Podcasts about Steve Gaines

Today's edition is sponsored by the Ragged Mountain Running and Walking ShopSeptember 30 is the final day of the federal fiscal New Year and one version of today's Charlottesville Community Engagement could perhaps have been about how this region might be affected by a federal shutdown. Each edition of this newsletter could be a lot of different things, but what gets selected is usually a matter of what is available for me to write.I'm Sean Tubbs and for a story on the looming shutdown, I refer you to the Virginia Political Newsletter by my colleague Brandon Jarvis.In today's installment:* Albemarle Supervisors have endorsed their legislative priorities for the 2026 General Assembly while Charlottesville City Council is still working on theirs* Jaunt turns 50 this year and is seeking stories from riders* Albemarle Supervisors get a progress report on climate action initiatives including where $522K in spending will go this fiscal yearThanks for reading Charlottesville Community Engagement ! This post is public so feel free to share it.First shout-out: A Week Without DrivingHow different would your life be if you didn't have a car? From Monday, September 29 to Sunday October 5, Livable Cville invites you to join the local Week Without Driving experience. The goal is to learn more about barriers and challenges that nondrivers face in our community and to reflect on the challenges you would face as a full-time non-driver.There are many reasons why people do not drive, including people with disabilities, youth, seniors and those who can't afford vehicles or gas. A third of people living in the United States do not have a driver's license, but are forced to navigate a mobility system designed almost exclusively for drivers.Livable Cville expects the Week Without Driving experience will help participants better appreciate the challenges and barriers they face. For more information and to register your participation, please visit: https://livablecville.org/weekwithoutdrivingLocal elected officials preparing for 2026 General AssemblyThere are over a hundred days left until the 2026 session of the Virginia General Assembly and less than two months until legislators can begin to pre-file bills.Across Virginia, localities are determining what priorities they would like to see turned into legislation.At their meeting on September 15, Charlottesville City Council went through a long list of suggestions from the Planning Commission, the Human Rights Commission, and the Office of Sustainability.“Energy prices are going up,” said Kristel Riddervold, the city's sustainability director. “Legislative priorities related to expanding distributed energy, meaning solar, all over the place in different ways.”Riddervold said city priorities are for the Virginia General Assembly to maintain the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act, full funding for the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank, and reform of rules for construction of data centers. You can see the full list here.The Human Rights Commission submitted a three page list including a request for legislation for expanded rights for those who rent, a request for localities to have right of first refusal to purchase supported housing units, and a $60 million state fund for housing assistance to support 5,000 families. Another legislative request is to require all Virginia localities to maintain a public homeless shelter. You can view this list here.Vice Mayor Brian Pinkston said many of those ideas seem very aspirational and may not take into account political realities.“The one that says here, ‘require that each county and city in Virginia maintain a public overnight homeless shelter or fund a private equivalent,'” Pinkston said. “I mean, that would be lovely because we're, we're doing this. I have a sense for neighboring counties and communities, the work that we're doing here. But does that have any hope of being passed?””City Councilor Michael Payne said many of the Human Rights Commission's requests are part of statewide efforts and many of the aspirations could get through depending on who holds the majority in 2026.“There definitely [are] some that potentially I think really could get passed this year, including like the 5,000 family funds or first right of refusal, but for example, the homeless shelter one you mentioned. I mean, I would feel. I think we could all feel confident saying there's no chance that passes this year.”The Planning Commission submitted a list of 15 potential pieces of legislation. The first addresses the section of state code that is at the heart of the lawsuit against the city's zoning code. Number six is a reintroduction of failed legislation that would allow localities to tax land and improvements at different rates. (view the list)Council will have a further discussion on October 6 before adopting their legislative agenda on October 20.The Albemarle Board of Supervisors is a little further ahead and had the third of three work sessions at their meeting on September 17. Albemarle has four legislative priorities, three of which would involve legislation and the fourth being a budget amendment.“First, we're seeking as a priority enabling localities to enforce the Virginia Landlord Tenant Act,” said County Attorney Andy Herrick. “We're also carrying over from past years expanding the authority to use photo speed monitoring devices.Currently those are limited to road construction work zones and school zones and Albemarle wants to be able to use them on rural roads. Albemarle also wants the General Assembly to try again on legislation to allow localities to hold a referendum on whether to levy a one cent sales tax to fund school construction.“This is an initiative that has been sought in prior years, that's passed the Assembly and been vetoed by the Governor in the past two years,” Herrick said.The budget amendment relates to another item Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed this year. The legislature's version of the budget had funding for a connector trail to connect Biscuit Run Park with the Monacon Indian Nation Tribute.Supervisors adopted their legislative priorities and the next step is to schedule a meeting with area legislators.To learn more about some of the statewide issues, read this story in the Virginia Mercury from Charlotte Rene Woods.Jaunt turns 50 this year and seeks travel storiesAs the Week Without Driving continues, one way people participating might get around is public transit. In addition to Charlottesville Area Transit, the region is served by Jaunt, a public service corporation that formed in 1975.To celebrate, Jaunt is asking people to submit their stories of using the service.