Men, come join us every other Friday morning starting on Feb 7 from 6-7:30AM. We will be meeting at Gingham's Homestyle Restaurant. Coffee will be provided! We will be continuing our journey through the book of 2 Samuel and starting back up in chapter 14. Whether you've been able make it to the previous ones or not you're always welcome to jump in!
Our 2025 Marriage Retreat will take place at Refuge Church (1540 Country Club Plaza Dr) on Feb 21 & 22! The cost will be $60 per couple. This covers materials, dinner Friday night, and breakfast and lunch on Saturday.
Friday, Feb 21
6PM-9PM
Saturday, Feb 22
9AM-3PM
Sign up here.
If the cost of the retreat will prevent you from attending, please email office@seekrefuge.net so that we can make alternative arrangements that will allow you to join us.
Want to learn more? How about going to school on a Sunday! We will be offering a choice of different four week classes from 9-9:50AM on Feb 16, Feb 23, Mar 2, & Mar 9. The classes will be instruction-centered (instead of discussion-centered) and childcare will be available. Sign up here!
This winter's classes are:
Creeds and Confessions (taught by Joel Keen) So what's the deal with this creed thing we say every Sunday in worship? What's its background? Are there others? Learn about the creeds and confessions that the Church has held dear for centuries. We will look into the earliest statements of faith, the Apostle's Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and other more contemporary statements.
Cultivating spiritual Friendship (taught by Kayla Smith) - Discover the beauty and purpose of Christ=centered relationships in this class on spiritual friendship. through Biblical teaching, group discussions, and practical tools, we'll explore how to build intentional, life-giving friendships that encourage spiritual growth, provide support in challenging seasons, and reflect the love of Christ. Whether you're seeking to deepen existing friendships or form new ones, this class will equip you to walk alongside others in faith and cultivate meaningful connections that last.
Guys, come join us for a time to hang out and discuss different themes and topics pertaining to men. This will be a once a month gathering to be held on the first Saturday night of every month. To start off, we'll be discussing themes from John Mark Comer's book "Live No Lies". Reading the book is NOT required, but is encouraged. Snacks and beverages will be provided.
Want to learn more? How about going to school on a Sunday! We will be offering a choice of different four week classes from 9-9:50AM on Feb 16, Feb 23, Mar 2, & Mar 9. The classes will be instruction-centered (instead of discussion-centered) and childcare will be available. Sign up here!
This winter's classes are:
Creeds and Confessions (taught by Joel Keen) So what's the deal with this creed thing we say every Sunday in worship? What's its background? Are there others? Learn about the creeds and confessions that the Church has held dear for centuries. We will look into the earliest statements of faith, the Apostle's Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and other more contemporary statements.
Cultivating spiritual Friendship (taught by Kayla Smith) - Discover the beauty and purpose of Christ=centered relationships in this class on spiritual friendship. through Biblical teaching, group discussions, and practical tools, we'll explore how to build intentional, life-giving friendships that encourage spiritual growth, provide support in challenging seasons, and reflect the love of Christ. Whether you're seeking to deepen existing friendships or form new ones, this class will equip you to walk alongside others in faith and cultivate meaningful connections that last.
Join us here on Wednesday, Mar 5 at 6:30PM as we begin the season of Lent with corporate repentance and longing for Jesus and his resurrection.
Men, come join us every other Friday morning starting on Feb 7 from 6-7:30AM. We will be meeting at Gingham's Homestyle Restaurant. Coffee will be provided! We will be continuing our journey through the book of 2 Samuel and starting back up in chapter 14. Whether you've been able make it to the previous ones or not you're always welcome to jump in!
Daylight Savings begins on March 9. Don’t forget to spring forward!
Want to learn more? How about going to school on a Sunday! We will be offering a choice of different four week classes from 9-9:50AM on Feb 16, Feb 23, Mar 2, & Mar 9. The classes will be instruction-centered (instead of discussion-centered) and childcare will be available. Sign up here!
This winter's classes are:
Creeds and Confessions (taught by Joel Keen) So what's the deal with this creed thing we say every Sunday in worship? What's its background? Are there others? Learn about the creeds and confessions that the Church has held dear for centuries. We will look into the earliest statements of faith, the Apostle's Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and other more contemporary statements.
Cultivating spiritual Friendship (taught by Kayla Smith) - Discover the beauty and purpose of Christ=centered relationships in this class on spiritual friendship. through Biblical teaching, group discussions, and practical tools, we'll explore how to build intentional, life-giving friendships that encourage spiritual growth, provide support in challenging seasons, and reflect the love of Christ. Whether you're seeking to deepen existing friendships or form new ones, this class will equip you to walk alongside others in faith and cultivate meaningful connections that last.
Our preschool age children will be shifting rooms to match their age on March 9!
