As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:18-20, NIV)
This Sunday marks 60 years since the consecration of St Andrew's church (and 110 years since Old St Andrew's). To mark the occasion, our morning service is one of thanksgiving and rededicating the building after the reodering work. We're being joined by the Bishop of Hertford for the service. Why not come along and help us celebrate?
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. (2 Thessalonians 3:5, NIV)
As Paul approaches the end of his letter, he moves towards practical Christian living. As the church thought about Jesus' return, and had been confused by false teaching, the wondered what the point of living faithfully was. Why should they live faithful in ordinary day-to-day living? Why not join us this Sunday as we look at why we should continue to live faithful Christian lives while we wait for Christ's return.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. (2 Thessalonians 2:15, NIV)
As the Thessalonians are confused with false teachings around whether Jesus has already returned, and whether that means that this is as good as life gets, Paul encourages them to stand firm to what they know and have been taught. Not so that they can understand themselves into being saved. No, Paul wants them to remember that Jesus is the one who saves, and he will keep them, and us, safe until he return. Why not join us this Sunday as we look at this amazing encouragement together?
so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:28, NIV)
On Remembrance Sunday, we righly remember those who have sacrified life and health for others. In the book of Hebrews, we read that Jesus, too, sacrificed his life for others - for us. You would be very welcome to join us at 10:50am in St Thomas, Northaw, or at 9am in St Thomas, Northaw, this Sunday, as we see what Jesus' sacrifice for us means.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. (2 Thessalonians 1:2, NIV)
As Advent gets closer, we're spending a few weeks looking at Paul's second letter to the church in Thessalonica. Why? Because both point us to the reality of Jesus' inevitable return in glory. Both should help us to focus our minds on the present and the future, and they remind us of our need of God's grace - and his glorious provision of it. Paul begins his letter by giving thanks to God for them and dor their growth in faith. Why not join us this Sunday as we explore this letter together.