“As we look back on 50 years of service, we know the most important part of Jaunt's story is the people we serve,” said Mike Murphy, Jaunt's Chief Executive Officer. “Our mission has always been rooted in community, care, and connection—and this anniversary is about celebrating the ways Jaunt has supported essential regional needs for mobility across generations.”Jaunt was created as Jefferson Area United Transportation but the acronym became the official name in 1983.Have a story from that time? Tell Jaunt at the website they've created.Second shout-out: Five Things ReLeaf has done recently!Time for a subscriber-supported shout-out, this time for ReLeaf Cville!* On April 21, ReLeaf Cville celebrated Arbor Day 2025 by talking with 40 fourth grade students at Greenbrier Elementary about the importance of urban tree canopy, and then planting a tree on the preschool playground* On April 25, the Van Yahres Tree Company donated time and energy to provide tree care to 45 trees ReLeaf planted in the Rose Hill Neighborhood, Fall 2023* On May 10 at RiverFest, Green Team members Moos and Antony joined Keith Pitchford, Board vice-chair, and Cathy Boyd, Executive Director, in providing information about ReLeaf Cville and playing Tree Bingo* In May, C-Ville Weekly profiled ReLeaf Cville's efforts to help homeowners turn their yards into leafy oases - and cool their neighborhoods.* The fourth annual Green Team session took place this week and was designed to equip rising 9th-12th graders in tree knowledge and tree care skills, this year's schedule includes sessions co-led by the Rivanna Conservation Alliance, Van Yahres Tree Company, Master Naturalists, Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards, Community Climate Collaborative, and Steve Gaines, Charlottesville's Urban Forester.Albemarle Supervisors briefed on Climate Action programs, $522K in FY2026 spendingFor the past eight years, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors has been in support of efforts to monitor greenhouse gas emissions as part of an international bid to keep global temperatures from rising. For six years, though, a different set of elected officials opted out of the program.On September 17, 2025, the six elected officials got a briefing from staff on county and regional efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to a world of higher temperatures and more volatile storms. They were also briefed on how staff plans to use $300,000 the Board dedicated to the issue at the end of the FY2026 budget process as I reported at the time.Resources:* 44-page progress report from Albemarle staff* Slide presentation from the briefingBut first, some recent history.Recent historyIn June 1998, local leaders signed a document called the Sustainability Accords, a series of statements intended to solidify the work of several environmental groups working in the area. While climate action itself was not mentioned, the document called for the development of “attractive and economical transportation alternatives to single occupancy vehicle use” and called for the promotion of “conserv[e]ation and efficient use of energy resources.”In December 2007, Albemarle Supervisors voted to adopt a goal of reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050. At the time, Supervisor Ken Boyd voted for the “Cool Counties” initiative though he expressed concern about the potential impacts. (read a story I wrote then)In the years that followed, a group called the Jefferson Area Tea Party raised concerns about both the resolution and the county's membership in the International Council for Sustainability. The ICLEI group provided resources to measure greenhouse gas reductions and Boyd sought to end participation“We are being infiltrated in local government by an agenda that is set by this international organization,” Boyd said in early May 2011 as I reported at the time. “I think it's now a cancer that is infiltrating our local government here.”By that time, two other Republicans had joined the Board of Supervisors giving Boyd votes he needed to change direction. Democrat Lindsay Dorrier Jr. was a swing vote.Lane Auditorium was packed on the night of June 8, 2011 with some in the crowd defending sustainability efforts and continued participation in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Members of the Tea Party claimed that civil liberties were being threatened.At the end of the meeting, Supervisors voted 4-2 to end participation in ICLEI as I reported at the time. Three months later, they ended participation in Cool Counties as reported in the Charlottesville Daily Progress.However, the Republican majority would come to an end in 2013 after Democratic candidates defeated Duane Snow in the Samuel Miller District and Rodney Thomas in the Rio District.Back on the jobIn September 2017, Supervisors voted to adopt a resolution to “support local actions to reduce climate pollution.”“In October 2019, the Board adopted greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in line with the Paris Agreement,” said Jamie Powers, a county employee since 2023 who is now Albemarle's Climate Program Manager. “The next year, October 2020, the board adopted the Climate Action Plan and stood up the Climate Action Program to implement that plan and help get the community's emissions down in line with the board's targets.”The targets now call for a 45 percent in emissions reductions from 2008 levels by 2030 and to be carbon-free by 2050.Powers said emissions continue to climb across the world and the effects of climate change are here now as a present crisis rather than one for the future to deal with.“The impacts are generally going to be worse over time and increasingly unpredictable unless we can get global emissions under control,” Powers said. “And we do have a role to play locally.”Albemarle's reduction targets are in line with the Paris Agreement which set a framework to reduce emissions so that the increase in global warming could be kept below 2 degrees Celsius. The increase is now at 1.5 degrees.Powers said climate change itself is not the underlying problem.