The First 'Great Commission'

The Christian response to a beautiful world in crisis

Morning Service Click here to listen to sermon	'Keeping Earth on our Hands'  Colossians 1 : 15-23 Preacher : Peter Harris, A Rocha
Evening Service Click here to listen to sermon	'Hope is the New Green' Romans 8 : 18-25 Preacher : Peter Harris, A Rocha

(Go to : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwGvfdtI2c0&feature=related
to watch the film clip as shown at Morning and Evening Services)

A Rocha (www.arocha.org) is a Christian conservation organisation working in science and research, practical conservation and environmental education. The links with All Souls are well established with John Stott, Chris Wright and Vinoth Ramachandra on the Council of Reference.

"For over twenty-five years I have been an enthusiastic supporter of A Rocha, having seen its practical and educational work around the world" (John Stott) www.arocha.org

Giving to the World Need Fund: All gifts received in the services were allocated to Christian organisations and projects working to relieve poverty and injustice around the world. This included some environmental projects, but also a range of many other projects.

TOTAL GIVEN IN 2009 : over £100,000

What happened after World Need Sunday 2008? Click here

The First 'Great Commission'

We're probably familiar with Christ's commission to his followers to "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matt 28:19). But what about the first Great Commission that God gave to His people? That is, to rule over the earth and all the creatures, in a way that reflects His character, to work the earth and take care of it (Gen 1:26-28, 2:15)

The First Great Commission and what it means in practice for us today is the theme of World Need Sunday on 20 September. Christian concern for the environment is not just an act of obedience to God who commissioned us, and not just an expression of love to God who made and cares for his world, but it's also an issue of justice and hope. Neglect of the environment is an issue of justice. Usually, it's the poor who suffer first and most when the environment is damaged. And the Bible provides future hope in a depressing present reality. God's plan to redeem the whole of creation is good news! 

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