Explore every episode of the podcast Morning Watch Podcast

In this Season 2 premiere, Andy reflects on what happens after camp ends and the journey back into everyday life. Building on the final Morning Watch at Tar Hollow, this episode reminds us that while the mountaintop experience may be over, the Kingdom of God goes with us. As we return to school, work, and home, we're challenged to carry the hope, joy, and faith we experienced at camp into the ordinary moments of everyday life.*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode, Andy offers a brief reflection as Tar Hollow camp begins, inviting those who are attending to prepare not just their bags, but their hearts for the week ahead. For those unable to join, he reminds us that we are still one community and encourages everyone to support camp through prayer. The episode concludes with a special prayer from Camp Director Stephanie as we prepare for all that God has in store.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode, Michael digs into Philippians 2:1-11 to prepare our hearts and community for camp. He challenges us to see that true unity isn't about maintaining identical opinions, but about choosing the humble, sacrificial mindset of Christ during honest disagreements. By tracing Jesus's willing descent to the cross, Michael reminds us that our mutual love and grace serve as the ultimate evidence of Christ's kingdom to the world.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode, Dan reflects on the anticipation of camp and the mix of excitement and uncertainty that often comes with it. Drawing from the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15, he reminds us that we never journey toward God alone—God is already moving toward us, preparing the way long before we arrive. As camp draws near, we're invited to trust that God's love is already on the way.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode, Andy reflects on the gift of anticipation as camp draws near. With just a few weeks until Tar Hollow, we're reminded to enjoy the excitement of what's ahead while staying present to what God is doing right now. Plus, an invitation for anyone interested in contributing to the Morning Watch podcast.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode, Andy offers a simple invitation: step outside. Reflecting on the ways Jesus regularly withdrew from the crowds to pray and reconnect with God, this episode encourages listeners to slow down, unplug from distractions, and rediscover the beauty of creation. Whether it's a walk in the woods, a quiet moment on the porch, or simply feeling the wind on your face, sometimes the most meaningful spiritual practice is paying attention to the world God has placed around us.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode, Matt reflects on Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders and the reality that storms come for everyone. Through a deeply personal story of betrayal, hurt, and the ongoing challenge of forgiveness, he explores what it means to build our lives on a foundation that can withstand life’s hardest seasons. As we prepare for the storms we know will come, this episode reminds us that forgiveness isn’t about what others deserve, it’s about responding to the grace that God has already given us.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode, Michael reflects on what it means to truly notice people with compassion instead of simply passing by them. As camp draws closer, Michael invites us to consider who in our lives may feel unseen, forgotten, or left out, and challenges us to extend the same grace, welcome, and belonging that Jesus offered.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

This week Andy reflects on the way Jesus continually widened the table, making room for people others overlooked or excluded. As camp draws closer, this episode invites us to prepare not just with excitement and anticipation, but with open hearts ready to welcome new campers, new staff, and new stories into the Tar Hollow community. Through Scripture and reflections on camp life, we’re reminded that some of the holiest things we can do are noticing people, making space for them, and helping them know they belong.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

This week Andy reflects on the ways Jesus continually widened the circle of belonging, inviting in the very people others pushed away. In a world that encourages division and exclusion, this episode reminds us that the Kingdom of God is bigger than our categories, fears, and assumptions. Through stories from Scripture and reflections on the Tar Hollow community, we’re invited to resist shrinking the circle and instead make room for compassion, connection, and grace.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

This week Lee invites us to look beyond the beauty of creation at Tar Hollow and lift our eyes to the vastness of the night sky. Through reflections on constellations, galaxies, and the wonder of the heavens, we’re reminded that the same God who created and sustains it all also knows us, loves us, and calls us by name. In the midst of such awe-inspiring creation, this episode centers on a powerful truth: you are more important than all of it, because the God who made the stars chose to come close and give everything for you.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

This week Michael reflects on Exodus 34, where God describes Godself as merciful, gracious, and “slow to anger.” Exploring the original Hebrew phrase meaning “long of nose,” Michael shares how this image points to patience, the kind of deep breath God takes before responding in anger. As we grow to become more like Christ, this episode encourages us to pause, breathe, and remember God’s love and patience toward us before reacting to others.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

