May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15 v13

How are you all doing in this 8th week of lockdown? Used to a different pace of life? Rejoicing that there are signs of a beginning to lift restrictions? Enjoying the time to try different recipes or different activities? Learning new ways of contacting friends and family? (I still haven't got the hang of Houseparty despite my nephew's instructions!) Are you juggling with home-schooling AND working from home AND the everyday shopping cleaning cooking etc? What about the uncertainty of so much in these days?

A friend sent me this verse from Romans one Sunday recently. That Sunday was a day when overflowing with hope was definitely NOT how I was feeling. It was such a reminder to me to take my eyes and thoughts off the frustrations and fears of the present and to look to God and trust him again. I needed to spend time with Him, concentrating on Him and what He has done for me, to remember that he is in control, that he is present anytime anywhere, every time everywhere. To remember that His love is new every morning. Some days we can rejoice in right now and thank God with grateful hearts. On the days when we don't feel like that let’s pray this prayer and allow God's joy and peace fill our hearts with hope anew. God bless Elizabeth Holme

24th – 31st May 2020

So what happened to social distancing?

COVID 19 In light of the government guidance the Church of England has suspended all services and the buildings are to remain closed for the foreseeable future.

This sheet includes our sermon for Sunday, by Joe Foster of City Church. Please use it for your own personal worship.

The sermon is also available (as video or audio file) on out youtube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyfZeMWItDiPU3ggBoLDLTw

This sheet is also available from our website at: www.christchurchchadderton.co.uk should you want to pass it on, virtually to any of your friends.

Other helpful links for while the church buildings are closed are: Bible App at https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/ : gives you tools to seek God’s heart daily: listen to audio Bibles, create Prayers, study with Friends, explore 2,000+ Bible versions, and much more

Online church: www.clayton.tv (for morning worship plus much more)

Daily Hope: 0800 804 8044. Free phone line offering hymns, prayers, and reflections 24 hours a day

Online Sunday services: From Christ Church Fulwood: fulwoodchurch.co.uk From Emmanuel (Loughborough): https://www.emmanuel-loughborough.org/ From St Clements, Openshaw: https://www.stclementschurchmanchester.org/

There is a short video link on the website by Rob Brewis that you can use with friends to possibly start evangelistic conversations. (Do take time to watch it first, before sending to your friends)

The Parish Office will be closed except for Wednesday mornings until further notice. If anyone is having difficulty due to the social distancing or self-isolation, please contact Cathy on 01706 849128 (in office hours) or one of our wardens (Dave 07931 500207 or Margaret 620 5115) and we will try to organise some help.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyfZeMWItDiPU3ggBoLDLTwhttp://www.christchurchchadderton.co.uk/https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/http://www.clayton.tv/http://fulwoodchurch.co.uk/https://www.emmanuel-loughborough.org/https://www.emmanuel-loughborough.org/https://www.stclementschurchmanchester.org/

Regular giving Thank you to everyone who has been putting aside their giving envelopes since lockdown began. We have decided to try to get them in and counted, so if you are able please would you put them through the church office letterbox over the next few days. If you can’t get to the office please contact the office, preferably by email, and request a ‘pick up’ and we will do our best to get to you sometime soon. Thanks. (We will collect in the Smartie tubes for Nekempte when we are back in the church buildings.)

Parish Prayer Following on from the parish prayer hour this week, please do continue to join together in prayer, although apart, each Thursday evening at 7.30pm. We will use the pray hour outline supplied as our basis and make a point of stopping and praying together up to the “clap for carers” each week.

Mental Health Awareness Week If I asked you the last time you gave or experienced kindness, you would tell me stories of when you felt moved, protected, held, seen, loved. The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week was ‘kindness’. The website states

“We have chosen kindness because of its singular ability to unlock our shared humanity. Kindness strengthens relationships, develops community and deepens solidarity. It is a cornerstone of our individual and collective mental health. Wisdom from every culture across history recognises that kindness is something that all human beings need to experience and practise to be fully alive. But we also want to shine a light on the ways that kindness is already flowering at this time and we want kindness to spread further in every community in the UK.”

For more information and resources please go to https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week

Greater Manchester Bereavement Support Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week

On this site at https://greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk/ you can find out about support in your area and nationally, as well as advice for practical issues that losing a loved one may bring. Or call us on 0161 983 0902 for help in finding the right support for you. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except bank holidays) Wednesday, 9am to 8pm

Keswick Convention This Summer, following the cancellation of the usual Keswick Convention due to the Covid-19 crisis, there will be an exciting, new five-day online event called Virtually Keswick Convention. While we can’t be in Keswick this year, we can meet together online.

