Rock Of Refuge Church

Rock Of Refuge Church A Christian Non-denominational church in Connecticut founded in 2002. Who We Are
Rock of Refuge Tabernacle, which is pastored by Rev. Derek G.

Wight, began with a call from God to the hearts of two willing and faithful servants of Jesus Christ. It began in a private home with only two couples, a child, and some faith. As the fellowship increased in number, there arose a need to rent a building to make room for more people. We are currently located in Middletown, yet people travel from area towns such as Harwinton, Higginum, Meriden and W

aterbury. Though we are diverse in culture, ethnicity, and personal backgrounds, we all have in common our love and devotion to Jesus Christ and a love for one another. Rock of Refuge Tabernacle is made up of people who are hungry to know and walk in the truth of God’s word and in the fullness of His power, to thrive in our relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to know Him more each day, and to serve Him with our all. Rock of Refuge Tabernacle is a safe place where there’s an abundance of love to help you grow through any season in your life. We desire to be strong in God’s Word and in our relationship to Him. We want to help others, too, inside and outside the church body. We believe in seeking God’s face and waiting on him for His will to be accomplished. We believe the One and only true God is all seeing, all powerful, and all knowing. He is in control of all things. Our church exemplifies the book of Acts. We desire “to apprehend that for which also we are apprehended of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12).

“Unto God be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
(Ephesians 3:21)

06/01/2026

Are You Thirsty | June 1st

“My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”
Jeremiah 2:13

Beloved, have you ever tried to hold water in the cup of your hand? Most of the water slips through your fingers or runs off the sides. Compared to a glass or a proper container, our hands cannot hold much at all—any effort to retain water this way soon proves futile.
This is probably the closest any of us have come to containing water, much like digging a cistern. God corrects His people for trying to satisfy their soul’s needs apart from Him. Not only have they rejected the source of living water, but they have also tried to store up water in ways that cannot truly quench their thirst, just as a broken cistern cannot hold water.
Let us not attempt to substitute God for things that will never renew our spirit or satisfy the soul. We fill our lives with activity to distract ourselves from the pain within. We seek pleasure from sources that cannot heal the heart, deliver the soul, or renew the mind.
The invitation still stands from our Lord: “All that are thirsty come unto Me.” Christ offers, through the Holy Spirit, living water that will never run dry. No matter your season or struggle, the stream of the Spirit is ready to refresh and restore. Come today—bring your thirst, bring your emptiness, receive the fullness of life only God can give. Let Him satisfy your soul completely, and you will never thirst again.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

05/29/2026

A Beautiful Story | May 29th

“Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”
Psalm 139:16

Beloved, I am sure we all have a wonderful story we love. A book that has moved us with a magnificent tale. They could be records of actual history or legends that stir our hearts, minds, and spirits. Perhaps we wonder about the story of our lives. Are we part of a great story that will be told in years to come?
In reality, we are participants in the greatest story ever written. We are included in the narrative of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Our roles are as significant as those of the heroes of faith and the great cloud of witnesses who preceded us. We share the same faith as Moses, Ruth, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. The Spirit who empowered Peter, John, and Paul also dwells within you. Since the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit has brought new life to every sinner. The same God who chose David and Mary has also chosen you in Christ.
Allow this truth to renew your heart in faith and fill you with awe at God’s mercy. It is humbling to recognize that we are included in the Lord’s kingdom and His plan, which will ultimately result in the renewal of all things. Remarkably, this beautiful story will continue throughout eternity, offering a perpetual fulfillment. Reflect on your place in God’s plan and how He has inscribed your life within the pages of His providence.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

05/28/2026

True Family of God | May 28th

“Looking around at those who sat around him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”
Mark 3:35-35

Mary and the brothers of Jesus waited outside the house, asking Him to come out to them. Their misguided concern for Jesus prompted this request. However, Jesus’ response was not a rejection but rather a lesson in true discipleship, emphasizing who genuinely belongs to Christ and to whom He belongs. It is only through the Spirit that one becomes part of Christ.
A disciple experiences fellowship with Christ, as symbolized by those seated around Him. This fellowship involves choosing to sit at the feet of Christ and attentively listen to His teachings. We do not instruct the Lord; rather, He instructs us. Followers of Jesus listen and obey, doing what He commands.
Beloved, to be disciples of Jesus, we must seek fellowship with Him, listen to His words, and obey His commands. Let us begin this day as true disciples of Christ, so that we may be recognized as those who have been with Jesus.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

05/28/2026

Awkward Silence Gone | May 27th

“Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. “
Malachi 3:7

Beloved, unfortunately, we have all experienced a time when there was conflict between another person and us. Not just a random stranger, but with someone with whom there was mutual affection and respect. In these instances, awkwardness can precede reconciliation.
We wonder if the other person is still mad or hurt. Will they be willing to forgive? Will the relationship be as it was before, and could we experience full restoration again?
All of these thoughts may pass through our minds. Hopefully, in most instances, all of these fears and uncertainties were resolved; regrettably, it does not always happen for one reason or another.
Let us rest assured that there will be no such breach with God if we come to Him in humility. He forgives us of our sin, and when we have fallen short, or our hearts have grown cold, the Spirit of God continues to call. When we heed that call and turn to the Lord, He welcomes us. Christ has never broken a bruised reed or extinguished the smoldering wick.
The Lord receives us, cleanses us, and restores to us the joy of salvation. Let there be a continual turning to the Lord, dear one. Not only in failure of trials but in every moment of blessings and joy. Continually turn to Him, and then there will be less straying away. He will always be there for His children.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

