Harpley, My Life is my Message." Mahatma Gandhi
Revd. Josh Whitnall
Rector
JUNE 2026
Dear Friends,
In recent days, many across our villages and communities will have followed the results of the local elections with a mixture of hope, disappointment, relief, uncertainty, or renewed determination. The rhetoric around elections seems hard wired to bring out division, but every time I put a cross in a box, I remind myself that our villages are shaped not only by national politics, but by the faithful service of local people who care deeply about unity in the places we call home.
In our villages, we see that service every day. It is found in parish councillors, district councillors, and our new county councillors. It is found in volunteers and school governors, in charity trustees, PCC Members, carers, posties, shopkeepers, and neighbours who simply look out for one another. Strong communities are not built overnight, nor are they sustained by politics alone. They are built through relationships, kindness, sacrifice, and a shared hope for the future.
Recently, faith leaders across Norfolk issued a shared invitation to help “build hope-filled communities”, reminding us that the true strength of our county is found not simply in institutions or politics, but in ordinary people caring for one another every day. For hope is contagious. A hopeful village becomes a kinder village. A hopeful community becomes a stronger community. And as Christians, we believe that hope ultimately begins not in politics or institutions, but in people who choose, day by day, to love their neighbour well.
Perhaps, this month, we might take a moment to give thanks for all those who have served our communities faithfully, often quietly and without recognition. Maybe you would join me in praying that they would lead with wisdom, humility, integrity, and compassion; that they would listen well, work together, and help nurture communities marked not by division or despair, but by hope.
God bless you all,
The Revd Joshua Whitnall, Rector
rectorggmbenefice@gmail.com 01485 750075
