Harpley, My Life is my Message." Mahatma Gandhi
REVD. SUE MARTIN
DECEMBER 2025
Dear Friends,
December and the last month of 2025! Is it just me or has this year gone really quickly? The autumn is fast disappearing and such wonderful colours of gold, bronze and copper in the last of the autumn leaves. On December 21st we have the shortest day and the longest night, time to be inside our homes and getting ready for the greatest event of the year, Christmas!
I love the lights and decorations. We see twinkling lights, decorated trees and know or hope there will be presents, cards, mince pies and lots of special foods to eat. It’s such a joy despite all the work and preparations. We think of people who may not have such a good Christmas this year and help where we can.
I love the School Nativities and the joy and wonder of the children. Christmas is the best story ever, the story of the birth of Jesus! Join us in one of our many amazing Carol Services(10!) across the benefice. Our five primary schools will fill the churches with joy and wonder. Take a step inside any of our churches and see the decorations to welcome Jesus into our world. Jesus, born to Mary, a child just like any of us, but he came down from heaven to help us in this world.
We also have good news to share; our own very special person arrives in the New Year. Rev’d Josh Whitnall will be our new Team Rector for our ten parishes across the benefice. A wonderful time to welcome Josh and his young family, we look forward enormously to all he can bring and share in ministry and communities.
For myself, it will be a time of change. I will take a large step back from all the work of the last few years, even though I will still be helping and still be living here. I have plans for the future, including a break and then exciting projects ahead. So many thanks to everyone for all the support and love I have received. But for now, a little poem…
I count the days to Christmas, and I watch the evening sky
I want to see the angels, as to Bethlehem they fly.
I’m watching for the wise men, and the royal shining star.
I would like to travel with them, to that country afar.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
God Bless
Sue
Rev’d Sue Martin