The theme of Hope has been chosen as, at this time of great uncertainty and sadness, there is hope in Jesus Christ. A Christian is not a prisoner of the present moment. Even in the midst of struggle, hardship, suffering, pain, tears, we can, by the power of the Holy Spirit, know joy and peace from the God of hope.

The virtual Convention will run from Monday 27th to Friday 31st July. It will feature teaching, sung worship and seminars for adults, youth and children. All the sessions will be held online. More details of the programme will be published on the Keswick Ministries website in coming weeks. Please do take this opportunity to get involved; it opens the convention up to many who would normally be unable to attend.

Caring for our Care Homes Being aware that our local care homes have been feeling isolated and forgotten we have made an effort to be in touch to let them know they are not forgotten by us. Tom Hollingsbee wrote to each home and the letters were delivered, with flowers by Kim Wrigley.

In his letter Tom says: “We at Christ Church and St Saviour’s are very aware of how worrying and difficult the situation caused by Covid-19 is for those in care homes and sheltered accommodation. And so we wanted to extend to you a token of our love, and to say, if nothing else, that we are thinking of you and praying for you at this extremely difficult time.”

Butler Green gave Kim a particularly lovely reception. They were hugely grateful, so much so that a photo moment ensued!

https://greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk/

Faithful God, happy people.

Grace mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Bible reading: Nehemiah 12.27-47

538 BC Ezra 1:1-4, 2 Chronicles 36:22-23, Daniel 9

1st

year of King Cyrus: decrees that Israelites should return to Jerusalem to build the temple.

536 BC Ezra 3:8 Temple building commences

530 BC Ezra 4:1-5 Building is halted

520 BC Hag 1:14 + Ezra 5:2 Temple building re-commences under Darius

516 BC Ezra 6:15 Temple completed

458 BC Ezra 7:6-9 Ezra arrives in Jerusalem

445 BC Nehemiah 1+2 Nehemiah receives a report of the state of Jerusalem and Goes before Artaxerxes. He then travels to Jerusalem to Inspect the wall himself.

445 BC Nehemiah 6:15 The wall is finished

Hi everybody, I hope you are all very well! My name is Joe Foster, I graduated last June and I’m now a Junior Doctor working at Tameside General Hospital. I met you all at the tail end of 2019 when I spoke at St Saviours and Christ Church and I look forward to seeing you all again in person soon. Today we’re going to continue the series you’ve been doing in Ezra and Nehemiah and I’ll share some thoughts about Nehemiah chapter 12. You’ve already had the passage read today but please keep your bibles open as we look into how we can be God’s Kingdom Builders despite living here on the Earth.

The passage today comes after a list of the people involved in rebuilding Jerusalem and is a celebration of God’s faithfulness – both past and future. Rebuilding Jerusalem was a real milestone in the history of Israel because it was a marker of several big prophecies beginning to bloom.

But today I wanted to start by asking:

What are you building right now in your life?

Are you working towards a project at work? Are you doing some DIY at home? Are you bringing up children? Running something at church? Where are you investing your time and finances? What are you allowing to emotionally drain you and what are you not?

1) God’s Kingdom

As you know, the Israelites were now about 100 years out of exile from Babylon. It had been a long, thousand-mile journey just to get to back to Jerusalem, and once they got there it was in ruins. A huge temple project, no walls and a lot of angry neighbours to deal with. I mean, 9 of the 12 tribes didn’t think it was worth it and so never came back. So why did the tribes of Judah, Benjamin and the Levites return when no one else did? And why did those few people volunteer to actually live in Jerusalem – losing their main income from farming, moving away from their family unit and committing themselves to the insecurity of

living in a city with broken walls and angry neighbours? Why did these people put the Kingdom of God before themselves?

Ever since the fall in genesis 3 the Israelites have been longing for the serpent crusher, the son of a woman who would defeat sin and evil once and for all and put things to right. Over the course of the Old Testament this idea was developed by further prophecies and people of renown until the final picture was that of a Messianic king: an anointed, chosen man of God who would destroy the enemies of God and protect His people. In Isaiah chapter 11 this messiah was foretold to be a descendant of David, the Holy Spirit would rest upon him – giving him wisdom and power and knowledge of God. He would end suffering, stop injustice and usher in a new era of peace and relationship with God. In Isaiah 53 this Chosen One was promised to be ‘cut off’, sinless yet taking on His people’s sin, making intercession for them with God and restoring their relationship with Him. The whole of the Old Testament – the entirety of Israel’s history – was the pursuit of this Son of Man. Of this better king. Of this saviour.

