In this interactive Christmas sermon, Vicky Griffiths invites the children gathered at the front of the church to help open a table full of wrapped gifts, each one revealing a deeper truth about the Christmas story. As the eight gifts are opened, such as a a scroll of prophecy or a light-up star, Vicky reflects on how God’s plan unfolded through real history, unlikely people, and humble circumstances. Each object points to who Jesus is: the promised Messiah, the Son of God, the Good Shepherd, the Light of the world, and a King whose peace stands in contrast to the power of empires. The sermon culminates in the realization that these gifts are not meant for one character in the story, but for all of us. “For unto us a child is born” (Isaiah 9:6).

In this message, we explore the breathtaking truth at the center of Christmas: God became human and dwelt among us. Walking through John 1:1–18, we linger on the mystery of the incarnation and what it means that Jesus fully entered the human experience—our weakness, suffering, sorrow, and joy. Far from being distant or unrelatable, Jesus is the God who understands, sympathizes, and draws near in our pain. Because God is with us, we are invited to approach him with confidence, honesty, and hope.

In this sermon, guest speaker Dr. Mike Caparelli explores empathy as a defining attribute of God, revealed most clearly through the Incarnation. Rather than putting humanity “in its place,” God chose to put Himself in our place—crossing the greatest possible gap between heaven and earth. Drawing from John 4 and Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman, the message highlights three expressions of Christlike empathy: emotional empathy that feels what others feel, cognitive empathy that understands how others think, and practical empathy that perceives underlying needs rather than merely reacting to behavior. Jesus models how empathy builds trust, interrupts harm, and opens the door to transformation by addressing thirst beneath brokenness. In a world marked by division, distance, and growing indifference, this sermon calls the church to embody the mindset of Christ—crossing aisles, bridging gaps, and allowing empathy to be a powerful force for healing, connection, and redemption. The service closes out with a communion reflection from Pastor Scott about the gospel, followed by an original song written and sung by worship leader Brynn Carley.

In this message from Philippians 2:12–18, Pastor Scott explores what it means to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” by taking seriously the transforming work God is doing within us. Using vivid illustrations, he invites us to see God as the master architect renovating our lives—and calls us to cooperate with Him rather than resist. The sermon also challenges us to reject grumbling, cultivate gratitude, and live with a consistent, wholehearted obedience that makes us shine like stars in a dark world. Ultimately, we are reminded that our faithful witness, even when costly, becomes a joyful offering to God.

On November 15, 2025, our beloved Jackie Plante went home to be with the Lord. Pastor Scott shares about the way she loved and ministered to people even in her final hours in the hospital.  The good news is that Christ followers can mourn Jackie’s passing with grounded hope. To process this as a community, Pastor Scott preaches from 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, reflecting on what happens when a believer dies—how our earthly bodies, like tents, give way to an eternal home crafted by God Himself. What is mortal is ultimately “swallowed up by life.” Scripture assures us that believers pass immediately into the presence of Christ, clothed with a body fashioned by Him. With that confidence, we live—and die—with unshakable courage and hope. 

Philippians 2:5-11 We all want to make something of our lives—but what if the path upward actually begins by going down? In this message from Philippians 2:5–11, we see Jesus, who had every right to stay above it all, choosing instead to stoop low and serve. His humility not only reveals God’s heart but shows us a different way to be human.

Philippians 2:1–5 This message calls us to love with the same humility and selflessness that Christ displayed. Paul’s words in Philippians 2 remind us that nothing is more beautiful than a life poured out in love for others. True Christlike love doesn’t come naturally—it’s cultivated through daily choices to serve rather than be served. As we consider the example of Jesus, we’re invited to let His mindset shape how we relate to one another, our church community, and even other churches in our city.

