In the conversation for Sunday, October 2, 2016, Pastor Stuart Nice shares with us that people and groups are most efficient and effective when under the pressure of deadline, emergency, battle, etc. This level of activity cannot be sustained long, though, without the encouragement that comes from Christ through one another.

You are given, in this battle, the privilege not merely of believing in Christ but also of suffering for his sake. It is now your turn to take part in that battle you once saw me engaged in, and which, in point of fact, I am still fighting.

Now if your experience of Christ’s encouragement and love means anything to you, if you have known something of the fellowship of his Spirit, and all that it means in kindness and deep sympathy, do make my best hope for you come true! Live together in harmony, live together in love, as though you had only one mind and one spirit between you.
Philippians 1:29-2:2, J.B. Phillips New Testament

Sacred Reading, 00:00–07:00; Conversation, 07:00–50:43

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading.

Sacred Reading Text

Everything written long ago was written to teach us so that we would have confidence through the endurance and encouragement which the Scriptures give us. May God, who gives you this endurance and encouragement, allow you to live in harmony with each other by following the example of Christ Jesus. Then, having the same goal, you will praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other in the same way that Christ accepted you. He did this to bring glory to God.
Romans 15:4-7, GW