“It is a symptom of a set of problems,” Powers said. “This socioeconomic system that we have, it works exactly as designed and it brings us to a climate crisis and a biodiversity crisis and all these sorts of things. So if we are going to effectively address the climate crisis, we need to take a look at our systems and address things appropriately.”The models used by Albemarle and other local governments are complex and conform to the Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventories. These are put together by ICLEI and emissions come from many source sectors.“The major sectors of emissions are transportation, stationary energy, and that includes solar,” said Greg Harper, Albemarle's chief of environmental services. “That would be kind of like reducing that stationary energy. Ag force and land use is a smaller contributor and then waste as well.”Albemarle resumed doing inventories in 2018 and Harper said emission levels dropped during COVID but increased for 2022. Data is about two years behind. Harper said reductions can be decreased many ways, such as if many groups can work together to reduce a metric known as “vehicle miles traveled.”“We don't want to stop activity in the county, obviously, but we want to shift people from driving a car by themselves to taking mass transportation, getting on their bicycle for smaller commutes,” Harper said.Powers said Albemarle has been active in many ways to encourage reductions such as supporting home energy improvements, providing “climate action activity kits” through a nonprofit, installing electric vehicle chargers, and creation of the Energy Resource Hub.Albemarle also provided several grants including $20,000 for the International Rescue Committee's New Roots farming program to allow them to electrify equipment and improve their agricultural practices.“If we break down some of the things that they were doing from their composting practice, we calculated that about 25 tons of carbon dioxide is sequestered by them using the composting practices,” Powers said. “About 5 tons of avoided emissions by removing synthetic fertilizers from their operations.”All told, Powers said about 38 tons of carbon dioxide emissions were prevented.Albemarle County is also collaborating with the City of Charlottesville and the University of Virginia on the Resilient Together initiative which seeks to create a resilience plan to adapt to a different weather pattern. That will come before the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors in early 2026.FY2026 fundingPowers also outlined a recommendation of how Albemarle might put that $300,000 to use, as well as another $222,000 in carry over funds for climate action.“The Board made it clear we wanted to emphasize projects that are going to get the most value in terms of emission reductions in FY26,” Powers said.The Residential Energy Improvements line item is intended to assist property owners with lower incomes and that $237,000 does not include another $150,000 the county received through the federal Community Development Block Grant program.“A lot of times, especially in low income households, energy is going out the window, literally,” Powers said. “And so how can we help those folks tighten up their envelopes so when they're turning the AC or the heat on, it's still staying in the home instead of heading out the window.”The Local Energy Alliance Partnership (LEAP) and the Albemarle Housing Improvement Program (AHIP) are partners on that project. Powers said the goal will be to reach up to 50 homes, decreasing emissions classified as “stationary” energy. He estimates the return on investment will be about $3,000 per ton of emissions prevented.Another $100,000 will be spent on energy efficiency in county-owned buildings.“Most likely implementation looks like LED installation, LED fixture installation, likely at two different buildings,” Powers said. “If we transition the equivalent of the space of Northside Library to those fixtures, we would reduce again in that stationary energy category, one of those four categories by 0.03 at $700 per ton and annually that'd be a 143 ton reduction.”Albemarle funded the Energy Resource Hub in FY2025 at the $100,000 level and an additional $63,000 for this year. This is a program that helps homeowners find rebates and other incentives.Partners have not yet been found for the Climate Action Collaboration initiative.For previous coverage on climate action issues, visit Information Charlottesville.Reading material for September 30, 2025* Whistleblowers accuse HUD of ‘systematically undermining' fair housing laws, Ryan Kushner, Multifamily Dive, September 25, 2025* HUD cuts multifamily mortgage insurance premiums, Julie Strupp, Multifamily Dive, September 26, 2025* Albemarle County to consider delay on data center ordinance, Jenette Hastings, WVIR 29NBC, September 28, 2025* Watershed mapping project shows rapid loss of forests, offers new view of Va.'s changing landscapes, Evan Visconti, September 29, 2025* Charlottesville's schools are old. Local officials are trying to change that, Brandon Kile, Cavalier Daily, September 29, 2025* Afton Scientific breaks ground on $200 million expansion in Albemarle, Kate Nuechterlein, September 29, 2025What's the ending, #929?Today I could not get moving. Something is off but my job is to bring people information. I picked up four new paid subscribers since posting the May 2025 transactions, and it is important to get out what I can.The story I wanted to tell today was an accounting of yesterday's traffic congestion caused by a truck hitting a bridge under construction that carries Old Ivy Road over the U.S. 250. I lack the resources to get such a story together but I have questions about whether such an incident is covered by emergency management officials in the area.There are so many stories I want to tell, and sometimes the best I can do is link to other people's coverage. Here's a story from VPM. Here's one from 29NBC News. Here's another from CBS19. How about Cville Right Now?There is a lot of rhetoric about climate action and moving people out of automobiles. Is any of it having any effect? Are fewer people driving alone? How many people are paying attention to this issue? What is the community supposed to do when a major highway is shuttered for hours? Are we all so endless trapped in a news cycle that solutions remain elusive, situations remain intractable?I don't have the answer but I know I want to be part of an information ecosystem that seeks to do better than what we have at the moment with a series of wicked problems that are difficult to solve in this era of fragmentation.So what's today's ending? A note that David Bowie's Diamond Dogs helped me think this morning and this 1973 special seems important. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

