A Year in Review

On Sunday, December 27, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in an evaluation of how we live our lives this last year in light of the coronavirus and the political season we find ourselves in. This year in review evaluation utilizes Galatians 5:22-23 as a rubric to bring some self-examination, so that we can come before the Lord with what we find, inviting the Spirit’s freedom so we can walk in the fruit of the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23, NIV

A Corona Virus Christmas: Lessons from Anna

On Sunday, December 20, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart continues our Corona Virus Christmas series by looking at Anna, who was a prophet and a widow and continually worshipped the Lord in the Temple. What we can learn from Anna’s life is that there are no insignificant people, that we can embrace transitional times and roles that we experience, and celebrate the moments the Lord puts in our lives.

Luke 2:36-38, NIV

http://bit.ly/Luke2_36-38NIV

A Corona Virus Christmas: Behold Jesus

On Sunday, December 13, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart continues our Corona Virus Christmas series by looking at Simeon and how he embraced God’s promise that he would see Israel’s salvation, that he was faithful in waiting, and how his heart rejoiced when he finally beheld Jesus. Even though we’re challenged with how 2020 has unfolded, we can follow Simeon’s example and behold Jesus this Christmas.

Luke 2:25-25, NIV

A Corona Virus Christmas: The Journey to Worship Jesus

On Sunday, December 6, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart continues our Corona Virus Christmas series by encouraging us to dedicate ourselves to worshipping Jesus. While on this journey to worship Jesus we will pass through centers of power, just like the wise men did when they came to worship him. Every journey needs follow through. Pastor Stuart encourages us to commit ourselves to the practices that bring us closer to Jesus and that shows God’s love to one another.


Matthew 2:1-12, NIV

A Corona Virus Christmas: Walking Through the Unexpecteds

On Sunday, November 29, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart reminds us of the backstory of the arrival of Jesus to his earthly parents, Joseph and Mary. The encouragement for us this Christmas is to embrace the Lord’s assignment, keep our focus on what we can control, and to fulfill our role in God’s purposes.

Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Cultivating Gratefulness in an Uncertain World

On Sunday, November 22, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart encourages us to cultivate a heart of gratitude by actively reflecting on the people in your life, praying for them, and putting our trust in what only God can do in our lives.

Philippians 1:3-7 (NIV) 
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. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.

After the Storm: Encouraged, Hopeful, and Grateful

On Sunday, November 15, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message with our in-person congregation and our online members via Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart encourages us to find hope in the phrase “yet not,” encouragement in the body of Christ, and gratitude for the life that God continues to provide for us.

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (NIV)
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

After the Storm: Returning to Mission with Our Eyes on Jesus

On Sunday, November 8, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message with our in-person congregation and our online members via Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart encourages us to recommit to the mission of loving one another and the world through serving.

Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV)
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

After the Storm: Putting Our Eyes Back on Jesus – Praying with the Psalms: Psalm 46, Relaxing in Jesus

On Sunday, November 1, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message with our in-person congregation and our online members via Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart continues the discussion on prayer, this time focusing on relaxing in Jesus by being still before, during, and after the Lord works on behalf of God’s people.

Psalm 46, NASB

After the Storm: Putting Our Eyes Back on Jesus – Praying with the Psalms: Psalm 73

On Sunday, October 25, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message with our in-person congregation and our online members via Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart continues the discussion on prayer, this time focusing on making Jesus the center of our perspective by remembering the end from the beginning, recognizing that understanding comes from being in God’s presence, and when it feels like we’re losing perspective, get close to Jesus.

Psalms 73:1-3 (NIV)
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Psalms 73:16-17 (NIV)
When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.

