Barney Wiget: Reaching Rahab

In the conversation for Sunday, January 29, 2017, guest speaker, Barney Wiget shares his heart for the lost and hurting in our community by relating it to the story of Rahab in Joshua 2.

Barney reads all of Joshua 2 in his talk. Click here if you want to follow along.

As a segue to his message, Barney shares a song, Different Name, to illustrate the horrible treatment endured by victims of modern-day slavery and sex trafficking. It is not part of the recording, but you can listen to it below. Click here if you want to purchase a copy of it. 

In his talk, Barney refers to a ministry called Freedom House, and specifically two local shelters.

• The Monarch House for Women in San Mateo County
• The Nest House for Girls, 12-17 in Santa Clara County

Lastly, Barney introduces us to his recently published book, The Other End of the Dark: (A Memoir About Divorce, Cancer, and Things God Does Anyway). 

SACRED READING

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.

Through Christ Jesus you have become rich in every way—in speech and knowledge of every kind. Our message about Christ has been verified among you. Therefore, you don’t lack any gift as you wait eagerly for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will continue to give you strength until the end so that no one can accuse you of anything on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God faithfully keeps his promises. He called you to be partners with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:5-9, GW

The Pursuit of Transformation: The Stewardship of Health

In the conversation for Sunday, January 22, 2017, Pastors Stuart Nice and Kim Nowlin share with us how to steward our health, spiritually, mentally, and physically.

The Stewardship of Health

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NIV)

1. Spiritual Health
   “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better,
   promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it.
   1 Timothy 4:8-9, NLT
2. Mental Health
   Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
   Philippians 4:6-7
3. Physical Health
   How we care for ourselves mentally and spiritually affects us physically. We must care for our whole person, not just our individual parts.

SACRED READING

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.

He gives strength to those who grow tired
   and increases the strength of those who are weak.
Even young people grow tired and become weary,
   and young men will stumble and fall.
Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the Lord
   will be renewed.
      They will soar on wings like eagles.
         They will run and won’t become weary.
         They will walk and won’t grow tired.
Isaiah 40:29-31, God’s Word Translation

The Pursuit of Transformation: The Stewardship of Spiritual Formation

In the conversation for Sunday, January 15, 2017, Pastors Stuart Nice and Kim Nowlin share some introductory principles for starting or continuing a life of spiritual formation as a steward of the life given us by God.

The Stewardship Spiritual Formation

1. Don’t Conform, Transform
   Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.  
   Romans 12:2, NLT
2. Don’t Be a Hearer Only, Be a Doer
   Do what God’s word says. Don’t merely listen to it, or you will fool yourselves. If someone listens to God’s word but doesn’t do what it says, he is like a person who looks at his face in a mirror, studies his features, goes away, and immediately forgets what he looks like.
   James 1:22-24, GW
3. Live in Love
   Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.  
   Ephesians 5:2, NLT

Sacred Reading

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.

A song by David for going up to worship.

O Lord, my heart is not conceited.
My eyes do not look down on others.
I am not involved in things too big or too difficult for me.
Instead, I have kept my soul calm and quiet.
My soul is content as a weaned child is content in its mother’s arms.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord now and forever.
Psalms 130:8 - 131:3, GW

The Pursuit of Transformation: The Seven Stewardships

In the conversation for Sunday, January 8, 2017, Pastors Stuart Nice and Kim Nowlin share about seven areas of stewardship through which we can pursue life change.

Guard your heart more than anything else,
because the source of your life flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23, GW

The Seven Stewardships

1. Soul/Spirit
2. Finances/Resources
3. Heath
4. Talents/Passions
5. Relationships
6. Time
7. Vocation

Blooms Taxonomy: Aware, Ponder, Value, Act, Prioritize, Own, Export/Teach

SACRED READING

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.

Light exposes the true character of everything because light makes everything easy to see. That’s why it says:
     “Wake up, sleeper!
       Rise from the dead,
       and Christ will shine on you.”
So then, be very careful how you live. Don’t live like foolish people but like wise people. Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. Ephesians 5:13-16, GW

The Gift of the Discipline of Reflection

In the conversation for Sunday, January 1, 2017, Pastor Stuart Nice shares about the gift of reflection and its benefits for life change, especially when we make it a regular practice while inviting God’s presence and guidance.

“I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Philippians 3:13, TLB

Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don’t be vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of God.
Ephesians 5:15-17, PHILLIPS

The Examen Prayer
God, thank you. I thank you for always being with me, but especially that you are with me right now.

God, send your Holy Spirit upon me. Let the Holy Spirit enlighten my mind and warm my heart that I may know where and how we have been together this day.

God, let me look at my day. Where have I felt your presence, seen your face, heard your word this day? Where have I ignored you, run from you, or even rejected you this day.

God, let me be grateful and ask forgiveness. I thank you for the times this day we have been together and worked together. I am sorry for the ways I have offended you by what I have done or what I did not do.