Those men and women who courageously left Babylon and then their farms and families, their comfort and security that they had built for themselves, did so because they believed that this King who was coming was better. They realised that the promises of the world, of other religions, of money, of Hollywood – promises that you can earn your way, you can buy your happiness, you can rely on this politician for your security. These Israelites realised this was all a lie – all empty promises, merely fleeting satisfaction blowing away in the wind. And so they looked to God; who promised real lasting satisfaction and protection in relationship with Him.

In today’s world, the coronavirus is starting to open people’s eyes: exposing the false claims of governments and Highstreet brands and employers that – if only you vote for them/buy their clothes/get that promotion – everything will be alright. You’ll be safe. But the coronavirus has outsmarted governments, shut down the high-street and made millions work at home or go on furlough. Right now, people

are looking for a saviour, if you are one of them – you will find Him in Christ. But also, now can be a time of doubt for Christians, how can God be here in times like these? Surely there’s a bigger plan?

Well, the Israelites were having a pretty rubbish time too, as you’ve heard they’ve been oppressed and impeded by the locals. They’re constantly in fear of invasion and the politics of the last 100 years has been manic. But a prophet named Jeremiah, who spoke hundreds of years before the events of Nehemiah, delivered a promise from God for those Israelites rebuilding Jerusalem in 445 BC and also for us today. He talked about a people who are lost, who have previously rejected God but are now searching for more than the promises of the world. This is what those kingdom builders were hanging on to. Jeremiah chapter 33: 6-9

“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to [Jerusalem]; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. 7 I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity[a] and will rebuild them as they were before. 8 I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. 9 Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honour before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it.”

The promise to rebuild Jerusalem was tied up with the promise to provide abundant peace and security, to forgive and reunite the people to God and for the city and its inhabitants to be a place of Joy. This promise was echoed by Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the promises of God delivered by Isaiah, He said in John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it abundantly” – the Greek word translated ‘abundantly’ here is “per-is-sos” and it means: exceedingly, beyond measure, considerably more than one could expect or anticipate. The God of the Old Testament and the new is promising abundant life to his people now!

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+33%3A+6-9&version=NIV#fen-NIV-19783a

Even though the Israelites and people of the world have time and time again chosen to find their satisfaction and saviour in things and false gods, the God of the bible extends out an invitation for repentance. And not just repentance, but for abundant joy and happiness in relationship with Him, the creator of the universe. This is what those kingdom building Israelites were motivated by.

2) God is faithful

Looking back to our passage today in Nehemiah chapter 12, the wall and temple have been rebuilt. This means economic and military stability – Jerusalem can now protect itself and the surrounding lands. Markets can now be set up and people can invest with security in the city and its people. But the real reason these kingdom builders formed two great choirs and walked around the newly built city walls singing their hearts out, was because part of the prophecy in Jeremiah was fulfilled. They were thankful and glad and joyful without anyone telling them to be, the fact God had rebuilt the city meant that despite all their trouble and difficulty the cost of building the kingdom was paying off. Rebuilding the city against the odds was definitely an act of God – as we saw back in Nehemiah chapter 6 even the surrounding nations realised that God must have been helping the Israelites. So this meant that the other parts of this prophecy and every other promise that God had made were trustworthy and reliable – it meant that God loved them, it meant that the messiah was coming, it meant their sins were to be forgiven and it meant these things for real. God rebuilding the wall wasn’t a matter of economic or military success, it was a matter of spiritual success.

You see there’s another time that humans have looked for proof from God that His promises would come true, that what he said was trustworthy and that building His kingdom is worth the cost. 4 or 5 hundred years later, when the Son of God Himself was hung up on a cross and died for our sins, the Jews then who believed in Him looked for a sign that the promises were true and that He had taken away our

sins and reconciled us to God forever. To be found to be a Christian was to be put to death by the Romans, was to be cast out by the Jews and to be denounced from your family so you had to be sure. But the first believers found their proof in the resurrection, as predicted by Jesus in Matthew 16:21 and then in the coming of the Holy Spirit as instructed by Jesus in Luke 24:49. Then the disciples went away in great joy – continually in the temple blessing God because they then knew that death had been defeated, that God was victorious and the Messiah had come. We get to share that joy; we get to read and hear about it freely – everything Christ did and said that’s recorded in the bible. He came, that we might have life and have it to the full. That our sins are forgiven, and that we can approach God justified.