This week Andy reminds us that rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity God built into us. Reflecting on the story of Elijah being cared for by an angel with simple rest and nourishment, this episode invites us to slow down, listen to what we truly need, and allow ourselves to be refilled. In a world that pushes us to keep going, we’re reminded that sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is pause, rest, and trust that God is still at work.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

This week Andy invites us to slow down and reconnect with God through creation. Reflecting on a walk at Charleston Falls, he reminds us that our minds and souls are wired to find peace in the natural patterns God designed. In a world full of noise and distraction, this episode encourages us to step outside, be present, and simply breathe, trusting that God often meets us in the quiet, everyday moments we tend to overlook.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode of Morning Watch, Jayden Groppi delivers a powerful message on the true meaning of spiritual surrender. Drawing from the Book of Romans, Jayden explores the significant difference between accepting Jesus as your Savior and submitting to Him as your Lord.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

We often believe we need more—more time, more resources, more certainty, before we can offer anything meaningful, but this episode reminds us that God simply asks for what we already have. Through the story of the feeding of the 5,000, Abby invites us to move from scarcity to gratitude, trusting that even the smallest offering, placed in God’s hands, can become more than enough.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

We often think of "no" as a negative word, a wall, a rejection, or a sign of selfishness. But for the Beloved, a "no" can be one of the most sacred acts of stewardship we perform. This week, we’re following up our series on the Four-Fold Life by looking at the practical side of being Chosen, Blessed, Broken, and Given. If we are to be "bread for the world," we must ensure we aren't being crumbled into dust by the demands of everyone else’s expectations. Join us as we explore "The Holy No", the grace-filled boundary that protects our "Yes" for the things that matter most.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In the final installment of our series on the Beloved, Michael brings us to the ultimate purpose of the spiritual journey: becoming Given. Building on what it means to be chosen, blessed, and broken, we explore how our lives are not meant to be lived for ourselves alone, but to be poured out for others. True fulfillment isn't found in hoarding our gifts or hiding our scars; it’s found in the "extraordinary ordinary" moments of service and the legacy of love we leave behind. If you’ve ever wondered how your personal pain or hidden joys fit into the bigger picture, this episode is a call to see your life as a gift meant to be shared.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

This week, Michael continues our journey into the "Four-Fold Life," moving from our identity as the Chosen to the lived reality of being Blessed and Broken. In a world that often speaks curses of inadequacy and shame, we explore the power of the benediction, the "good word" that God speaks over us from the very beginning. But how do we reconcile that blessing with the parts of us that feel shattered? This conversation is a gentle guide on how to take our unique suffering out of the shadows and place it firmly under the light of God’s favor. If you are struggling to see your worth in the midst of your pain, join us as we learn to befriend our brokenness and trust the voice that calls us Beloved in all things.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

This week, Michael invites us into a life-changing realization: that our deepest identity is found in a single word: beloved. Drawing from the profound wisdom of Henry Nouwen and the baptism of Jesus, we explore what it means to truly hear the voice that calls us God’s chosen ones. If you’ve been battling self-rejection, performance-driven exhaustion, or the quiet ache of feeling overlooked, this episode is a gentle invitation to stop striving and start receiving. It’s time to push back the lies of a world that measures your worth by your effectiveness and rediscover the truth of who you were always meant to be.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

This week Andy reflects on grace, what it really means, why we so often forget it, and how it meets us right in the middle of missed weeks, messy schedules, and imperfect moments. Rooted in Ephesians 2 and Romans 8, this episode reminds us that grace isn’t a reward for getting it right, it’s a gift given before we ever do. If you’ve been feeling behind, disappointed in yourself, or stuck in performance mode, this conversation is for you.

