During these winter months, we look for signs of hope.  The first sightings of snowdrops cause our hearts to fill with joy at the thought that the days will be soon getting longer, and we shall see growth in nature.   As we journey together as a Christian community, we have chosen a piece of scripture to help us see spiritual growth this year.  

Paul wrote to the church community in Ephesus, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (chapter 4, verse 2).  This verse will be our parish motto in 2025.  

We’ve chosen it for several reasons: firstly because it will give some shape to our growth as disciples.  Every ministry in our parish will be encouraged to consider and discuss ‘what does this mean for me and for the area of church that I’m involved in’?  Secondly, because it is a ‘being’ word and not a ‘doing’ word.  This is not about promoting more activity, but looking inside ourselves to see how God is encouraging us to grow.  And thirdly, because it will make us dependent on God.  It’s very hard to be even a little bit humble, let alone completely humble!  And yet with God’s Holy Spirit living in us, we can continue to be changed into a community which draws other in to know God’s love.  I’m looking forward to seeing how we grow as a community this year, and for God to guide us as we do so.