Those who are 2.5 years by Mar 9 will move to the 2/3s room. Kids who are 4 by that day will move to the 4/5s room. Email office@seekrefuge.net if you have any questions.
Refuge will celebrate the sacrament of baptism on Mar 9. Baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and gives testimony to the basics of Christian beliefs as it points to our death and resurrection in Christ. If you are considering baptism and have questions, email the Elders (elders@seekrefuge.net) or office@seekrefuge.net.
Join us on Feb 16 at Aspen Point from 1-2PM! We will be playing bingo and/or doing crafts, all while continuing to build relationships with the residents. All ages are welcome, and the residents especially love interacting with the kids. We hope to see you there!
Men, come join us every other Friday morning starting on Feb 7 from 6-7:30AM. We will be meeting at Gingham's Homestyle Restaurant. Coffee will be provided! We will be continuing our journey through the book of 2 Samuel and starting back up in chapter 14. Whether you've been able make it to the previous ones or not you're always welcome to jump in!
Ladies, please join us at Todd Hall Retreat Center (320 Todd Center Dr, Columbia, IL 62236) on April 11-12 for a time of refreshment and relationship.
The cost is $60 per person if you are joining us overnight or $30 if you can only come on Saturday. The cost includes lodging, breakfast and lunch on Saturday and retreat giveaways!
You can arrive as early as 4PM on Friday, however our first 'official' event will be dinner at a local restaurant at 6PM.
If you have any questions, please talk to Kayla, Tara, or Hannah or email ksmith@seekrefuge.net. Also, if cost is a concern, PLEASE let us know. We do not want finances to be the reason you don't attend!
The men of Refuge 18 and older will be heading back to Cannon Mines for our annual Retreat on April 25-26. Come join us for a weekend of fun activities, fellowship, and rest.
The cost is $50 per person to cover your stay, dinner Friday, breakfast and lunch on Saturday, and beverages. (There is no extra charge to shoot clay birds this year.)
We will be staying in a large house so this is NOT camping and we are by no means "roughing it". However, some do choose to camp and there is plenty of room for tents and hammocks if that's what you prefer.
If you have any questions you can reach out to James Jacobs or office@seekrefuge.net
Join us on Feb 16 at Aspen Point from 1-2PM! We will be playing bingo and/or doing crafts, all while continuing to build relationships with the residents. All ages are welcome, and the residents especially love interacting with the kids. We hope to see you there!
Want to learn more? How about going to school on a Sunday! We will be offering a choice of different four week classes from 9-9:50AM on Feb 16, Feb 23, Mar 2, & Mar 9. The classes will be instruction-centered (instead of discussion-centered) and childcare will be available. Sign up here!
This winter's classes are:
Creeds and Confessions (taught by Joel Keen) So what's the deal with this creed thing we say every Sunday in worship? What's its background? Are there others? Learn about the creeds and confessions that the Church has held dear for centuries. We will look into the earliest statements of faith, the Apostle's Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and other more contemporary statements.
Cultivating spiritual Friendship (taught by Kayla Smith) - Discover the beauty and purpose of Christ=centered relationships in this class on spiritual friendship. through Biblical teaching, group discussions, and practical tools, we'll explore how to build intentional, life-giving friendships that encourage spiritual growth, provide support in challenging seasons, and reflect the love of Christ. Whether you're seeking to deepen existing friendships or form new ones, this class will equip you to walk alongside others in faith and cultivate meaningful connections that last.
Men, come join us every other Friday morning starting on Feb 7 from 6-7:30AM. We will be meeting at Gingham's Homestyle Restaurant. Coffee will be provided! We will be continuing our journey through the book of 2 Samuel and starting back up in chapter 14. Whether you've been able make it to the previous ones or not you're always welcome to jump in!
Join us for service on Sunday, Feb 2 from 10-11:30AM to celebrate God’s provision of a building that we can steward on His behalf.
Guys, come join us for a time to hang out and discuss different themes and topics pertaining to men. This will be a new once a month gathering to be held on the first Saturday night of every month. To start off, we'll be discussing themes from John Mark Comer's book "Live No Lies". Reading the book is NOT required, but is encouraged. Snacks and beverages will be provided.
Join us on Jan 19 at Aspen Point from 1-2PM! We will be playing bingo and/or doing crafts, all while continuing to build relationships with the residents. All ages are welcome, and the residents especially love interacting with the kids. We hope to see you there!
Our new building is ready for our first service! On Jan 12 we will be meeting at 10AM at 1540 Country Club Plaza Dr for our first Sunday service in our new building.
Refuge Kids' classes will start meeting as follows:
Jan 12 - Preschool - 2nd grade will start meeting every week
Jan 15 - Youth will resume meeting each Wednesday
Jan 19 - 3rd grade will start meeting every other week
Jan 26 - 4th-5th grade will start meeting every other week
Moving day is Dec 29! On Sunday morning, Dec 29 we will have a shortened service and then move furniture to the new building. Come in your work clothes and help us load the moving trucks!
