The church is a mystery in so mystery in so many ways. It is amazing that God loves us so much that he wants to put us on display, to demonstrate his incredible wisdom.

We must learn to draw on the Spirit every day if we are to receive life and give it away.

As we celebrate baptisms this morning, Abi reminds us that we can come to Jesus to receive life-giving water that will truly satisfy all our thirsts.

John returns to one of the key Scriptures that gives us the vision for River City, Ezekiel 47, and reminds us that we are now the temple of God from which streams of living water flow. Do you want to be a 'living stone' in your community, bringing life to all around you?

What is the result of Nehemiah and the Israelites hard work and prayer? An influx of people, dedicated to serving God as they establish the worship of God at the centre of all they do.

in the rebuilding Nehemiah becomes aware that there are those around him who are in desperate need. Covid has revealed to us the depth of poverty in our city, and we cannot ignore their plight. We must divert our resources to serving those most in need.

In this new season, with all God has called us to, we know that opposition will come, both internally and externally. We need to encourage and strengthen one another in this season, and fight for one another through prayer and fasting.

Upon first reading this chapter is just a long list of names, but that would be to miss out on some important truths. As a church we cannot be run by the few for the many, we need everyone to play their part.

For the last year church has not looked anything like what we've done before. It would be easy to want to return to the "good old days", but maybe God is asking us to rebuild the church in this season so that it looks different to how it used to.