What a perfect way to begin a New Year, meeting together in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to praise him and ask for his blessing on the coming year. Jesus is the One who is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). I’ll admit that I am not expecting a record-breaking attendance today(!), but I am excited about starting 2023 in this way. I pray you will find it encouraging to be among God’s people. (And a Happy Birthday to everyone born on New Years’ Day!)
We are still in the “Christmas season”, with the gospel reading recounting Jesus’ flight to Egypt to escape Herod. This Egyptian theme resonates with our new sermon series, on the book of Exodus. It opens with the people of Israel in Egypt, prospering yet persecuted, and with God “remembering” the promises he had made to their forefathers. Exodus gives us a true story, well told, which displays to us the character and the plans of the God who rules the universe. I want everyone to read it for themselves along with the sermon series. Attractive “Exodus journals” are available to buy if this will help!
If you are looking to connect with a new church, now is a great time to connect at St Jude’s. Things are a little quieter here in January, with our regular kids’ and youth programs on a break until February. But God’s people continue to gather here on Sundays at 8 am, 9.30 am and 4 pm. The 8 am service is also live online through Zoom.
Everything we do as a church is aimed at reaching people with good news of the Lord Jesus, and seeking to grow more like him, who loved us and gave himself for us. We want to fill this church with people who are gripped by his love. I pray that you will be a part of it.
Yours,
Andrew Schmidt
Rector