We will have the KR rooms open for children Kindergarten or younger that morning so that parents can help with the move. Elevate and EGC kids should come ready to help the adults.
Starting on Sunday, Jan 5 Refuge will hold Sunday services at Main Street Church (116 N Main St) at 4PM. While we are meeting at Main Street, we will have KR classes for children in Kindergarten or younger. Elevate and EGC kids will be in service with their parents while we are at Main Street.
The new building is moving along nicely, so keep an eye out for announcements about when we will be able to meet in our very own building!
The holidays will eventually come to an end, and soon it will be time to move! You are invited to join us on Saturday, Dec 28 starting at 9AM to help us box up our decorations in preparation for the big move.
Gather with us on Christmas Eve as we wait in joyful anticipation of the coming of the Lord! All ages will gather in the worship service together.
Join us on Friday, Dec 20 from 6:30-8:30PM for a casual evening of music, carols, and special readings! Snacks and beverages will be provided.
Men, come join us every other Friday morning starting on Sept 13 from 6-7:30AM. We will be meeting at Gingham’s Homestyle Restaurant (our future neighbors). Coffee will be provided! We’ll do a recap of 1 Samuel for the first week and then jump into 2 Samuel. Sign up here!
Join us on Dec 15 at Aspen Point from 2-3PM! We will be playing bingo and/or doing crafts, all while continuing to build relationships with the residents. All ages are welcome, and the residents especially love interacting with the kids. We hope to see you there!
Have kids? Need something to do? Refuge host a playgroup the first Friday of each month from 10-11:30AM. Come watch your children play in the KR rooms while you chat with other parents. Hope to see you there!
Men, come join us every other Friday morning starting on Sept 13 from 6-7:30AM. We will be meeting at Gingham’s Homestyle Restaurant (our future neighbors). Coffee will be provided! We’ll do a recap of 1 Samuel for the first week and then jump into 2 Samuel. Sign up here!
Refuge’s Annual Hanging of the Green will be Sunday afternoon, Dec 1 from 3-5 PM. Children are invited to work with their parents to decorate the building for the Advent season! Warm beverages will be provided, but please bring a dozen cookies to share. You may also donate an ornament for the Refuge Family Tree. We will sing Christmas songs together when decorating is complete!
Our annual Share Service is coming on Dec 1! We will all gather at 10AM to share stories of God’s faithfulness over the previous year.
Men, come join us every other Friday morning starting on Sept 13 from 6-7:30AM. We will be meeting at Gingham’s Homestyle Restaurant (our future neighbors). Coffee will be provided! We’ll do a recap of 1 Samuel for the first week and then jump into 2 Samuel. Sign up here!
Join us on Nov 17 at Aspen Point from 2-3PM! We will be playing bingo and/or doing crafts, all while continuing to build relationships with the residents. All ages are welcome, and the residents especially love interacting with the kids. We hope to see you there!
Refuge will be holding our next Baby Dedication Service on Nov 17. If you are interested in having your child dedicated, please contact office@seekrefuge.net.
We need to finish clearing out things we don’t need upstairs before we move buildings. So we will have a dumpster ready to fill on Saturday, Nov 16. Everyone 6th grade and older is invited to help (youth must be accompanied by an adult due to the potential hazards involved with demolition).
We highly suggest bringing gloves and masks with you as there is a lot of dust and allergens upstairs, and lunch will be provided.
Want to learn more? How about going to school on a Sunday! We will be offering a choice of different four week classes from 9-9:50AM on Oct 20, Oct 27, Nov 3, & Nov 10. The classes will be instruction-centered (instead of discussion-centered) and childcare will be available.
This fall's classes are:
Church History IV: Post Reformation (taught by Joel Waymack) How did the Reformation lead the church to fracture into so many denominations and what do those various denominations believe? How did God use his Spirit to bring about a massive revival in the Great Awakening? How has the church changed and adapted in the United States? During this final class on Church History we'll explore these questions and more as we learn about Church History from 1648 to the present day. You're encouraged to come even if you haven't been to any of the previous classes!
Jesus and the Powers: The Spirit of Our Politics (taught by Mike Fine) - In an age of political chaos, rising authoritarianism, and divided politics, Christians face difficult questions: What should our posture be toward the state? Should we abstain from the toxicity of politics altogether, or strive for influence within it to advance our own agenda? How can we build for the kingdom while reckoning with the past and present evils of our democratic institutions? This class will explore these questions and more through biblical reflection, current events and historical insight. We'll examine how Jesus' followers have historically navigated empires and how His kingdom should shape our political witness today. Join us as we seek to engage in the political arena faithfully, resisting the temptation to create empires of our own, while remaining true to the Gospel's call to love our neighbors, pursue the common good, and set about the work of building for God's kingdom.