05/27/2026

Pray | May 26th

“Everything by prayer…”
Philippians 4:6

Beloved, some of us are more cautious than others. We may be risk-takers, or our personality may lead us to overthink. Some plan every detail of the day, while others are led by compulsion and spontaneity.
Regardless of our personality type, we should be wise in seeking God's counsel. He has given us the privilege of fellowship with Him: to call upon His name, seeking God's guidance, protection, and provision. Because of this, we should do everything in prayer.
Prayer should be something our hearts and minds are inclined to do—both the first and last thought of the day. If we act spontaneously, let it be in continual prayer. Whether matters seem small or great, or manageable or not, everything should be done by prayer. Begin this day in prayer and continue throughout the day, praying for God's will to be done in all things concerning our lives.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

05/25/2026

Hope in the Moring | May 25th

“O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.”
Psalm 5:3

Beloved, we do not arise every morning with a peaceful mind. Shadows of yesterday’s storms can linger as a new day dawns. The morning may not always bring renewed hope, but scripture encourages us to let our voices be heard. Whether it is a whisper or a silent plea for God’s mercy, be assured you are heard.
If a parent listens attentively for the stirring of a child during the night or morning, how much more does the God of all creation, who has promised never to forsake us, remain attentive to our cries.
This is our hope for today: God hears us. He neither slumbers nor sleeps and remains unchanging. God listens to the voice of His children and welcomes every cry before the throne of grace. The Lord invites us to cast all our cares upon Him and to seek mercy, grace, renewed strength, and hope. God is faithful and true. Your heavenly Father hears you today. Lift your voice to Him and watch for what the Lord will accomplish. Trusting in the Lord will not result in disappointment.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

05/22/2026

Cord's of Love | May 22nd

“I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love.”
Hosea 11:4

We once lived in a quaint neighborhood with a day care just around the corner. On pleasant days, little children would pass our home in a straight line, each holding a long rope. Guided in front and followed behind by a teacher, these children formed a happy band, relying on the rope and their guides to keep them safe on their journey.
Beloved, consider if we could perceive the cord of God's enduring love guiding us throughout our journey. Just as children depend on the rope and their teacher, our hands, as frail as those of a small child, cannot always maintain a firm grip during life's storms and trials. Nevertheless, we need not fear, for Christ Himself guides and secures us, and the Spirit of God binds us to God's lovingkindness. We do not sustain ourselves; He sustains us.
We follow our Good Shepherd in faithful obedience, not always knowing what lies ahead. Just as these little children journeyed with their teacher, holding the rope, they always returned safely. The Almighty will not fail; He holds you today, leading you with cords of kindness and bands of love. These bands cannot be broken.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

05/21/2026

A Special Place | May 21st

“That they might be with him.”
Mark 3:14

These words serve as a profound reminder that salvation is rooted in fellowship with God rather than in works. Jesus brought the twelve to the mountain and named them apostles so that they might be with Him. Although He would later send them out, their initial calling was based on His desire for their presence.
This principle applies to every disciple of Jesus. We follow Him because He desired us and called us by name, not primarily for our actions but for fellowship. Our acceptance is grounded in the Lord's love for us, rather than our own abilities.
Often, people value our presence for what we possess, where we are headed, or what we can offer them. In contrast, it is both refreshing and comforting to be with those who desire our company for its own sake, regardless of our circumstances or abilities. In the same way, God loved us first and seeks fellowship with us.
Let us accept this invitation today to draw near to the Lord. He will never reject us and delights in our fellowship.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

05/20/2026

What Are Looking For | May 20th

“He is not here, for he has risen.”
Matthew 28:6

Beloved, we may sometimes find ourselves asking, “Where is the Lord?” Like the disciples, we may search in the wrong places. The disciples went to the tomb expecting to find Jesus, forgetting that He had told them He would suffer, die, and rise again. Christ assured them they would see Him again before these events occurred. Yet, they remained at the tomb.
Christ also declared that He would ascend into heaven to sit at the right hand of His Father. He is there now as our high priest. Even when we doubt whether God is with us or for us, Christ continues to intercede for us in heaven. We are not left alone in this world, for the Holy Spirit has come to comfort and sustain us. The tomb remains empty because the Lord has ascended, and we belong to Him.
We may experience fear and uncertainty, as the disciples did, when we fail to trust the Lord’s word. Yet His promises remain unchanged. He has not abandoned us but has gone to prepare a place for us, so that we may be with Him. The Lord is present with you now. The tomb is empty because the throne of grace is occupied by Christ the Redeemer.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

05/19/2026

Chaos in the Garden | May 19th

“Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
Hebrews 3:12-13

Beloved, we can all agree that this past winter was particularly challenging. Recently, I began the late spring clean-up and noticed that the yard reflected both the severity of the season and the effects of delayed maintenance. A mink had emptied the Koi pond of all its fish, and broken branches were scattered throughout the yard. Restoring the garden to its original beauty and tranquility will require significant effort.
This process reminded me of the importance of tending to our hearts. Our minds and spirits can quickly descend into chaos if they are not guided by the Word of God. We must remain vigilant in guarding our hearts to prevent the resurgence of our old nature or the cares of life from hindering spiritual growth.
It is reassuring to know that we are not alone in this endeavor. We are called to seek the Lord’s assistance and rely on the Holy Spirit to convict, strengthen, and encourage us. Scripture identifies the aspects of our lives that require transformation so that the life of Christ may be evident within us. Although this work is demanding, it is not without hope. With God, all things are possible. Let us dedicate ourselves to this ongoing process as the Spirit renews the garden of our lives each day.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

Address

350 Main Street
Durham, CT
06422

Telephone

(860) 704-0477

Website

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