Guest speaker Pastor Emily Cordon Drainville from Sanctuary Church shares how God is stirring renewal in the Church through prayer and bold witness. Drawing from Acts 4:23–31, she teaches that there is no revival without resistance—and that spiritual pressure reveals what’s really inside us. The early church prayed not for safety but for boldness, and Emily encourages us to do the same—to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that the renewal happening inside the Church fuels mission beyond its walls. After the message, the church gets in small circles to discuss these questions:  Describe what you imagine it felt like to be in the prayer room that was shaken.  How did being in this prayer meeting change their perspective about what was happening in their lives? Instead of asking God to keep them safe, they asked for boldness to keep sharing about Jesus. What could being “bold” for Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit  look like in your life? 

Philippians 1:12–30 What if the very things meant to silence faith actually make it stronger? In this message, Pastor Scott unpacks how Paul’s imprisonment—and even the selfish motives of others—became unexpected catalysts for the spread of the gospel. Drawing from Paul’s deep joy amid suffering, we’re reminded that God can use opposition, hardship, and even death itself to move His purposes forward. This message invites us to see our own trials through the same lens of unstoppable joy.

Philippians 1:1-11 This message reflects on Paul’s warm affection for the church in Philippi and uses his prayer as a model for how Renaissance Church should pray in this season of renewed corporate prayer. It emphasizes that prayer must be more than activity—it must align with God’s will, flow from a right understanding of His character, and be supported by a righteous life. This is a call to the church to abound in a love grounded deeply in truth in order to be a radiant witness in the world that brings glory and praise to God.

How do you prepare to get ready for an influx of new believers as a result of prayer? This week, guest speaker Tim Zulker—executive director of New England Urban Church Planting and longtime mentor to leaders across Rhode Island—shared a message from Ephesians 4:1–16 about preparing for revival through unity and maturity in Christ. He reminded us that the gospel follows a specific pattern—what Christ has done first, and then how we respond. Following the pattern can we live lives worthy of our calling. A unified and growing church, marked by humility, gentleness, and love, is the best preparation for new believers God will bring. Tim urged us to reject cultural divisiveness, pursue reconciliation, and use our gifts to build up the body—because the local church is the most important thing happening on earth.

In this sermon on prayer and revival, Vicky Griffiths encourages us to rethink how we approach God. Drawing from Luke 11, the teaching emphasizes bold, persistent, and shamelessly audacious prayer—asking, seeking, and knocking until we see results. Jesus models a relationship with a loving Father, assuring us that God delights in giving good gifts, especially the ultimate gift: the Holy Spirit. Through stories—from the disciples learning to pray, to a personal family tale of tending tomato plants—the sermon highlights that persistence in prayer, fueled by love and faith, develops patience, humility, and trust. The message closes with a call to reflect, share, and pray together, putting persistence into action in our own spiritual journeys. Here are two discussion questions that the congregation answered in small groups after the sermon: Reflect on how you feel about prayer. 1. Is there something that’s encouraged you recently? 2. Is there an area where you are feeling resistance?

In this message on Prayer and Revival, Pastor Scott reminds us that revival isn’t just emotional hype but a move of God that awakens us to His presence and reshapes everyday life. Looking at examples like the Moravian prayer movement and Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness, he shows how revival begins with repentance, brokenness, and a fresh awareness of God. Scott challenges us to ask, “What is my assignment?”—whether that’s foster care, refugee ministry, local service or whatever—and to increase our prayer intensity because some strongholds only break through prayer and fasting. With unusual hunger for God rising in our region, the call is clear: contend in prayer, push back darkness, and build a lifestyle of prayer that fuels lasting transformation.

In part two of our Prayer and Revival series, we focus on how to keep the fire of prayer burning once God has lit it in our hearts. We look at the importance of abiding in God’s love—rejecting condemnation and coming boldly to Him even when we feel weak or unworthy. We also talk about the need to persevere through struggle, since distractions, disappointments, and spiritual resistance often try to quench our prayer life. This message is a call to keep seeking God no matter what we feel, trusting Him to use every trial to deepen our fire and draw us closer to Him.