God, be close. I ask that you draw me ever closer to you this day and tomorrow. You are the Lord of my life, thank you.

Sacred Reading

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.

Clearly, Christ’s love guides us. We are convinced of the fact that one man has died for all people. Therefore, all people have died. He died for all people so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for the man who died and was brought back to life for them.

So from now on we don’t think of anyone from a human point of view. If we did think of Christ from a human point of view, we don’t anymore. Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence. God has done all this. He has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships. In other words, God was using Christ to restore his relationship with humanity. He didn’t hold people’s faults against them, and he has given us this message of restored relationships to tell others. Therefore, we are Christ’s representatives, and through us God is calling you. We beg you on behalf of Christ to become reunited with God.
2 Corinthians 5:14-20, GW

Two Things that Hinder Our Spiritual Progress

In the conversation for Sunday, October 23, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice and Kim Nowlin share that our inward perspective or outward responses can hinder or enhance our spiritual progress. 

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:14-17, NIV

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

 Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love makes you willing to forgive many sins. 9 Open your homes to each other and share your food without complaining. 10 God has shown you his grace in many different ways. So be good servants and use whatever gift he has given you in a way that will best serve each other. 11 If your gift is speaking, your words should be like words from God. If your gift is serving, you should serve with the strength that God gives. Then it is God who will be praised in everything through Jesus Christ. Power and glory belong to him forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:8-11, ERV

Humility: The Gateway to Faith

In the conversation for Sunday, October 16, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice and Kim Nowlin encourage us from the scriptures that faith is a product of humbling ourselves before God, which opens up the potential to be a blessing to those we interact with regularly. 

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Philippians 2:5-13, NIV

Click here to view the handout, 25 Ways to Practice Humility

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

Do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”

So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.
James 4:6-10, The Message

I Am a Pickle

In the conversation for Sunday, October 9, 2016, Pastor Stuart Nice shares with us the essential task of mastering humility by overcoming pride.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (NASB)
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
     Who, being in very nature God,
     did not consider equality with God
     something to be used to his own advantage;
     rather, he made himself nothing
     by taking the very nature of a servant.  (NIV)
Philippians 2:3-7

Sacred Reading, 00:00–15:00; Conversation, 15:00–52:18

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

As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly. Also, let Christ’s peace control you. God has called you into this peace by bringing you into one body. Be thankful.
Colossians 3:12-15, GW

Lessons from the Battle

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

The Certainty of Uncertainty

In the conversation for Sunday, September 25, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice & Kim Nowlin share with us how to navigate difficult life situations through prayer, which adjusts our perspective, aligning it with the Lord's purposes for our life. The passage for this conversation is Philippians 1:18-21.

And I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance. For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
Philippians 1:18-21

Sacred Reading, 00:00–11:30; Conversation, 11:30–56:47

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

Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful! Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7, GW

Back to School: Learning to Practice

In the conversation for Sunday, September 11, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice & Kim Nowlin share with the basics of practicing the Christian faith. The passage for this conversation is Philippians 1:3-6.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:3-6, NIV

Sacred Reading, 00:00–8:15; Conversation, 8:15–51:38

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

This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; that you will see the difference between what is important and what is not and choose what is important; that you will be pure and blameless for the coming of Christ; that your life will be full of the many good works that are produced by Jesus Christ to bring glory and praise to God.
Philippians 1:9-11, Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

Fashioned for His Purpose

In the conversation for Sunday, August 14, 2016, Kim Nowlin shares with us a timeless truth that in Christ we have everything we need to step forward into the purpose that God has for each one of us. The passage for this conversation is 2 Peter 1:2-11.

     Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
     His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
     For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
     Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:2-11, NIV

Sacred Reading, 00:00–14:25; Conversation, 14:25–49:44

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

     Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
     His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
     For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:2-8, NIV

Five Things that Release the Power of God in Your Life

In the conversation for Sunday, August 7, 2016, Pastor Stuart Nice shares with us five ways that open us up to receive God's power in our lives. The passages for this conversation are listed below.

Praise
"You won’t fight this battle. Instead, take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the Lord for you," ...
After he had advised the people, he appointed people to sing to the Lord and praise him for the beauty of his holiness. As they went in front of the troops, they sang, “Thank the Lord because his mercy endures forever!” As they started to sing praises, the Lord set ambushes against them.... They were defeated.
Chronicles 20:17, 21-22, GW

Communion
But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
1 Corinthians 11:28, NASB

Confession
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9, NASB

Forgiveness
If you forgive someone, so do I. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did in the presence of Christ for your benefit. I don’t want Satan to outwit us. After all, we are not ignorant about Satan’s scheming.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11, GW

Giving
Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.
Luke 6:38, NASB

Sacred Reading, 00:00–12:22; Conversation, 12:22–50:25

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

  Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
And who may stand in His holy place?
  He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood
And has not sworn deceitfully.
  He shall receive a blessing from the Lord
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
  This is the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face—even Jacob.
  Selah.
Psalms 24:3-6, NASB

Encouraging Yourself in the Lord

In the conversation for Sunday, July 31, 2016, Pastor Stuart Nice shares with us a little known gift that has been a great blessing to him and wants you to experience its benefits as well. It's the gift of encouraging yourself in the Lord. The passage for this conversation is
1 Samuel 30:6-8, NASB.