But the promises don’t end with the resurrection. The disciples, like the people of Nehemiah’s time, were joyful not only for promises fulfilled but also the promises that were now sure to come true. In Daniel chapter 9, in the same year that the Israelites are first released from exile in Babylon, Daniel prophesies from God a divine timeline of events: Firstly Jerusalem will be rebuilt despite times of trouble – the people of our passage in Nehemiah are celebrating the completion of this part of the prophecy. The second part is that for a long time after there will be times of continuous trouble and difficulty that eventually lead to the Messiah coming forth – who will then be ‘cut off’ and left with nothing. We and the early christians can celebrate that this has also happened. And the final part of the prophecy was that the end times would begin and lead to Jesus’ return, the end of sin, evil and injustice forever. Because Jerusalem was rebuilt and because the Messiah has come, we know for sure that God will come in His Holiness and Mercy and put all that is wrong to right. And we also know, that despite the fact that we should be receiving exile for our sin ourselves, that Jesus died for us – taking away our sin and making us righteous before God. His redeemed people, chosen and loved. We can celebrate for the prophecies that have come to fruition, and the prophecies that we eagerly await.

3) Godly response

In verse 44 of our passage, the very same day as all the celebration, the people appointed ministering Priests and Levites, they purified themselves, sorted out tithes and put into place structures in their society that would further build the Kingdom of God and help themselves and future generations to come to worship God. Going forward they still had to face wars, persecution, idolatry, invasion and injustice. Despite the fact that they were building the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of the world still existed, and they had to interact with it. So, the very first thing they did, with joy still in their hearts, was make sure that others could also know and continue to know the faithfulness of God. They were setting up the equivalent of bible schools, charities, churches and continued teaching.

This is how we should respond to our celebration of the faithfulness of God too. We need to keep building the Kingdom of God, even though the world around us is still filled with oppression and injustice. Even through the Corona virus, we need to keep going to church on Sundays online, giving generously, setting up bible groups and reaching out to those around us. To share the Gospel and look after other Christians, to pray and be prayed for, to disciple others and check that our brothers and sisters in Christ are running the race. But how do we do that when our lives are being run down by the corona virus? When we’re stuck inside or 2 meters apart, when our church isn’t allowed to meet in person or when our mental, physical or financial health is getting in the way? How do we maintain hope in a world of coronavirus?

We do what the Jews did after building the wall. We celebrate all that God has done for us and will do for us. We read our bibles and sing his praises, fastening our eyes on His Glory and His kingdom, we’ll be refreshed and able to become kingdom builders. Hebrews 12: 1-3 says this:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings

so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

With that amazing encouragement, can I challenge you today, to pick up your bible and read about Jesus to refresh yourself and find joy in what he has done for us already, and what that means for our future and so go into this week ready to be a kingdom builder. Let’s pray.

Prayers Take time to pray for our world, our country & leaders, our church and community.

Please remember:

the frontline NHS and care staff in care homes etc

Key workers including supermarket workers, delivery drivers, food manufacturers, school teachers and public transport providers

our Muslim friends as they celebrate Ramadan.

You may end each time with: Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prayer requests: Wendy (Heather’s sister) thanks for her recovery Rob Brewis Sienna Grace (for continued improvement) Esmee (Derek & Audrey Newton’s granddaughter) as she faces invasive surgery whilst intensive care beds are in short supply Ashleigh Tina Doreen Green Shirley Anderson (cancer)

Linda Mushiko: for protection for her and her family as she works with COVID-19 patients at the Royal Oldham Hospital Sylvia & Elsie Harrop in Bickerton Court: for strength to keep going Michelle, Greg & Ripley (Alison & Graham Beswick’s daughter and family) Struggling with self-isolating due to health condition and 20 month old who simply doesn’t understand. For strength and for God to uplift them at this time Mildred West (recovery after recent operation) Edith West

For the friends and family of:

Baby Arlo; for his parents Sophie and Luke, that God’s love will surround them and comfort them at this time.

The Lord’s prayer Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen. The peace of God which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon us and remain with us always. Amen.

Christ Church and St Saviour’s Parish office: 624 2326

Emails: office@christchurchchadderton.co.uk Website: www.christchurchchadderton.co.uk

http://www.christchurchchadderton.co.uk/