acts-of-the-apostles

The main street running through Queen’s was closed to traffic on Friday, and thousands of students beginning their university journey walked its length, exploring what various campus clubs and community groups were offering – St. Andrew’s was there, with an invitation to enter a draw to climb the tower and ring the bells of the church, and of course also to begin the week in the strength and beauty of the worship of the Living God.

And we are beginning a new congregational year. As we explore further the path named ‘Christian’, over these weeks of autumn we shall read a series of selections of the part of the New Testament known as ‘The Acts of the Apostles’. As many have noted over the millennia, it might be better named ‘The Acts of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles’. Or, I humbly suggest, even better still ‘The Acts of the Risen Lord by the work of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles’!

This Sunday we read a passage that concludes with the description that ‘the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul … There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and distribution was made to each as any had need.’ (Acts 4:34-35). Quite radical, their religious reality.

Is it instructive that prior to this, the apostles had begun a long prayer … ‘Sovereign Lord’ (Acts 4:24)? As had been illustrated by the healing of the lame man by the gate of the Jerusalem temple known as Beautiful, the sovereignty of this God (known in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus) was not just powerful, but powerfully on the side of life, and life for all. Was it in this assurance that the Christians were able to calm their fears and become generous in the sharing of life? As we explore the shape and dynamics of the Church anew, might we begin our prayers … ‘Sovereign Lord’?

Join us if you are in the area. Have a glance at the Order of Worship below. During the service there is offered a nursery for infants and children to age 3, also a church school for children 4 and older (though of course they are welcome to remain in the sanctuary also). If you are driving, you are reminded that Clergy Street is closed for a couple more weeks, but there is free parking along the adjacent streets and in the city lot off Queen just behind the church. It would be a pleasure to welcome you, and together begin a new academic year, a new congregational year, in praise of God, the Sovereign Lord.

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