At the end of the talk, Pastor Stuart has a song played as a closing meditation. The song is Even When It Hurts by Hillsong United. A video of the song is posted below.

     Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
     Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Please bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David. David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?” And He said to him, “Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and you will surely rescue all.”
1 Samuel 30:6-8, NASB

Sacred Reading, 00:00–07:05; Conversation, 07:05–43:11

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

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:4-6, NASB

Unstoppable

In the conversation for Sunday, July 24, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice & Kim Nowlin lead us in a discussion about suffering, and that those who embrace the way of suffering, as Jesus leads, will be unstoppable. The passage for this conversation is John 12:24-28

"Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."

“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”
John 12:24-28, NIV

Sacred Reading, 00:00–19:25; Conversation, 19:25–53:26

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

No god is like you, O Lord.
No one can do what you do.
All the nations that you have made
will bow in your presence, O Lord.
They will honor you.
Indeed, you are great, a worker of miracles.
You alone are God.
Teach me your way, O Lord,
so that I may live in your truth.
Focus my heart on fearing you.
I will give thanks to you with all my heart, O Lord my God.
I will honor you forever
because your mercy toward me is great.
You have rescued me from the depths of hell.
Psalm 86:8-13, GW

Seeing Yourself as Christ Sees You

In the conversation for Sunday, April 24, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice and Kim Nowlin remind us that we are God's beloved children, saved by grace, transformed by the Holy Spirit's work, and set free in Christ so we can live in freedom. 

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.
1 John 3:2, NASB

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10, NASB

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6, NASB

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians, 5:1, NIV

Sacred Reading, 00:00–16:45; Conversation, 16:45–54:32

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

Even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10, NLT

Through the Valley

In the conversation for Sunday, April 17, 2016, Pastor Kim Nowlin leads us through one of the most familiar passages of scripture, Psalm 23, focusing on God's continual presence and blessing, even when we feel like we don't deserve it.

Psalm 23, NIV
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
    He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
    he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
    through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Sacred Reading, 00:00–12:40; Conversation, 12:40–56:22

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

The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
    He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.
Psalm 23, NLT

Guatemala Sunday with Shawn Smith

On Sunday, April 10, 2016, we had the privilege of hosting Shawn & Damaris Smith as they shared with us about this summer's mission to Guatemala. This conversation also included comments from Pastor Stuart and Jendy Nice. 

For more information about Shawn Smith, visit shawnsmith.com.
For more information about this summer's mission to Guatemala, please visit nowisthetimeformissions.com.

Due to some technical difficulties, we were unable to record the entire gathering. Only the last three comments of the Sacred Reading were recorded. We are also missing the first ten minutes of Shawn's talk. Nonetheless, we felt that what did get recorded was significant enough to share as is. Please enjoy!

Sacred Reading: 00:00–04:50; Conversation: 04:50–47:15

Sacred Reading Text

He continued, “ What’s a good image for God’s kingdom? What parable can I use to explain it? Consider a mustard seed. When scattered on the ground, it’s the smallest of all the seeds on the earth; but when it’s planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all vegetable plants. It produces such large branches that the birds in the sky are able to nest in its shade
Mark 4:30-32, CEB

Learning to Live as God's Children

In the conversation for Sunday, April 4, 2016, Grant Teagarden shares some "God Stories" from his life as an encouragement to see ourselves as God's children and discover what it is to live from this perspective.

The passage for this morning's conversation is John 21. Grant reads the entire chapter, but makes his main point from these passages below.

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”
John 21:20-22, NIV

Sacred Reading, 00:00–18:45; Conversation, 8:45–53:37

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

They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 

He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Mark 9:33-37, NIV

Entertaining Angels

In the conversation for this Sunday, March 20, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice & Kim Nowlin bring an encouragement to stretch out beyond our comfort zone and make connections with people we don't know, especially during our worship gatherings.

The passage for this morning's conversation is Hebrews 13:1-2.

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:1-2, NIV

Sacred Reading, 00:00–17:25; Conversation, 17:25-47:05

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

Rejoice with all your heart, people of Zion!
Shout in triumph, people of Jerusalem!
Look! Your King is coming to you:
He is righteous and victorious.
He is humble and rides on a donkey,
on a colt, a young pack animal.
He will make sure there are no chariots in Ephraim
or war horses in Jerusalem.
There will be no battle bows.
He will announce peace to the nations.
He will rule from sea to sea
and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.
I will set your captives free from the waterless pit
because of the blood that sealed my promise to you.
Return to your fortress, you captives who have hope.
Today I tell you that I will return to you double blessings.
Zechariah 9:9-12, God's Word Translation