Don’t you know how loved you are?

Dear Friends

Yesterday I came from another school Christmas service. Reception class sang ‘Twinkle, twinkle little star…’ and even my Christmas hardened clerical heart softened…

It been a long term for our two primary schools – but an Ofsted officially ‘GOOD’ one! Both schools had inspections this term and both were recognised for offering a really good education to their pupils. In no small part this is due to the able leadership of Mark at Birdham CE Primary and Nick at West Wittering CE Primary. But I know both Headteachers would want to recognise that their schools are good because of the able and committed teaching and support staff.

Contemporary culture can fixate on the impact leadership has on any organisation’s success. Increasingly, the church is recognising its importance. However, just as with our schools, the effectiveness of our churches in living out their calling to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ has as much to do with all the many, many dedicated and generous souls who share in the work of building God’s kingdom.

Organisations may well need their one big ‘leading star’, but they also need lots of little stars to twinkle with their own unique God-given brightness.

As we approach our celebration of Christmas, I would like to thank all of the many, many twinkling stars within Harbour churches for your dedication, generosity and commitment to proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and building God’s kingdom…

May you know how loved you are!

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus.

Jonathan