September 28, 2025 | Pastor Ben Mandrell preaches on the ministry of John the Baptist from John 3:22–30 and asks a series of questions on how we can be more like this prophet in the wilderness. God has a purpose for your life. Will you play your role? God has placed us in this exact time and place to be part of the work He is doing.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

September 21, 2025 | Derek Ewalt closes out the Old Testament with a sermon from Malachi 4. Looking ahead to the 400 years of silence between this point and Jesus' arrival on earth, we see that God is at work even when we don't see or feel Him. As we anticipate the return of our Savior, how are we to behave here in this life?For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

September 14, 2025 | Pastor Ben Mandrell shares an important message on processing difficult circumstances and making sense of the world around us. Looking at the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:1–12, we see that some situations are beyond our control and all we can do is trust in God.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

September 7, 2025 | In his final regular message to the Bellevue congregation, Pastor Emeritus Steve Gaines preaches from Zechariah 3 on how we are all burning sticks snatched from the fire. Focusing on the forgiving power of Jesus, this sermon shows us that God loves everyone and wants them to know Him. If we are willing to find salvation in Christ, He is able to wipe away the stain of sin in our lives.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

August 31, 2025 | Pastor Ben Mandrell preaches from Ezekiel 36 and 37 on the valley of dry bones and how God can breathe new life into us. God can remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh because He is author of all life. Knowing that only God has this power, how does that affect how we live our lives and behave in our relationships?For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

August 24, 2025 | Preaching from Ezekiel 1:28–3:3, Pastor Ben Mandrell answers the question "How Do I Know I'm Called?" When we look at the calling of Ezekiel, we see the characteristics of God's call and how it affects our lives. What is God calling you toward today?For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

August 18, 2025 | Pastor Ben Mandrell preaches from Jeremiah 29:4–7 on how to be faithful in a foreign land. When God's people were sent in exile to Babylon, He told them to continue with their lives and seek the welfare of the city in which they found themselves.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

August 10, 2025 | Pastor Ben Mandrell teaches from Jeremiah 7:1–11 on the "Lucky Charms" that Israel was counting on rather than authentically worshiping God. We cannot think that we are assured of salvation just because of who our parents are, how we spend our Sundays, or what's in our bank accounts. The prophet Jeremiah warned the people of Israel that God's judgment was on the way because they were not taking His commands seriously. What is God calling us to do today? How can we pursue Him authentically?For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

August 3, 2025 | Pastor Steve Gaines preaches from Daniel 9:23 on how we should pray like it matters. Your prayers bless the Lord and move mountains. We cannot afford to neglect our duty to pray and we should be eager to go before the Lord with whatever problems we are facing. Let this sermon be a challenge to you!For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

July 27, 2025 | Pastor Steve Gaines continues our journey through the Chronological Bible with a message from Isaiah 54:1–8 titled "The Lord Your Redeemer." Through this sermon we see how God commands our celebration, cancels our condemnation, and confers His compassion.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

July 20, 2025 | Pastor Steve Gaines preaches through 2 Chronicles 32:16–23 on how "things are looking right for a miracle" just when we least expect it. Whether the devil has been beating you up or you are going through a difficult trial at home, the Lord is always at work and we can call on Him for deliverance. Pray to the Lord and never let go of your faith.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

July 13, 2025 | Dr. Ben Mandrell preaches in view of a call to become the next Senior Pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church on Psalm 127. In this message, we learn that unless the Lord builds the house, those who labor do so in vain. Only God has the ability to keep us safe and satisfy us, so we shouldn't look to the world for purpose or trust only in our own strength to help us prevail.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

July 6, 2025 | Noah Sidhom shares an encouraging word out of Isaiah 3–4 about God always offers His people hope in dark times. Looking back on the story of the Bible thus far and what is to come in the New Testament, we see that God's story is full of hope no matter how bad things might look on the news.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

June 29, 2025 | Renowned author and former pastor R.T. Kendall speaks on the importance of "Totally Forgiving Ourselves" for past mistakes and failures. Whether we have fallen in our personal lives, put work before our families, or committed an egregious sin, God is willing to forgive us. If even God, who knows everything about us, is willing to remove our sins, how can we choose to not forgive ourselves?For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

