St. Paul's Church - Willington, Ct

This week we looked at what might be the saddest chapter in the Bible: Genesis 3. It answers the question: Why is the world so messed up? It gives us insight into what leads us into sin, the consequences of sin, and - thankfully - the remedy for sin.

This week we looked at the story of Adam and Eve (before the Fall), letting this question narrow our focus: What does this story teach us about God's design for human life?

This week we paused in the drama of Genesis to focus on a brief, but very significant detail: the seventh day. What does it mean that God "rested" and why does it matter for us?

This week we started our Genesis series with a look at the first chapter in the Bible: the story of creation. How to interpret Genesis 1 has long been a source of controversy in the Church. Are the days of creation literal 24-hour periods? Are we morally obligated to reject the modern scientific consensus on evolution? What can we be certain that Genesis 1 teaches? In this message we try to answer these questions.

This Sunday we took a break between sermon series for a Q&A sermon. We looked at five questions from the congregation, spanning a variety of topics: How do we know for sure if we're following God's will? How much does God expect us to pray? Is sarcasm sinful? And more.

This week guest speaker Bob McCoy concluded our Proverbs series by talking about how wisdom is transferred and retained, using Proverbs 4:20 – 27 as a guide.

This week guest speaker (and former St. Paul's staff member) Emma Liddle continues our Proverbs series with a look at one of the book's most popular topics: the tongue.

This week we look at the Proverbs' wisdom on the family: (1) how spouses should relate to each other, (2) how parents should relate to children, and (3) how children should relate to parents.

This week our Uncommon Sense series in the Proverbs continued with the topic of friendship. We discussed the importance of friendship and three qualities that make up a Godly friendship – Allegiance (loyalty, faithfulness, trust), Annoyance (DON'T be annoying), and Accountability.

The Bible is quite frank about the topic of sex, particularly in the book of Proverbs. This week we look at what God's wisdom has to say about this sensitive topic.

This week our series on the Proverbs continues with a look at one of the Proverbs' favorite topics: work. When we consider the amount of time we spend each week working either to generate income or to maintain order in our lives, work takes up a huge portion of our waking lives. What is God's perspective on work? We identify five points the Proverbs make about work and our relationship to it.

This week we started our new sermon series on the Proverbs: Uncommon Sense. The Proverbs tell us that "the fear of the LORD" is the beginning of wisdom - but what does that mean?

In our final part of our Sharing the Faith series, we identify five tips for powerful evangelism. This sermon begins with a few more thoughts on Charlottesville, and an encouragement to consider how one particular advocate for racial reconciliation serves as an excellent model for us as we share our faith.

This week we looked at one of the most famous passages in Scripture - 1st Corinthians 13 - to consider it's implications for evangelism. How should the truth that "without love we gain nothing" affect the way we share our faith? (The sermon starts six minutes in. It is preceded by some comments on - and a prayer regarding - this weekend's events in Charlottesville.)

This week we started a new series on sharing our faith. In our current cultural climate, attempting "evangelism" is often seen as rude and intolerant - and yet Jesus commands us to "make disciples." How can we share our faith in a way that is genuine, culturally-sensitive, and faithful to God? This week we look at an example from Scripture where the Apostle Paul does just that: his sermon in Athens at the Areopagus.

This weekend after service we witnessed (and celebrated!) the baptism of eight people in our community. In light of this special occasion, we talked about the meaning and significance of baptism. What is the point of this ancient ritual? Is it "just" a symbol?

This week guest speaker Bob McCoy shared on Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders. What is the difference, and how does that difference influence our ability to weather life's storms?

This week we hosted our annual Vacation Bible Camp. Our theme was "In Jesus the victory is won!" This theme, taken from 1 Corinthians 15:57, is a strong one because it appeals to our desire to win. But we have to remember that true winning sometimes looks like losing, and vice versa.

This week, Pastor Keith walks us through Romans 12:1-2, a passage about how we should live in response to God's mercy. Paul says that we should not conform to the "patterns of this world," but instead "renew our minds." Keith offers some practical suggestions for "pattern shattering," as well as some personal reflection on how the truth of this passage has been evident in his own life.

Have you ever wished God would make His existence and power more obvious than He does? This week we look at a story where God reveals His power in a clear and undeniable way to those opposing Him - the story of Elijah and the false prophets on Mount Carmel. The story is inspiring, but perhaps the greatest lesson comes after the dramatic showdown: when the exhausted Elijah is strengthened and encouraged not by another miraculous display of power, but by the gentle whisper or God. What does it mean for us that God speaks most powerfully through "a whisper"?