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)

06/23/2026

A Faithful Guide | June 23rd

“Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path.”
Psalm 27:11

Beloved, have you ever asked for directions, only for them to become overly complicated? Even with today’s technology, things can feel overwhelming or confusing. We have probably missed more than one turn in these situations because the screen was unclear or because we did not understand.
Thankfully, the Lord's leading is not one of confusion. There will be moments of waiting, uncertainty, anxiety, or hesitation, but our assurance rests on His faithfulness. Even if we have missed the turn, so to speak, God works all things for our good. He does not abandon us.
In our seasons of decision-making, we should reflect on Jesus walking and living with the disciples. That experience was simple, even though they did not fully understand Jesus or what He was doing. Yet Christ continued to teach them and walk with them. He also promised to send the Holy Spirit once He was gone, so that this guidance, life, and teaching could continue.
The Spirit of God is with you today as well. Be assured that you are not in this life alone. So pause for a moment. Pray and seek the Lord through His word. He will teach you and lead you on a level path.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

06/23/2026

Jesus Eats With Everyone | June 22nd

“Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Mark 2:16

Beloved, it is often more comfortable to love those with whom we share common interests. However, the Gospel calls us to extend grace to all people. Jesus welcomed everyone at His table.
Christ did not conform to the behaviors of sinners, tax collectors, or even His own disciples, yet He shared meals with all of them. If they were willing to listen, Jesus was willing to share Himself. At times, it is difficult for us to demonstrate this same generosity and compassion toward those who are different from us, regardless of the nature of those differences.
We live in a divided world, but as Christians, we need to remember that our true home is in heaven. We are called to share God’s love with everyone, including those who do not know Him. We should show the fruit of the Holy Spirit to strangers, friends, and family alike.
Let us be generous toward everyone we encounter today. May we be fishers of men, willing to share fellowship with all, as our Lord did. He who knew no sin came to sinners like us and brought us salvation.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

06/19/2026

Waiting in Quiet Confidence | June 19th

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 31:24

Beloved, are you waiting for the answer to your prayer? God is not slow in answering. He is at work, and you will never be put to shame for trusting in the Lord.
Although doubt may challenge your faith, remind yourself of God's goodness and faithfulness. Have you reached this point by your own efforts? Was it your own confidence that sustained your peace during adversity? Who has provided for your needs, lifted you from affliction, granted you comfort in difficult times, and blessed you beyond what your actions merited? It is God who has accomplished great and mighty things for you.
Encourage your heart in Him. Recall the many blessings of God. Remember you were saved by grace alone while dead in sin. Today His mercy greets you with the dawning of the day. The goodness of God will follow you, and His providence will guide your steps. Lean on the Lord, be strong and take courage. The Lord is faithful to meet you and all that concerns you today.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

06/18/2026

Peace in God's Kingdom | June 18th

“With what can we compare the kingdom of God….It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”
Mark 4:30-32

Beloved, within a short amount of time, the disciples would see how far the kingdom of heaven would reach and which birds would find refuge in Christ.
Jesus and the disciples went to the other side of the sea through a storm. Jesus rebuked it, and the storm ceased, only to be greeted by a man possessed by unclean spirits.
This poor tormented soul was not held captive by one demon but by many. They declared their identity to Jesus: “My name is Legion, for we are many.” Thankfully, it does not matter whether there is one or many. Christ has bound the strong man and has plundered his house. As Jesus silenced the chaos of the sea, so He would bring peace to this man by casting out the many tormenting him.
Although no one could restrain this man, not even with chains, Jesus set him free. He was clothed, seated, and in his right mind. When the people saw him, this once wild and unclean individual had found a place in the branches of God’s kingdom. There is no soul whom the Lord cannot save, claim as His own, and use for His glory. Let us seek our place in the branches of God’s kingdom and pray for others to find rest in Christ as well.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

06/18/2026

Deliverance From Worry | June 17th

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age.”
Galatians 1:3-4

Beloved, do you find yourself worried about the world around us? The daily news and what we see happening can feel overwhelming. These concerns feel even more personal when we think about our loved ones. Every generation of believers has faced these same worries throughout church history. We wonder how we and our children will endure, and how their children will, unless the Lord returns soon.
The promise of Christ’s return is assured, as is the sustaining power of our Lord. Let us recall our Lord’s authority over all unclean spirits He encountered. Remember that He willingly laid down His life for our sins and triumphed over sin and death.
We are saved by grace alone, and that same grace sustains us each day. The Spirit of God continually delivers all of God’s children in every challenging era. Hell cannot overcome the faith present in the hearts of God’s people, not because our faith is strong, but because of the One in whom our faith rests. Nothing can remove us from the hand of God in any age until He returns for His own. Therefore, rest in the sustaining power of Christ.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

06/16/2026

Home Sweet Home | June 16th

“You saw the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.”
Revelation 17:18
“And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.”
Revelation 21:2

