St Pauls and St Barnabas

Sermon Blog - Mark 12:28-34 Sermon Blog - Mark 12:28-34 On Sunday, 26th February 2025, at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, we had the privilege of welcoming Rev. Ian Cahoon from Alexandra Presbyterian Church, who preached from Mark 12:28-34. This passage brings us to the heart of Jesus’ teaching on the greatest commandment—what it truly means to love God and love our neighbour. The scribe who approached Jesus that day was not trying to trap Him, as others had done. Instead, he genuinely sought wisdom, asking, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Jesus’ response was simple yet profound: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” He then adds, “Love your neighbour as yourself.” These are the foundation of a life lived in obedience to God. Rev. Cahoon reminded us that this call to love is not transactional—God is ...

Exciting Weekend at St. Paul & St. Barnabas Exciting Weekend Ahead at St. Paul & St. Barnabas! We are looking forward to a packed and exciting weekend at St. Paul & St. Barnabas as we host the All Nations Ministries Arts & Craft Fair and our special Family Worship service. Whether you’re looking to explore the craft fair, join in on community activities, or gather for worship, there is something for everyone! All Nations Ministries Arts & Craft Fair – 21st to 23rd February We are delighted to be hosting All Nations Ministries for their Arts & Craft Fair this weekend. Running from Friday to Sunday , this event is a fantastic opportunity to support local crafts, engage in community activities, and enjoy fellowship together. What’s On? Friday (11:00 - 17:00) – The fair opens with a welcom...

For Christ & Our City - St Paul’s & St Barnabas For Christ & Our City - A Week of Mission at St Paul’s & St Barnabas As we seek to be a light for Christ in Belfast, we invite you to join us for a special week of gatherings and events at St Paul’s & St Barnabas. From worship and community outreach to learning about God’s mission across the nations, there is a place for everyone. Wednesday - Gather (7:30 PM) Midweek is a time to pause, reflect, and grow together in faith. We will explore the Word, encourage one another, and share in fellowship over refreshments. Thursday - Community Drop-In (10 AM - 12 PM) Our church doors are open to welcome anyone who wants to come in for a cup of tea or coffee , enjoy some treats, and have a chat. Whether you...

Jonah 2: One Message, One Mission Jonah 2: One Message, One Mission On Sunday, 16th February 2025, Matthew Campbell, a student at CITI preparing for ministry, preached from Jonah 2 , bringing us a powerful message on God’s sovereignty and grace. His sermon focused on a simple yet profound truth: "Salvation comes from the Lord." Jonah’s Desperate Prayer The passage opens with Jonah crying out to God from the belly of the great fish. His distress is evident—cast into the sea because of his disobedience, Jonah was sinking both physically and spiritually. Yet in the midst of his desperation, he turned to God in prayer. Matthew highlighted how Jonah’s prayer mirrors the psalms—filled with honesty, repentance, and thanksgiving. Even though Jonah had run from God’s calling, God had not abandoned him. Instead, in His mercy, He appointed a great fish to rescue Jonah at just the right time. This is a striking image of God's sovereig...

SPb Sermons||Luke 5:1-11 || One Lord: One Call || Rev Andrew Sermon Blog - Luke 5:1-11 Yesterday at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, Rev. Andrew opened up Luke 5:1-11, where Jesus steps into the ordinary and changes everything. It was just another morning for Simon Peter, James, and John—a routine of washing nets after a long, fruitless night of fishing. Nothing special. Nothing significant. And yet, in the middle of their normality, Christ speaks. He calls. And everything changes. The world tells us that success is measured by influence, by numbers, by the weight of our achievements. We live in a culture obsessed with following the right trends, the right people, the right methods to get ahead. And yet, in the economy of God’s kingdom, Jesus does not seek the influential or the powerful—He calls the ordinary. He takes simple fishermen and turns them into fishers of men. He meets us not in the grand moments but in the mundane, inviting us to obedience, to...

What's On at St Paul's & St Barnabas – Week Beginning 9th Feb 2025 For Christ & Our City – What’s On This Week at St Paul’s & St Barnabas As we continue in the rhythm of life as a church family, we are reminded that our gathering together is not just about events on a calendar but about seeking Christ, strengthening one another, and serving our city in His name. Here’s what’s happening in the week beginning 9th February 2025 at St Paul’s & St Barnabas. Monday – Vestry Meeting (7:30 PM) The Vestry is gathering in the Parish Centre for our regular meeting. This is where we prayerfully steward the mission and ministry of the church, ensuring that all we do serves to glorify God and bless our community. Wednesday – Gather (7:30 PM) Midweek is a time to slow down, come together, and be refreshed in God’s ...

The Reluctant Missionary – A Four-Week Study on Jonah At St. Paul’s & St. Barnabas, we’re launching a new four-week Bible study on the book of Jonah , beginning this Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm. We’re calling it "The Reluctant Missionary" because Jonah’s story is one of calling, resistance, and ultimately, God’s relentless mission to reach the nations. Why Jonah? Jonah is one of the most unusual prophets in the Old Testament. Unlike Isaiah, Jeremiah, or Ezekiel, who proclaimed God’s message to Israel, Jonah was sent to a foreign city—Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian empire. Rather than embracing his calling, he ran in the opposite direction . His story is not just about a great fish but about the heart of mission —God’s heart for the lost and our own response to His call. Jonah’s world was shaped by Assyria’s dominance . The Assyrians were notorious for their cruelty, and their empire was the greatest threat to Israel’s survival . God’s command to Jonah—to ...

One Messiah, One Mission – SPB Sermons One Messiah, One Mission – Luke 4:21-30 Words have power. They shape how we think, what we believe, and ultimately how we live. In *Luke 4:21-30*, Jesus speaks words that at first amaze His listeners, but then cut so deeply that they turn to rage. Standing in the synagogue of His hometown, He reads from Isaiah and declares, *“Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”* It was a moment of revelation—the long-awaited Messiah was standing before them. But rather than embracing Him, they resisted. Rather than rejoicing, they rejected. Why? At first, the people of Nazareth marvel at Jesus' words, captivated by the idea that the Messiah might be among them. But their amazement quickly turns to offence when Jesus challenges their expectations. They wanted a Messiah who fit their mould, who would serve their vision of salvation. Instead, Jesus makes it clear that His m...