Psalms 73:28 (NIV)
But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Prayer that Builds Relationship – Lesson 6: Thy Kingdom Come – Walking with Others of Opposing Views

On Sunday, October 11, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message on YouTube Live. In our discussion this week, he continues the discussion on prayer this time focusing on the kingdom dynamic of loving our neighbors amidst a polarized political environment. Through this passage, Pastor Stuart encourages us to adopt the perspective of God’s kingdom as our own and respond to those around us with unconditional love.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Luke 11:1-2 (NIV)

Prayer that Builds Relationship – Lesson 5: Family Prayer

On Sunday, October 4, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message on YouTube Live. In our discussion this week, he continues the discussion on prayer this time focusing on the kingdom dynamic of covenant family. Through this passage, Pastor Stuart encourages us to receive God’s interaction, bringing us into sacred relationships to practice communion and fulfill God’s mission.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father…”
Luke 11:1-2 (NIV)

Prayer that Builds Relationship – Lesson 4: Building Intimacy

On Sunday, September 27, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message on YouTube Live. In our discussion this week, he continues the discussion on prayer this time focusing on building an intimate relationship with God as Father. Through this passage, Pastor Stuart encourages us to discover prayer as a secure environment that we can be vulnerable with the Lord and experience intimacy with the family of God.

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Luke 11:1-2 (NIV)
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father…”

Luke 15:20-24 (NIV)
So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Lessons We Are Learning in Isolation: Prayer that Builds Relationship – Lesson 3: Faith Building Prayer

On Sunday, September 20, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message on YouTube Live. In our discussion this week, he continues the discussion on prayer this time focusing on faith based on being a child of God. Through this passage, Pastor Stuart encourages us to recognize that you are God’s child through spiritual adoption and resting in God’s care for us as Father.

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Luke 11:1-2 (NIV)
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father…”

Lessons We Are Learning in Isolation: Fighting the Battle for Prayer – Lesson 2: Partnering in Prayer

On Sunday, September 13, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message on YouTube Live. In our discussion this week, he continues the discussion on prayer as spiritual warfare, focusing on partnering with one another. Through this passage, Pastor Stuart encourages us to identify our desire to pray, establish a practice of prayer, and look to both God and our brothers and sisters in Christ to root our prayer life in relationship. 

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Luke 11:1-2 (NIV)
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father…”

Lessons We Are Learning in Isolation: Fighting the Battle for Prayer – Lesson 1: Persevering in Prayer

On Sunday, September 6, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message on YouTube Live. In our discussion this week, he continues the discussion on prayer as spiritual warfare, focusing on perseverance. Through this passage, Pastor Stuart encourages us to keep on praying, not letting our discouragement distort our perspective, and to offer encouragement to one another.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
Luke 18:1-8 (NIV)

Lessons We Are Learning in Isolation: Fighting the Battle for Prayer – Building a Motivation to Pray

On Sunday, August 30, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message on YouTube Live. In our discussion this week, he transitions from the armor of God to prayer as spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:18-20). Through this passage, Pastor Stuart encourages us to connect our passion with mission through prayer.

Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).  And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel),  For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do.
Ephesians 6:18-20 (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)

Lessons We Are Learning in Isolation: How to Use the Sword of the Spirit

On Sunday, August 23, 2020, Pastors Stuart Nice and Kim Nowlin share a message on YouTube Live. They conclude our discussion about the armor of God, focusing this week on the sword of the Spirit. The passage encourages us to arm ourselves with God’s truth and promises, to grow our relationship with the Holy Spirit, and fight our spiritual battles with declaration and praise.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)

Lessons We Are Learning in Isolation: Protecting Your Mind from Attack

On Sunday, August 16, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice shares a message on YouTube Live. He continues our discussion about the armor of God, focusing this week on the helmet of salvation. The passage encourages us to be proactive with our thought life, examining and responding to our thoughts with the wisdom of God’s word.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)

Lessons We Are Learning in Isolation: Protected by God's Faithfulness

On Sunday, August 9, 2020, Pastor Stuart Nice and Pastor Kim Nowlin share a conversation on YouTube Live. They continue their discussion about the armor of God, focusing this week on the shield of faith. The passage encourages us to remember to stand in God’s faithfulness for us. It’s only when we put our faith in God that the enemy’s attacks are extinguished.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:13-16 (NIV)