Taking Communication to Another Level: Excelling in Challenging Conversations

On Sunday, May 16, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from James 1:19 and Ephesians 4:15 about why and how to have difficult conversations with an emphasis on reconciliation in order to solve problems together in love instead of just trying to implement quick fixes.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry…
James 1:19 (NIV)

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

Taking Communication to Another Level: When Communication Goes Sideways

On Sunday, May 9, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from James 1:19 and Ephesians 4:29-32 about aligning our lives with the Holy Spirit, so that we can be made aware of our relational blind spots and work toward restoration and reconciliation in our relationships that may have gone awry.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry…
James 1:19 (NIV)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIV)

Taking Communication to Another Level

On Sunday, May 2, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from James 1:19 and Ephesians 4:29-32 about allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us in constructive ways of communicating, understanding that our hearts need healing and that others need blessing.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry…
James 1:19 (NIV)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIV)

Relational Depth: Growing in Intimacy – Taking Communication to Another Level

On Sunday, April 25, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from Luke 8:8, 18 and James 1:19-20 about growing in the way we communicate by understanding the goals and challenges involved. The discussion concluded with some exercises in developing connection and dealing with conflict.

When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
Luke 8:8b (NIV)

Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”
Luke 8:18 (NIV)

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
James 1:19-20 (NIV)

Encounters with Jesus: Thomas’ Encounter

On Sunday, April 18, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from John 20:24-29 about encountering Jesus after his resurrection. In this story, Jesus interacts with Thomas who was absent from Jesus’ first post-resurrection encounter with his disciples. Even though Thomas’ faith was shattered after Jesus’ death on the cross, Jesus gently confronts him and restores him to the fellowship of the disciples. Lastly, Pastor Stuart discusses the problem of faith based on the evidence of seeing.

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:24-29 (NIV)

Encounters with Jesus: Discipleship After the Resurrection

On Sunday, April 11, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from John 20:19-23 about encountering Jesus after his resurrection. In this story, Jesus surprises his disciples by appearing before them at a secret gathering. During that encounter, Jesus blesses them with peace twice and commissions them to be his ambassadors in the world by the power of the Holy Spirit.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
John 20:19-23 (NIV)

Jesus: The Resurrection and the Life

On Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from John 11:21-27 about Jesus: The Resurrection and the Life. This is the last of seven I Am statements by Jesus. In this statement, Jesus demonstrates by bringing Lazarus back from the dead, that he can bring life out of death, which is a product of trust. We are encouraged by this story that Jesus still does miracles.

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
John 11:21-27 (NIV)

Jesus: The True Vine

On Sunday, March 28, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from John 15:1-8 about Jesus: The True Vine. This is the sixth of seven I Am statements by Jesus. In this statement, Jesus encourages us to accept the Father’s pruning in our lives and to see that abiding in a close relationship with Jesus is how we can live fruitfully for God.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John 15:1-8 (NIV)

Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life

On Sunday, March 21, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from John 14:1-6 about Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life. This is the fifth of seven I Am statements by Jesus. In this statement, Jesus comforts his disciples by acknowledging their troubled hearts, providing companionship, belonging, and a spiritual home.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:1-6 (NIV)

Jesus: The Good Shepherd

On Sunday, March 14, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from John 10:14-16 about Jesus: The Good Shepherd. This is the fourth of seven I Am statements by Jesus. In this statement, Jesus declares his role as our shepherd who cares for us like no other. We also discuss the role of the sheep as those who receive the care of the shepherd and listen to his voice.


“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
John 10:14-16 (NIV)

Jesus: The Gate of the Sheep

On Sunday, March 7, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from John 10:7-10 about Jesus: The Gate for the Sheep. This is the third of seven I Am statements by Jesus. In this statement, Jesus declares that Jesus cares for us and saves us as the exclusive one. Many will try to deceive us and take from us what we would only give to God.

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:7-10, NIV

Jesus: The Light of the World

On Sunday, February 28, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from John 8:12 about Jesus: the Light of the World. This is the second of seven I Am statements by Jesus. Through this statement, we gain confidence that in Jesus we have direction, discernment, and peace. When we follow Jesus, we know that he will light our way and empower us to be a light in the world, making our life a testimony of God’s love.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 (NIV)

Jesus: The Bread of Life

On Sunday, February 21, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from John 6:25-35 about Jesus as the Bread of Life. If Jesus is our Bread of Life, then he is our source of spiritual sustenance for daily life and for eternity. When we encounter Jesus as the Bread of Life, we discover that the dimensions of our hearts are revealed. Lastly, as the Bread of Life, Jesus wants not only to meet our needs but be in a continual and personal relationship with us.

When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

“Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

John 6:25-35 (NIV)

New Year – Renewed You, Part 7: Wounded Hearts

On Sunday, February 14, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from Romans 12:17-21 looking at three ways to show love by not responding according to our human impulses but relying on the Holy Spirit’s grace to live in a way that is different than the world.

• Do not repay evil for evil.

• Do not take revenge.

• Do not be overcome with evil.

When we choose to love, accept, and forgive, we can live at peace with all who come into our lives.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:17-21 (NIV)

New Year – Renewed You, Part 6: Three Qualities that Build Relationship

On Sunday, February 7, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from Romans 12:14-16 looking at three qualities that will help us build stronger relationships. The first is to practice blessing those around us, including those who are against us. The second is to practice compassion, entering into the present emotional reality of those close to us. Lastly, the third is to walk in humility, pursuing harmony over knowledge or being right. 

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Romans 12:14-16 (NIV)

New Year – Renewed You, Part 5: Three Exhortations for a New Day

On Sunday, January 31, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from Romans 12:11-13 looking at three exhortations from Paul. The first is to have a heart of enthusiasm in loving one another. The second is to make sure we maintain spiritual practices to keep our hearts full of faith. Lastly, the third is to look outside of ourselves by practicing hospitality to those the Lord brings into our lives. 

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12:11-13 (NIV)

New Year – Renewed You, Part 4: Perfecting Love

On Sunday, January 24, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from Romans 12:9-10 to help us recognize what Christlike love looks like, which begins with seeing others and ourselves like Jesus does by separating people from their actions. We are then encouraged to connect our affection to one another, feeling their joy and pain. Finally, we are to be guided with honor in how we interact with one another.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Romans 12:9-10, New Living Translation

New Year – Renewed You, Part 3: Where Do I Fit?

On Sunday, January 17, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from Romans 12:6-8 to help us recognize that we are uniquely gifted by God to help one another by seeing ourselves as God’s masterpiece and finding the grace to walk in that gifting, understanding that this is God’s plan so that we can reflect the love and life of Jesus to those we encounter in our daily lives.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:6-8 (NIV)

New Year – Renewed You, Part 2: Transformed Thinking

On Sunday, January 10, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from Romans 12:3-5, encouraging us to think clearly, purposefully, and in a unifying way.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:3-5 (NIV)

New Year – Renewed You

On Sunday, January 3, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart leads us in conversation from Romans 12:1-2 and how we will choose to live our lives in the new year. He encourages us to make a fresh presentation of ourselves to God, to strive for a renewed way of thinking, and to discover new paths the Lord has prepared for us.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)