June 22, 2025 | Pastor Steve Gaines shares a powerful message out of 2 Kings 6:8–23 titled "God's Invisible Angel Army." Looking at the life of Elisha, we see that God and His angels are always more powerful than the worries of this world. With the power of God behind us, we are able to overcome any obstacle and live out the life He has called us to live.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

June 15, 2025 | Pastor Steve Gaines challenges men on Father's Day with a sermon out of 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 titled "Act Like Godly Men!" Through these two verses we see the life God is calling us toward, one where men are alert, strong, and loving.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

June 8, 2025 | In his sermon on Ecclesiastes 12, Cory O'Hara warns us not to be like King Solomon. Though he was gifted with great wisdom, Solomon walked away from the Lord for at least a time. This message shows us the importance of fearing the Lord and following after Him throughout our lives. When we don't give God the respect He deserves, our world can start to crumble.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

June 1, 2025 | Pastor Steve Gaines teaches on how a joyful heart is God's medicine for us. No matter what we are facing in life, the joy of the Lord can deliver us through. God's joy gives us strength and purpose as we endure the trials and circumstances that test us.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

May 25, 2025 | Speaking out of Psalm 127, Pastor Steve Gaines shares an important message titled "Lord, Bless My Family." How can our families be blessed by God? Through practical steps and biblical wisdom we can set our families up for success. More than worldly blessings, we want our children and the generations behind them to know the Lord and seek His kingdom.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

May 18, 2025 | Ben Taylor, Bellevue's Missions Pastor, speaks on the importance of having a "theology of praise." As we examine Psalm 103, we find the attitude we need for proper worship and how our praise should be focused. This message is an important reminder to live a life seeking the kingdom of God and praising Him at all times.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

May 11, 2025 | Pastor Steve Gaines speaks on the brevity of life and our need to depend on the Lord in this message based out of Psalm 39. Each of us is a traveler passing through, as our lives are but a breath. While we may seem insignificant to the course of history, God cares about our pain and He wants to know each of us personally.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

If you have never heard the podcast edition of the newsletter before, how will you be able to tell if the words I am writing here are actually the words I'm saying to the hundreds of listeners? Don't you want to hear the way people in these stories sound? Wouldn't you like to see if the editors left in the many curse words that are uttered during production? Either way, there are both written and sonic versions of Charlottesville Community Engagement and one day there may be a version told entirely through pencil shavings.In this edition:* Charlottesville City Council grants appeal to allow Delta Zeta to demolish 144 Chancellor Street (learn more)* Virginia now requires localities in the same river basin to come up with a regional water supply plan to prepare for drought (learn more)* Council agrees to exercise eminent domain to purchase land for streetscape projects (learn more)* Residents call for Council to take action on speeding on Lankford and Deputy City Manager James Freas provides an update (learn more)* A look back at a presentation in January on the city's safe streets strategy (learn more)* Albemarle County's Board of Supervisors adopts a budget for FY2026 after another review of what is in it (podcast listeners get a first listen!)First-shout: Rivanna River Fest this SaturdayWe're up to that time of year when the Rivanna Conservation Alliance and their partners celebrate our community's main waterway - the Rivanna River!From 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. there will be all sorts of events at the Rivanna River Company on land now owned by the City of Charlottesville. There will be family-friendly activity tables, free tubing from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m (depending on water levels), and you can sign up for fly-fishing lessons with Orvis.* At 2:30 p.m. you can hear the “Story of Buck Island” from Philip Cobbs* At 3 p.m. the Rockfish Wild Sanctuary will present “Wild Neighbors”* At 3:30 p.m. Horace Scruggs will present the “African American History of the River”* At 4 p.m. there is a guided walk from Steve Gaines, the city's urban forester* At 5 p.m. there is performance from The Front Porch's Hometown Choir* There's a free concert from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. from Mighty JoshuaFor more information and details, visit the Rivanna Conservation Alliance website!Second shout out: When Driving Is Not An Option webinar on May 12A third of people living in the United States do not have a driver's license and must navigate a mobility system designed almost exclusively for drivers. Does it have to be that way?On Monday May 12th from 6:30 pm to -7:30 pm, Livable Cville will hold a conversation with Anna Zivarts, author of the excellent book When Driving Is Not An Option. Charlottesville City Councilor Natalie Oschrin will also make an appearance.When Driving is Not an Option shines a light on the reality for non-drivers and explains how improving our transportation system with nondrivers in mind will create a better quality of life for everyone. Zivarts is a low-vision mom, disability advocate, and non-driver. In this webinar, she'll explain how healthier, more climate-friendly communities can be the result of what happened when the needs of involuntary nondrivers are viewed as essential to how we design our transportation systems and our communities.Councilor Oschrin will share about how these ideas apply to the Charlottesville area. There will be an opportunity for Q&A at the end. You can sign up here for this free event. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