This sermon launches a three-week series on Prayer and Revival, calling the church to pursue a deeper, Spirit-filled life. Scott explains that revival is not hype or a planned event but an extraordinary outpouring of the Spirit that awakens people to God, brings repentance, and fills believers with fresh zeal. He gives three appeals: Believe – be awakened to God’s eagerness to pour out His Spirit and refuse to settle for spiritual mediocrity; Weep – see the Church and world from God’s perspective, allowing holy sorrow to fuel prayer; and Consecrate – deal ruthlessly with sin and remove distractions that crowd out devotion. Without prayerful consecration, we remain spiritually dry and ineffective. The message calls the church to reorient life around the pursuit of God, making prayer, fasting, and devotion top priorities, preparing for a fresh move of the Spirit in this generation.

2 Samuel 23 In this sermon, we explore what it means to “fight the good fight of faith,” not against people, but against the spiritual forces of evil, pursuing the fullness of God in our lives. Drawing from 2 Samuel 23:8-12, we see how David’s mighty men exemplified tenacity, perseverance, and loyalty—even in private, unseen moments—and how these qualities are essential for spiritual growth and impact. The message challenges us to remain steadfast in trials, resist distraction, and unite as a community, trusting that God empowers us to overcome and bring revival, influence our generation, and take hold of the abundant promises of His kingdom.

In this message from Ezekiel 24, we’re reminded of the weighty call of the prophets and the surpassing greatness of God’s glory. Ezekiel’s ministry was marked by extraordinary suffering—his very life became a series of signs pointing God’s people back to Him. The most striking moment came when God told Ezekiel that his wife, “the delight of [his] eyes,” would be taken from him, and that he was not to grieve in the usual way. This became a vivid picture for Israel, showing that just as Ezekiel lost what was most precious, the people too would lose the temple—the “delight of their eyes”—because they had loved the gifts of God more than God Himself. Mark Skillin’s sermon challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we treasure God above all else, or do we allow His good gifts to eclipse our worship of Him?

Looking at Hebrews 10:19–25, guest speaker Nick Fatato reminds us that because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we have full access to God’s presence—not by anything we’ve done, but by His blood. This truth calls us to live with intention: to draw near to God, hold firmly to our hope in Christ, spur one another on toward love and good deeds, stay rooted in the church community, and offer daily encouragement to others. In a world that often pulls us toward selfishness or despair, the resurrection makes us “prisoners of hope,” confident that every trial is temporary and our eternity with Christ is secure. Nick Fatato serves as superintendent of the Assemblies of God ministry network in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, and works globally with Live Dead—a missionary movement focused on planting churches among unreached people groups in challenging and often dangerous regions. He and his wife, Gina, have also been long-time mentors to Pastor Scott and Tiffany.

2 Samuel 16 In this week’s message, Pastor Scott walks us through the painful moment in 2 Samuel 16 when David, broken and weeping, is cursed and attacked by Shimei. Though falsely accused and humiliated, David refuses to retaliate, modeling meekness and trust in God's sovereignty. Instead of lashing out in anger or defending his reputation, David accepts that even unjust suffering can be used by God for redemptive purposes. Pastor Scott challenges us to consider our own “Shimei moments” — those times when we're hurt, misunderstood, or slandered — and to respond not with bitterness, but with forgiveness, humility, and dependence on the Lord. Meekness is not weakness; it is power surrendered in trust to God. Like David, we too can find refreshment in God's presence, even when wounded. As Colossians reminds us, we are called to bear with one another and forgive as the Lord forgave us.

Pastor Scott’s message illustrates the radical kindness of God through the story of David and Mephibosheth. Though Mephibosheth was a disabled descendant of Saul—the very king who had persecuted David—David sought him out to show “the kindness of God” for the sake of Jonathan, David’s covenant friend. Mephibosheth, living in obscurity and shame in Lo-debar, was completely unworthy and incapable of earning favor, yet David restores his family’s land and seats him permanently at the royal table, treating him like a son. This act of grace mirrors the gospel: we too were broken, spiritually crippled, far from God, and without hope—yet God, in Christ, sought us, forgave us, adopted us, and seated us at His table. Just as Mephibosheth received undeserved favor, we are called to receive the kindness of God and live in the joy and intimacy of His household. The message concluded with a time of response and prayer, inviting everyone to receive God’s lavish grace.