Men, come join us every other Friday morning starting on Sept 13 from 6-7:30AM. We will be meeting at Gingham’s Homestyle Restaurant (our future neighbors). Coffee will be provided! We’ll do a recap of 1 Samuel for the first week and then jump into 2 Samuel. Sign up here!
Want to learn more? How about going to school on a Sunday! We will be offering a choice of different four week classes from 9-9:50AM on Oct 20, Oct 27, Nov 3, & Nov 10. The classes will be instruction-centered (instead of discussion-centered) and childcare will be available.
This fall's classes are:
Church History IV: Post Reformation (taught by Joel Waymack) How did the Reformation lead the church to fracture into so many denominations and what do those various denominations believe? How did God use his Spirit to bring about a massive revival in the Great Awakening? How has the church changed and adapted in the United States? During this final class on Church History we'll explore these questions and more as we learn about Church History from 1648 to the present day. You're encouraged to come even if you haven't been to any of the previous classes!
Jesus and the Powers: The Spirit of Our Politics (taught by Mike Fine) - In an age of political chaos, rising authoritarianism, and divided politics, Christians face difficult questions: What should our posture be toward the state? Should we abstain from the toxicity of politics altogether, or strive for influence within it to advance our own agenda? How can we build for the kingdom while reckoning with the past and present evils of our democratic institutions? This class will explore these questions and more through biblical reflection, current events and historical insight. We'll examine how Jesus' followers have historically navigated empires and how His kingdom should shape our political witness today. Join us as we seek to engage in the political arena faithfully, resisting the temptation to create empires of our own, while remaining true to the Gospel's call to love our neighbors, pursue the common good, and set about the work of building for God's kingdom.
Daylight Savings ends on Nov 3. Don’t forget to fall back!
Have kids? Need something to do? Refuge host a playgroup the first Friday of each month from 10-11:30AM. Come watch your children play in the KR rooms while you chat with other parents. Hope to see you there!
Feeling bored with your Christian walk? Looking for a fuller spiritual experience? Believe it or not, what you need is more of Christ himself. The little book of Colossians is packed full of big truths that the Spirit can use to wake up a dull heart. Listen to Paul as he rehearses the beauty, power, and supremacy of Christ. Let the Spirit call you to a walk worthy of the beautiful Jesus, for whom and by whom all things were made.
Join us on Monday evenings, Aug 19 - Oct 28 (except Labor Day), from 7-8:30PM as we discuss Colossians: At His Feet Studies by Hope Blanton & Christine Gordon. You can order the book on Amazon or we can order it for you.
Want to learn more? How about going to school on a Sunday! We will be offering a choice of different four week classes from 9-9:50AM on Oct 20, Oct 27, Nov 3, & Nov 10. The classes will be instruction-centered (instead of discussion-centered) and childcare will be available.
This fall's classes are:
Church History IV: Post Reformation (taught by Joel Waymack) How did the Reformation lead the church to fracture into so many denominations and what do those various denominations believe? How did God use his Spirit to bring about a massive revival in the Great Awakening? How has the church changed and adapted in the United States? During this final class on Church History we'll explore these questions and more as we learn about Church History from 1648 to the present day. You're encouraged to come even if you haven't been to any of the previous classes!
Jesus and the Powers: The Spirit of Our Politics (taught by Mike Fine) - In an age of political chaos, rising authoritarianism, and divided politics, Christians face difficult questions: What should our posture be toward the state? Should we abstain from the toxicity of politics altogether, or strive for influence within it to advance our own agenda? How can we build for the kingdom while reckoning with the past and present evils of our democratic institutions? This class will explore these questions and more through biblical reflection, current events and historical insight. We'll examine how Jesus' followers have historically navigated empires and how His kingdom should shape our political witness today. Join us as we seek to engage in the political arena faithfully, resisting the temptation to create empires of our own, while remaining true to the Gospel's call to love our neighbors, pursue the common good, and set about the work of building for God's kingdom.
We would like to invite school aged children in Kindergarten - 5th grade to a BINGO night at Refuge on Oct 25 from 5-7PM. It will be an opportunity for them to socialize and develop relationships outside of their normal classes on Sunday mornings.
In order for this to be a drop-off event, we will need a number of adults and teens to volunteer to help (~1 adult per 10 children). If you are interested in helping and/or having your child(ren) attend, sign up below. Once we know how many adults can help, we will confirm children in the order in which they have signed up.
Men, come join us every other Friday morning starting on Sept 13 from 6-7:30AM. We will be meeting at Gingham’s Homestyle Restaurant (our future neighbors). Coffee will be provided! We’ll do a recap of 1 Samuel for the first week and then jump into 2 Samuel. Sign up here!