1- Brad Arnold, singer of 3 Doors Down announces he has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and will seek immediate treatment tat will force them off the road this summer and they tour with Creed has been canceled. It's his response that made me pull over on the side of the road and compose myself before I could go any further 2- The Rankin County Board of Supervisors have been under fire like never before, between the recent debacle over the recent zoning law change an now the Steve Gaines sh!t show from the Republican breakfast this past weekend

The Rankin County Board of Supervisors have been under fire like never before, between the recent debacle over the recent zoning law change an now the Steve Gaines sh!t show from the Republican breakfast this past weekend

May 4, 2025 | Daniel Harris, Bellevue's College Pastor, discusses "The Kindness of a King" from 2 Samuel 16 and 19. When King David is harassed by a relative of King Saul's, he shows the man mercy and rebukes those who would have him harm the man. Much like King David, as well as the later example set by Jesus, we should show kindness to others because God has shown us grace and mercy.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

April 27, 2025 | Pastor Steve Gaines speaks on "The Selfishness of Sin" out of 2 Samuel 18 where Absalom builds a statue in his own honor and rebels against his father, King David. In this story we see the painful effects of our sin and how pride can drive us to do terrible things. For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

April 20, 2025 | Pastor Steve Gaines gives a Resurrection Sunday sermon titled "The Essence of Easter." Join us in Acts 2 as we look at the effects of Jesus' resurrection and why it matters to us today.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

April 13, 2025 | Bill Street preaches from 1 Samuel 8 on "Choosing the King You Want or the King You Need." When Israel told the prophet Samuel that they wanted a king like all of the other nations surrounding them, they were rejecting God (the King they needed) and exchanging Him for a human king. Which king are you following in your own life: the King you need or the king you want?For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

April 6, 2025 | Derek Ewalt preaches out of 1 Samuel 1–2:11 on how to have a heart that belongs to the Lord. Looking at the story of Hannah and her devotion to God, we see what it takes to live a life of faith and gratitude.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

March 30, 2025 | Pastor Steve Gaines speaks on Judges 6 where "God Uses Unlikely People." Have you ever wondered if God can use you? We don't have to be perfect to be of service to God. It's more important that we are obedient. Through the story of Gideon we see how God can raise up leaders and answer the needs of His people by any means necessary.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

March 23, 2025 | Dr. Ronnie Floyd brings an empowering message of God's faithfulness with the sermon "God Always Delivers" out of Joshua 21. You don't have to worry about God living up to His promises. He will always deliver on His word. Have faith in who He is and what His plans are for your life.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

March 16, 2025 | Pastor Steve Gaines studies "The Power of Choices" in this sermon from Deuteronomy 30:19–20. God's people are soon to enter the Promised Land, and the Lord has an important choice for them to make. Will they choose to follow God and be blessed? Or will they allow themselves to be drawn away from Him to other gods and worldliness? We face a similar choice today. For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

March 9, 2025 | Pastor Steve Gaines preaches from Numbers 32 as he speaks on how to have "Victory Over Sin." When we understand that man is inherently sinful and that our situation is serious, we know that we need the perfect solution for our sin, which is Jesus Christ.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

March 2, 2025 | Pastor Steve Gaines preaches from Numbers 13 in a message titled "Don't Say 'No' When God Says 'Go.'" When the Lord told the Israelites to take the land He had given them, 10 of the 12 spies who surveyed the land gave a negative report. This led to decades of wandering through the wilderness. When God asks us to do something or go somewhere, it's vital that we obey His command.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

February 23, 2025 | Vance Pitman launches Bellevue's Missions Week with an important message on "The Kingdom and the Church" out of Philippians 4:15–20. What is the church built for? What is the life cycle of a church? In this sermon, we hear the need for churches to be praying about and giving toward missions, as well as sending out missionaries and church planters from within their congregations. We should not focus only on the seating capacity of our building, but on our sending ability to reach the world for the Gospel of Christ.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

Why don't our churches today look like the church in the book of Acts? And could they? They can if we invite God to our church. Simply put, when God comes to church, revival results! Today on the 4:13, Pastor Steve Gaines analyzes how churches can look just like the church of the first century. You'll find out that we don't need another program, another personality, or a great marketing plan to set our churches on fire. We need God's presence! He'll explain what a revival is, some misconceptions of a revival, and how you as an individual can help usher in a revival in your church. And, believe it or not, it's something you can start today! SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/339  Enter to win the GIVEAWAY and read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.

