Building the walls of Jerusalem  - 22 February 2009

Nehemiah Chapter 3

Around three times a year the Sunday morning service format changes to embrace all ages.  The intention is not to become 'childish', but perhaps 'child-like' in involving every one.  After all, Jesus said that we must become like little children in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

When we explored the monumental exercise of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after 80 years of decay as described in this chapter, what better way of involving everyone than, well, involving everyone?

As we read aloud in Chapter 3 of all the people who set aside their normal work to serve in the rebuilding: Priests, perfumers, goldsmiths, levites, ordinary people and extra-ordinary people;  Paul, our 'Nehemiah', set out the foundations or Jerusalem in the middle of the church - out of cardboard boxes!

Then we broke into groups to perform various tasks. 

Bible Study Group

The singing group

Hanging the gates

But the major work under Paul's direction set to and built up the walls.  In another room, the gates were prepared and decorated, before being brought back in and hung.

The Completion of the walls

Once the work was completed we regrouped to share our experiences and communion in the middle of our symbolic 'Jerusalem'.

Some of the 'Embelishers' at work

Communion - entering by the sheep gate and leaving through the fountain gate

Afterwards, everyone also set-to to demolish and clear up.  A sort of symbolic 'walls of Jericho' moment?  

Demolition!

Thanks to Julie James for the vision, Julie Harris for turning it into a concrete, well a cardboard, reality and everyone who set aside their inhibitions and worked with a will!