron Skolfield, Meghan McKellick, and Mike Lyle. They talk about the summertime, county fairs, Covid "freak outs", fall traditions, "Family Sunday's", and much more!

In this episode, Josh Ray speaks with Dick & Maida Ray, planting pastors of the Mechanic Falls Vineyard. They talk about their early years of faith, the early days of the first Vineyard Church in Maine, the 90s renewal, the "Toronto Blessing", and much more!

In this episode, Joshua Ray talks with Pastor Mike Lyle about his journey into ministry; being young and dealing with tough transitions; new beginnings; being called to Pastor and landing in the calling that the Lord has on his life; and more.