February 16, 2025 | Dr. Grant Gaines joins us for a special word out of Leviticus 16 on "The Gift of Atonement." Reading through God's commands for a blood sacrifice for the Israelites' sins, we see the need for atonement, how we can be made right with God, and the positive effects of having our sins cleansed.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

Send us a textPull a seat up at the table and join us in a conversation with Steve Gaines, a well-known pastor within the Southern Baptist Convention with decades of pastoral ministry experience.  Jon and Tanner caught him for a conversation while he spoke at the Evangelism Conference in Brandon, Mississippi. Around the Corner Events: All Events: mbcb.org/eventsFebruary 8: Disaster Relief Training - WigginsFebruary 11: Germany Connection Meeting - Gulf CoastFebruary 12: Germany Connection Meeting - PearlFebruary 13: Germany Connection Meeting - PontotocFebruary 20: Next Gen Summit - BrandonFebruary 22: Disaster Relief Training - MeridianFebruary 25-27: Vision Journey - Los AngelesFebruary 27: Small Church Youth Ministry Workshop - ForestFebruary 27: Mississippi Worship and Media Conference - BrookhavenMarch 2: Week of Prayer - Annie Armstrong Easter Offering / NAMBMarch 3: Senior Adult Leadership Training - GaraywaMarch 8: Disaster Relief Training - Pearl March 16: 3:16 on 3/16March 17: Ministry Assistants Conference and Training - GaraywaMarch 20: CP 100 Dinner - OxfordMarch 20: Small Church Youth Ministry Workshop - New AlbanyMarch 21: KidMin Tool Bin - GaraywaMarch 22: Disaster Relief Training - EcruMarch 24: Multiplication Process Co-Lab - MadisonMarch 31-April 10: State Bible Drill - Various LocationsApril 3: CP 100 Dinner - BiloxiApril 4: CP 100 Dinner - MadisonContacts: Jon Martin, Chief Strategy Officer - jmartin@mbcb.orgTanner Cade, Communication Services Director - tcade@mbcb.org

February 9, 2025 | Pastor Steve Gaines continues our Chronological Bible series with a message out of Exodus 12 on "When God Sees the Blood." Looking at the instructions given to the Jews regarding Passover, we see the importance of Jesus' blood and what it means for our worth before God. For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

February 2, 2025 | Pastor Steve Gaines preaches through Exodus 3–4 as he walks through the inexcusable excuses to not serve God. When the Lord asks us to do something outside of our comfort zone, we often begin listing excuses for why we cannot obey Him. Through this message we'll see why those excuses fall short.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

January 26, 2025 | Join us in the book of Job as we study "God's School of Suffering" with Pastor Steve Gaines. One of the best places in the Bible to learn about enduring trials, Job's story is full of terrible losses, enduring grief, and a path to redemption. When God allows for us to go through difficult times, we are made stronger and draw closer to Him.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

Lynyrd Skynyrd was a success with their debut album, and continued to build a fan base when they opened for The Who on their Quadrophenia tour.  Many of the songs on their debut album were staples of their concerts in Jacksonville, Florida, where they had built their style over the years since the 60's.  Therefore it was not a sure thing that they would be able to sustain their success over time.  Those concerns were put to rest when they released their second album.Second Helping, a southern colloquialism for getting more of the same thing at the dinner table, cemented Lynyrd Skynyrd as the flag bearer for the Southern Rock genre.  At a time when a number of British artists - most notably the Rolling Stones - were digging into the rock and blues music of the American South, Lynyrd Skynyrd was the real thing.  They rode the power of their triple guitar set and the wit of Ronnie Van Zandt's lyrics to a commercial success, with the album going to number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart and certified as gold by September 1974.  While contemporary critics were more lukewarm, those reviews have been revised way upward over time.  Second Helping also contains the biggest hit of the group as well, the Southern anthem "Sweet Home Alabama."Lynyrd Skynyrd would go on to produce many more hit songs and records in the southern rock genre before tragedy took front man Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines in October 1977.  But Second Helping is the album that solidified their standing as an internationally successful band.Wayne takes us through this album for this week's podcast, and Brian Dickhute joins us in Bruce's absence. The Needle and the SpoonThis song would not be the only anti-drug track in the Skynyrd discography.  The lyrics describe a man coming out of rehab, and makes use of a wah wah pedal effect that was not common to most of Skynyrd's music, but fit with the heroin subject of the song.  Swamp MusicAlthough not released as a single, this song got plenty of air play on FM radio, as did most of the tracks on this album.  This fast -paced track describes life in the Florida swamps.  The members of Lynyrd Skynyrd were well acquainted with outdoor life, fishing for catfish, hunting, and other "redneck" activities.Sweet Home AlabamaEveryone knows this anthem of Southern rock.  This song was written in response to Neil Young's "Southern Man," in which the band felt like the entire Southern United States was blamed for slavery.  Between the hook of the leading riff and the catchy lyrics, this song has become a staple of classic rock. This is Skynyrd's only top 10 hit, as it went to number 8 on the US charts.  Interestingly, none of the band members are from Alabama.Don't Ask Me No QuestionsGary Rossington and Ronnie Van Zandt wrote this song during a fishing trip.  Many think this is about a relationship, but it was a message to the record managers who were apathetic towards the band during the early days, but who turned demanding after they were a success.   ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: Main theme from the television series, "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C."In this sitcom spin-off from "The Andy Griffith Show," Jim Nabors plays the lovable but naive Gomer Pyle, now enlisted into the Marine Corp.  Frank Sutton, who played Sergent Carter in this series, passed away in June 1974. STAFF PICKS:Help Me by Joni MitchellRob starts the staff picks with a single from Mitchell's sixth studio album, "Court and Spark."  This track is Mitchell's biggest single, and her only song to crack the top 10 in the US, going to  number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The lyrics describe a singer who knows she is falling for the wrong man, but is either powerless to stop it or doesn't want to call things off.Dancing Machine by the Jackson 5Brian brings us a song that hit number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 after a multi-year dry spell.  The Jackson 5 appeared on "Soul Train" performing this song, and Michael Jackson introduced the world to "the robot" dance routine.  The Jackson 5 had a Saturday morning cartoon which kept the group in the public conscious.Waterloo by ABBALynch features the song that made ABBA a household name when the Swedish group won the 1974 Eurovision Song contest singing this tune.  The lyrics compare falling in love to Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo.  The name "ABBA" comes from the first letter of each of the singers' names.Tell Me Something Good by RufusWayne presents a funky song from a group featuring Chaka Kahn as lead vocalist.  Rufus is a one-hit wonder, with this song peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Stevie Wonder wrote this song about a woman looking for a deeper relationship, not just a one night stand.  It was the first hit song that utilized the vocoder.  INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Dance with the Devil by Cozy PowellWe close out with a drum instrumental based on Jimi Hendrix' "Third Stone from the Sun."  Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