Want to Contribute?
The Morning Watch Podcast has always been a community space, and we’d love to hear more voices. If you feel called to share a devotion, reflection, or encouragement with the Tar Hollow family, email us at morningwatchpod@gmail.com. We’d be honored to help you be part of what God is doing here.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

This week Andy reminds us that even in the ten darkest weeks of the year, change is already happening. As winter lingers and routines feel heavy, God’s light is quietly returning, not all at once, but steadily and faithfully. This episode invites listeners to slow down, notice the small signs of hope, and trust that even when it doesn’t feel like it, light is coming.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

After taking a week off for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Michael returns to encourage listeners to keep Morning Watch simple and consistent, even on days without the podcast. He shares a short devotional reading from Bob Goff’s Live in Grace, Walk in Love, centered on Ephesians 2:8–10 and the reminder that we are saved by grace and created for good works. Using the image of a proud parent cheering on a child’s first steps, Michael reminds us that God celebrates our brave steps forward instead of focusing on our stumbles.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode of Morning Watch, Noah explores a question many people ask when reading Scripture: Is the Bible boring? He acknowledges how difficult passages like long lists and detailed instructions can feel, and invites listeners to look at them through the lens of the Bible’s larger story. By connecting these details to God’s desire to be in relationship with humanity, this episode encourages readers to keep going, trust the process, and discover God’s love even in the parts of Scripture that feel slow or confusing.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode of Morning Watch, Andy reflects on what it means to feel late, late to deadlines, expectations, and even life itself. Acknowledging how easily we get sidetracked, this episode offers reassurance that God is steadfast and unhurried, even when we are not. Through scripture and everyday moments, listeners are invited to consider how slowing down and being present can open our eyes to God’s presence in unexpected places. Sometimes, being “late” isn’t failure at all, it’s an invitation to notice where God is already at work.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In the final Morning Watch episode of 2025, Michael invites us to pause and reflect on the year that’s ending and the one ahead. Through thoughtful questions and gentle encouragement, this episode creates space to notice where God has been present, how we’ve grown, and how we’ve shown love in the world. As we prepare for a new year, Michael offers a simple, prayerful way to look back with gratitude and step forward with trust, intention, and hope.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

A special Christmas reading of “’Twas the Night” by William Dean shared as a gentle pause in the season. May it bring warmth, wonder, and a reminder of the joy and peace that surround us this Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this final week of Advent, Andy reflects on the theme of love as we stand on the threshold of Christmas. This episode invites listeners to consider a love that doesn’t wait for perfection or certainty, but draws near in vulnerability, presence, and trust. Through Mary’s story and the quiet lighting of the final candle, we are reminded that God’s love meets us exactly where we are and invites us to receive it, and share it, as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

As Advent continues and the season grows fuller and busier, Andy invites us to pause and reflect on the deeper meaning of joy. In this Week 3 episode, we explore Gaudete Sunday—a moment in the middle of waiting where the church dares to rejoice. This isn’t joy that ignores pain or pretends everything is fine, but a steady joy rooted in the promise that God is near. Even in mixed emotions and crowded schedules, this episode reminds us that true joy rises not from circumstances, but from hope taking shape and light drawing closer.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this Week 2 Advent reflection, Andy returns to guide listeners deeper into the season, focusing this time on the quiet, steady gift of peace. Acknowledging how busy and overwhelming December can become, he reminds the Tar Hollow community that Advent peace doesn’t depend on everything around us calming down; it begins with the presence of God settling within us. Drawing from scripture and everyday moments of stillness, Andy explores how Christ brings peace not by removing the chaos but by meeting us in the middle of it. This episode encourages listeners to slow their pace, breathe deeply, and make room for the peace that Advent promises, a peace that holds steady even when life does not.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In Part Two of The First Light of Advent, Andy shifts the focus from anticipation to the deep, steady hope that Advent invites us to hold. Through the words of Isaiah and the quiet image of a single candle burning in the dark, this episode explores how hope doesn’t ignore the hard parts of life—hope endures within them. Listeners are encouraged to recognize the small ways God’s light already breaks through their days, even in the waiting. This reflection reminds us that Advent begins not in certainty or perfection, but in promise, in trust, and in the gentle, growing light of God’s faithfulness.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this first part of The First Light of Advent, Andy invites listeners into the sacred rhythm of waiting that begins the Advent season. Following Cody’s message on Christ the King, this episode shifts from celebrating Christ’s reign to longing for the coming light. Through the lens of anticipation, Andy reflects on how Advent waiting is not passive—it’s hopeful, expectant, and alive with promise. Even in the quiet and uncertainty, God is already at work preparing something new. This gentle reflection sets the tone for the season, reminding us that every moment of waiting is an invitation to hope.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