Beloved, we live in the city of man, but our true life and citizenship are in the city of God. Sometimes, living in this tension is hard. Our minds, bodies, and spirits feel the strain as we move through this world, yet we keep longing for the holy city.
We live in this world yet we are not a part of it. We have momentary comfort but a nagging emptiness. We see how things constantly shift and pass like mist in the morning, and long for the permanent foundations of the city of God.
Do not let the great city of Babylon discourage or distract you. It will soon pass away, and everything in it will be lost. Only the city of God lasts forever. There, we find real peace and lasting contentment. The Lord is in the city of God, living with His people. He has already prepared a place for us. Christ the Redeemer welcomes you and will stay with us as we journey through this world. He alone leads us to our true home, where we will live with Him and all God's people forever.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

06/16/2026

There is Hope in Pain | June 15th

“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”
“Follow me.”
“Lord, what about this man?”
“If it is my will that he remains until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”
John 21:18-19,21-22

Beloved, illness and the transition from this life to eternity are experiences common to all. The timing and manner of these events remain within the providence of God.
In these moments, let us remember that such experiences do not diminish God’s grace or indicate a lack of rest in the promise of heaven. Jesus informed Peter of his impending martyrdom, prompting Peter to inquire about John’s future. Jesus responded that Peter should not be concerned with John, but rather focus on following Him. In both sickness and death, we are called to follow Christ. Our assurance lies in the sufficiency of His grace and His sustaining presence.
Not every believer transitions peacefully into eternity. This journey may involve prolonged suffering and pain, yet such experiences do not signify exclusion from the Father’s table. Sickness is not evidence of God’s displeasure. Although we cannot determine the nature of our trials or the manner of our departure from this life, we can place our trust in God throughout every circumstance.
Paul discovered the sufficiency of God’s grace through the persistent affliction he described as a thorn in his flesh. Consequently, he took pride in his weakness, allowing the power of God to be more clearly revealed. Heaven is a reality, and our Lord awaits our arrival, regardless of the manner in which we cross from this life to the promised shore.
Until then, let us follow Christ in all seasons, knowing that He has gone ahead to prepare a blessing for us with Him.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

06/15/2026

Relief | June 12th
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7

One of my greatest enjoyments growing up and to this day is fishing. I enjoyed the solitude of a stream alone in the woods or the open space on a lake or pond with friends. Those early years seemed much simpler. One thing we would do as kids is see who could cast our line the furthest. We would throw our line over and over again to see how far we could throw our bait into the water.
Beloved, I believe we often envision a similar image when we encounter scripture encouraging us to cast our burdens on the Lord. We may focus on our own ability to lay our cares at God's feet, only to feel discouraged when we take them up again. However, our burdens are not lifted by the strength of our efforts or the distance we cast them, but rather by the depth of God's care for us.
Casting our cares is not merely an act of bringing something to God, but a practice of remembering who He is and that He loves us. When we pray and reflect on God's lovingkindness, His faithfulness, and His providential work in our lives, our burdens are lifted. It is through knowing and having fellowship with the Lord that the trials and burdens of life are eased. His peace is present amid the storm, and in Him we find rest as we lean upon the Lord.
Because God cares for you, you do not have to be anxious for anything.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

06/12/2026

Waiting for Seeds to Grow | June 11th

“The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.”
Mark 4:26-27

I noticed a pleasant surprise in our flower garden the other day. In a place where we never planted anything, a beautiful Foxglove had grown and was beginning to bloom. These flowers periodically sprout in different areas of our yard beyond where we planted them, growing by themselves without our help.
Jesus speaks of His kingdom being like a seed. A seed is humble in appearance, but it contains abundant life. It grows on its own without any human intervention. The seed is placed in the ground, and it comes to life.
Beloved, let us recognize that we were once spiritually dead, yet have been brought to life through the Gospel. We continue to grow as the Spirit imparts life to us. This serves as a valuable reminder for those in ministry that the Kingdom of God expands and imparts life through its inherent power. It also offers encouragement as we consider those for whom we pray, have shared the Gospel with, or have guided in church. The word of God has been sown, and the seed possesses life.
We do not always see life immediately, but may we trust the Lord that His word has life. Truly nothing that we have done for the Lord is in vain, and may we continue to pray that the seeds planted would come to life.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

06/11/2026

Refuge in Storms | June 10th

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.”
Psalm 57:1

Beloved, with the beautiful warm weather of summer comes the devastating storms. Tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe thunderstorms unfortunately come with the season. We do not always have sunny days with beautiful blue skies and gentle breezes. We receive the storm warnings and respond accordingly.
Natural storms can often be detected before they occur. In contrast, the storms of life are more unpredictable. However, we are not left defenseless or without hope. We find shelter in God, who is our ever-present help in times of trouble and is both willing and able to sustain us.
God does not prevent the storms of life from occurring. We are all subject to both natural storms and the storms of life. However, the Lord has promised to be with us through every trial. The Psalmist also assures us that these storms of destruction will eventually pass.
Although we may experience momentary heartache and devastation, the storm will pass. A day will come when there are no more storms of destruction, for these storms will be destroyed forever, and suffering and sorrow will cease. Until that time, God will remain merciful to us and serve as our refuge. Let us look to Christ today.

In Christ Alone.
Pastor Wight

Address

350 Main Street
Durham, CT
06422

Telephone

(860) 704-0477

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