January 19, 2025 | Is prosperity a bad thing? Is success biblical? Bill Street, Bellevue's Pastor of Discipleship, Prayer, and Evangelism, looks at these questions in light of Joseph's success found in Genesis 39:1–3. How does God bless us and what are we supposed to do with those blessings? Choose today how you are going to follow the Lord and take hold of His promises.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

Send us a textThe idea that men need respect while women need love has been treated as gospel truth in the evangelical world. Best-sellers have been written based on it; it informs almost every marriage sermon. What if it's not true? Using data from our marriage survey of 7000 people, we show how reality is very different—and what this means for how we should talk about marriage! TO SUPPORT USJoin our Patreon for as little as $5 a month to support our workFor tax deductible donations in the U.S., support Good Fruit Faith Initiative through the Bosko FoundationAnd check out our Merch, or any of our courses!Join our email list!LINKSPre-order The Marriage You Want! https://amzn.to/3YQfqMySend your pre-order receipts to preorder@marriageyouwantbook.com to get our pre-order bonus and an invite to the launch team!THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCASTTake our marriage survey yourself as a date night!Our synopsis of everything wrong with Love & Respect (with other posts and podcasts linked in the bottom)Our open letter to Focus on the FamilyJonathan Pokluda clipFemale Influencer clip #1Female influencer clip #2Josh and Jana HowertonJosh Howerton “Give him a crown”Steve Gaines' sermon on respectJoin Sheila at Bare Marriage.com!And her FACEBOOK PAGE has been HACKED--so please join the new official one!Check out her books: The Great Sex Rescue She Deserves Better The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex and The Good Guy's Guide to Great Sex And she has an Orgasm Course and a Libido course too!Check out all her courses, FREE resources, books, and so much more at Sheila's LinkTree.

January 12, 2024 | When God tests your faith, what purpose could there be in your suffering? Pastor Steve Gaines explores the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22:1–14 where God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son on an altar. Whatever test or trial you face today, the endurance of your faith is vital to receiving all that God promises you during tough circumstances.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

January 5, 2024 | Pastor Steve Gaines teaches on "The Truth About Mankind" out of Genesis 6:1–8. The reality about humans is that we are sinful by birth and God punishes sin. Only through divine intervention can we be made right and hope to become righteous. How does knowing about our sinful nature lead us closer to God's redemption?For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

December 29, 2024 | Pastor Steve Gaines teaches out of Matthew 6:20–34 on the subject of "Keeping God First Place" in our lives. How can we seek first His kingdom while letting go of the distractions and temptations that can weigh us down?For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

December 22, 2024 | Pastor Steve Gaines teaches on the Christmas story and the gospel connections found in Isaiah during this holiday sermon. Looking at Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7, and 53, we learn about the coming birth of the Messiah and what it means for our world.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

December 15, 2024 | Pastor Steve Gaines teaches from Luke 2:8–20 on the reason for Christmas in this timely sermon. The shepherds were amazed when the angels announced the birth of the Savior, but they also listened and took action based on what God had revealed to them. We face a similar decision today. How will you respond to the Christmas season? For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org