As the church year draws to a close, Cody Myers invites us to pause and remember who truly reigns over all creation. Drawing from Revelation 1:4-8, he reminds us that Christ is not only the ruler of nations but the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the King whose power is rooted in love. Unlike earthly kings who demand allegiance, Jesus frees us, redeems us, and invites us into a kingdom built on mercy and grace. Even when the world feels chaotic or uncertain, we can rest in the truth that Christ reigns yesterday, today, and forever, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

This week, we wrestle with a big question: How do we know if something we hear is really from God? Michael walks us through two key passages that give us a simple, practical way to discern whether someone’s “word from the Lord” actually reflects God’s Spirit. Galatians 5 reminds us that the Holy Spirit always produces the same fruit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And James 3:17 shows us that true godly wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, flexible, merciful, sincere, and full of good fruit. If someone’s words don’t line up with these qualities, they’re not worth listening to. But if they do, we may just be hearing something shaped by the Spirit. It’s a thoughtful, honest episode that helps all of us pay better attention to the voices we trust — and to the kind of voice we want to be for others.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

Life isn’t always mountaintops or valleys, most days, we live somewhere in between. In this episode, Andy reminds us that God meets us right in the middle places: the ordinary days, the quiet moments, the times when joy and sadness overlap. Drawing from Lamentations 3:22-23, we reflect on God’s steady love and the new mercies that greet us every morning. You don’t have to feel spiritual fireworks or have everything figured out, just breathe, show up, and trust that God is already here, walking with you through it all.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

Michael reflects on how joy and sadness often travel together, hand in hand, in our everyday lives, just like they do in the movie Inside Out 2. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 12, he explores Paul’s experience of both incredible closeness with God and a “thorn” that kept him humble. Michael encourages us to look honestly at the mix of joy and struggle in our own lives, trusting that both can draw us closer to Christ. Even in weakness, God’s grace is enough, and where sadness is present, joy is always holding its hand.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

After the mountaintop moments fade and life settles back into the everyday, it’s easy to lose sight of where our help comes from. In this episode, Andy reflects on Psalm 121:1-2, reminding us that faith isn’t just about seeing clearly from the summit, it’s about choosing to lift our eyes when the path grows steep or uncertain. Through honest reflection and gentle encouragement, this episode invites listeners to notice God’s presence in the climb, in the valley, and in every step in between.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

Dan shares how climbing the steep trail to the water tower at Tar Hollow can change the way you see everything around you. The trees, the hills, the same paths you struggled up suddenly look different from the top. Drawing from Luke 9 and the story of Jesus’ transfiguration, Dan reminds us that sometimes it’s not our circumstances that change, it’s us. When life feels overwhelming or confusing, taking time to step back, breathe, and shift your perspective can help you see God’s presence more clearly.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode, Jaden reminds us that true significance is only found in Christ. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:14-21, he explains that our identity isn’t rooted in achievements, relationships, or popularity, but in being a new creation in Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live as his ambassadors, representing him in our schools, activities, and friendships. Jaden encourages us to embrace this identity, live with purpose, and trust that God can use even young people to change the world.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

