St Pauls and St Barnabas

The Invitation Still Stands John 20:24–31 | Holy Communion | Sunday, 6 May 2025 In this deeply personal and reflective message, Rev. Andrew Irwin explores one of the most well-known and misunderstood figures in the resurrection story — Thomas. Often labelled "doubting," Thomas is shown instead as honest, wounded, and longing for truth. His absence at Jesus' first appearance leaves him reeling in a sea of sorrow, having missed not only the risen Christ but also the peace and power the others received. Still, Jesus returns — not with rebuke, but with compassion. And in that grace-filled encounter, Thomas makes one of the clearest declarations of faith in all Scripture: "My Lord and my God." The sermon challenges the assumptions we carry about doubt, showing us that Jesus is not afraid of our honesty. Like Thomas, we are often shaped by pain, disappointment, and questions, yet we are also invited to bring them to Jesus — whose scar...

Sent Like the Son – Family Worship at SPB Belfast (Sunday 27th April 2025) On the evening of Easter Sunday, as fear gripped the disciples behind locked doors, Jesus appeared among them and spoke the words they most needed to hear: "Peace be with you." At St Paul’s & St Barnabas this Sunday, we reflected on John 20:19-31 and the incredible transformation that the resurrection brings — not just to history, but to our hearts and lives today. We joined the disciples in their fear and doubt, seeing how even the testimony of Mary Magdalene couldn’t unlock their fear. Yet no locked door could keep out the risen Christ. Jesus appeared, scars and all, speaking peace into their brokenness. His scars weren't signs of defeat, but emblems of the victory won at the Cross — a reminder that by His wounds, we are healed. Jesus did not come to rebuke His followers, but to comfort them with His presence, speak peace into their hearts, and to co...

The King Has Come – Palm Sunday at SPB The King Has Come – Palm Sunday at SPB On Palm Sunday, we stepped into Luke 19:28–40 and into the streets of a city full of noise, tension, and expectation. It was Jerusalem then — it is Belfast now. In his sermon, Rev. Andrew Irwin reminded us that the King we proclaim is not the kind we expect. He doesn’t ride in with fanfare or force but with humility, peace, and purpose. The city of Jerusalem was packed to the brim. The great Passover celebration was at hand, and the people of God were remembering a story of freedom and rescue while still living under Roman occupation. The air was thick with anticipation. Into that atmosphere, Jesus rides — on a donkey. Not a war horse. Not with soldiers. But with disciples and borrowed cloaks. As the crowd shouts praise and throws their coats on the road, we’re reminded that they had the right words — “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” —...

This Is the Hour – Join Us for Holy Week 2025 at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, Belfast As we journey toward Easter this year at St Paul’s & St Barnabas in North Belfast, we invite you to take part in our Holy Week services under the theme “This Is the Hour.” This powerful phrase comes from John’s Gospel, where Jesus speaks of the appointed time—the hour—for which He came into the world. From Gethsemane to glory, Jesus moves with divine purpose toward the cross and the empty tomb. We are invited to walk with Him in that hour: to sit in the sorrow of betrayal, to receive the grace of service, to stand at the foot of the cross, and to rejoice at the dawn of resurrection. Our Holy Week reflections will follow the Gospel of John, focusing each evening on a key moment in Jesus’ journey. All services begin at 7:30 pm , and we warmly welcome you to come just as you are. Tuesday 15th April – 6:30pm Easter Community Prayer Walk Meeting at Salv...

True Worship – John 12:1–8 | SPB Belfast True Worship – John 12:1–8 As we journey through Holy Week, we find ourselves in Bethany, just six days before the Passover, where Jesus is gathered with friends for a meal. Among them is Lazarus—recently raised from the dead—a quiet but powerful reminder of Jesus’ divine authority over life and death. In this setting, Mary responds not with words, but with worship. She breaks open a jar of costly perfume, pours it over Jesus’ feet, and wipes them with her hair. This extravagant act becomes a defining picture of what true worship looks like. In Sunday’s sermon, Rev. Andrew Irwin helped us explore the richness of this moment. Mary’s worship is more than emotion; it is the overflow of a heart transformed by grace. She had seen the power of Jesus firsthand when her brother Lazarus walked out of the tomb. Her act of worship ...

SPB Sermons || Luke 15:11-30 || 2 Brothers and 1 Father || Coming Home Come Home – A Reflection for Mothering Sunday This Mothering Sunday, we paused to reflect not only on the gift of mothers, but on the deeper call to come home—to the place of belonging, restoration, and grace found in the Father’s embrace. Rev. Andrew Irwin led us through the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11–32, a familiar story with fresh power, reminding us of God’s patient, pursuing love for all His children. More Than a Place Home, as we were reminded, is not just a building or a memory. It’s the people, relationships, and moments of formation that make it meaningful. On Mothering Sunday, many returned historically to their “mother church”—the spiritual home that nurtured their faith. In the same way, we are invited to remember the deeper home we find in God, the one who forms us, welcomes us, and loves us without condition. A Tale of Two Sons The sermon explored the we...