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All services are now in St Thomas.
Now the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their fellow Jews. Some were saying, ‘We and our sons and daughters are numerous; in order for us to eat and stay alive, we must get grain.’ (Nehemiah 5:1-2, NIV)
As the work continues in building up the walls of Jerusalem, a problem is revealed. Despite working hard on rebuilding, some of the poorest are being taken advantage of by their fellow Jews: interest is being charged on loans, land and is being taken away, and even their children are being taken as slaves. What is to be done to help? What can Nehemiah do? How does this passage help us to see the wonder of Jesus, and his provision?
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All services are now in St Thomas.
Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them. (Nehemiah 3:1-2, NIV)
Nehemiah's prayers and request to the king have been granted, and he has arrived in Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls. At the start of chapter 3, we read about the work beginning - it reads a little like a list of 'thank you's for a job well done. Nehemiah's prayers, plans, and trust in God's provision have resulted in the walls being built. He's not alone, however, lots of people join in. Why not join us on Sunday morning, as we look at the invitation not just to join God's Kingdom, but to be part of building it?
Vicar's Report from the APCM on 25th May 2025
These notes formed the basis of the Vicar's Report at the APCM on Sunday 25th May 2024.
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All services are now in St Thomas.
Nehemiah said to the king, ‘May the king live for ever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?’ (Nehemiah 2:3, NIV)
We're beginning a short series looking at the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah is part of the exiled Jewish nation in the Old Testament. He longs to see the city of Jerusalem rebuilt after its destruction. He prays, he plans, and he trusts in God's provision for him. As we look at the reordering of St Andrew's, and hold our annual meetings, why not join us as we pray, plan, and trust in God's ultimate provision for us?
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All services are now in St Thomas.
Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realise how true it is that God does not show favouritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. (Acts 10:34-35, NIV)
Acts chapter 10 is one of the pivotal moments in Luke's account of the early church. Until this point, the vast majority of Christians were Jewish. The assumption appears to have been that it was supposed to be that way. However, that was never part of God's plan of salvation. Jesus' command was to go into all nations (Matthew 28:19 & Act 1:8), but it hadn't happened yet. This is where the gospel going out into the whole world really begins. Why not join us this Sunday, and see why this is such good news for the whole world?