Dan reflects on quiet mornings at the lake at Tar Hollow, when fog hovers low over the water until sunlight slowly breaks through. Drawing from John 1:5—“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”—he reminds us that even when life feels foggy, heavy, or uncertain, God’s light is still shining. It may not break through all at once, but it is steady, patient, and faithful, reminding us we are never alone.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode, Andy reflects on one of the most powerful promises in scripture: nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). At camp, it’s easy to feel God’s love through worship, friendship, and quiet moments in nature, but back home the feeling can fade under stress, doubt, and busyness. This episode reminds us that God’s love isn’t based on our feelings, it’s reality, unshakable and constant, holding us in every season of life.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode, Josh reflects on why camp feels so different, why it’s one of the few places we feel truly accepted and free to be our authentic selves. At Tar Hollow, we’re reminded that love isn’t something we earn but a gift we can freely give and receive. In Mark 10:17–21, even when the rich man turned away, Jesus’ first instinct was to look at him with love—the same love God has for each of us, just as we are.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode, Cody Myers talks about how busy life can feel once camp is over and how easy it is to get distracted by schedules, activities, and noise. Looking at the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42, Cody reminds us that Jesus calls us to slow down, rest, and focus on him. Just like Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, we’re invited to make space for God in our everyday lives, because only one thing is truly needed.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode, Lee reflects on life after camp at Tar Hollow, weaving memories of laughter, worship, and community with the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration in Luke 9:28-36. Just like Peter, James, and John didn’t want to leave the mountaintop, we often struggle when camp ends and the everyday world returns. But the good news is that we don’t come down alone, Jesus comes with us. Lee reminds us that the same Spirit we encounter in the Green Cathedral and around the campfire walks with us back home, in school, in our struggles, and in our daily lives. And even better—He’ll be with us when we return to Tar Hollow again.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode, Michael explores what truly moves the heart of God. Using the story of Mary and Martha sending word to Jesus in John 11, he contrasts our tendency to convince God with reasons why someone “deserves” healing against their simple plea: “Lord, the one you love is sick.” Michael reminds us that our worth isn’t found in what we do for God or how much we love him. Instead, it’s rooted in how deeply God already loves us, a love so great that he sent Jesus to die for us. This episode invites us to stop striving to earn God’s approval and instead rest in the truth that we are already fully and completely loved.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode, Matt Lieber shares how something small, like a letter written to a student, can grow into something much bigger than expected. Reflecting on Matthew 13:31–32, where Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, Matt reminds us that God uses even the smallest acts of kindness, encouragement, or integrity to create lasting impact. You don’t need to do something dramatic for God to work through you. Every word, every action, every “seed” you plant matters. The challenge is simple: plant one seed today, and trust God to do the growing.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode, Isaiah Plyman, shares why the first moments of our day matter, at camp and at home. Drawing from Psalm 5:3, Mark 1:35, and John 15:5, Isaiah reminds us that Morning Watch is more than a camp tradition—it’s a biblical principle of starting with God before the noise of the day begins. Through personal stories and practical tips, he challenges us to keep that “root connection” alive long after camp ends, making space each morning to be still, listen for God’s voice, and draw strength from the true source of life.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

In this episode, Dan reflects on the emotional depth of camp, the way joy and sorrow, laughter and tears, can all exist together in one sacred space. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 7:14, we’re reminded that real faith makes room for the full range of human emotion. God doesn’t ask us to be only strong, only grateful, or only certain, God meets us in all of it. Whether you’re still riding the camp high or feeling the weight of going home, this episode invites you to embrace every feeling and trust that God is big enough to hold them all.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

This week, Michael reflects on the deep longing we feel after leaving camp and draws a powerful connection between that feeling and the biblical tabernacle, a sacred space where God dwelled with the people. Camp is one of those holy places, but God’s presence isn’t limited to a location. By setting aside time for God, even now, we can create space for the holy wherever we are.

Listen now and be encouraged to keep making room for God in your everyday life.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.

Camp is over, the bags are unpacked, and it’s Monday. But the sacred moments you experienced don’t have to stay behind. In this episode, we reflect on what it means to be anointed and sent, just like the 72 Jesus sent out. We’ll explore how to carry the peace, presence, and purpose of Tar Hollow into everyday life and how to live as people marked by God’s overflowing love.

*The voices shared in this program come from individuals who hold Tar Hollow close to their hearts. While their stories and perspectives are deeply valued, they may not reflect the official views of the Tar Hollow Committee or Sidney First Methodist Church.