Advent: The Empathetic God

The Empathetic God

Michael Caparelli

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.

Philippians: Shining Stars

Shining Stars

Scott Axtmann

Philippians 2:12–18

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.

Standalone Sermons: At Home with the Lord

At Home with the Lord

Scott Axtmann

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: The Humility of Jesus

The Humility of Jesus

Scott Axtmann

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: Loving Like Christ

Loving Like Christ

Scott Axtmann

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.

Prayer & Revival: What Fills Us, Spills From Us

What Fills Us, Spills From Us

Emily Cordon Drainville

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: 

1. Describe what you imagine it felt like to be in the prayer room that was shaken. 

2. How did being in this prayer meeting change their perspective about what was happening in their lives?

3. 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: Unstoppable Joy

Unstoppable Joy

Scott Axtmann

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: Affection + Prayer

Affection + Prayer

Scott Axtmann

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.

Prayer & Revival: Maturing the Church for the Harvest

Maturing the Church for the Harvest

Tim Zulker

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.

Prayer & Revival: Persistance in Prayer

Persistance in Prayer

Vicky Griffiths

Luke 11

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?