Welcome to Willard Christian Reformed Church
We’re glad you found us! We are an intergenerational church, seeking to love God and love others.
No matter where you are on the spectrum of belief, we would love to invite you into our church community, as we experience life in God together!
Join us on Sundays at 9:30am!
Paul writes a personal letter to his friend, Philemon, in which he asks him to do something equivalent to 21st century Americans living without the internet. He asks him to welcome his runaway slave back, as a family member.
Slavery was prevalent in the first century, just as the internet is in ours. And people couldn’t imagine a world without it. But Paul believes that the actions of Christians, even one, have enormous consequences. He asks Philemon to begin slavery’s end by viewing Onesimus, the slave, as an equal— not only an equal, but a brother to be welcomed into his household and embraced like his most intimate friend.
The letter to Philemon still speaks to us. We don’t need to waste our time jockeying for status or asserting our authority. God calls us to co-create a community of love that recognizes the dignity and equal value of all people, while honoring our unique gifts.
Paul reminds us that through mutual loving relationships, even with (or especially with) the “least of these,” we experience the very Christ who sets us free—to welcome all God’s children to our table.
Current Sermon Series: Philemon—A Radical Welcome
All Saints Sunday Icon from Saint Paraskevi Church in Langadas