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Pastoral letter - A Word of Encouragement

The more I have the privilege of mixing with other churches,
Nationwide, the more I realise that all the churches I know of have
changed since Covid. We are not alone. How is this a word of
encouragement?

Knowing that others are facing similar challenges makes it far
easier to have a meeting of minds about what the broader Church
of 2023 and beyond looks like. Let me get to the BIG
encouragement: it is always the right time to sow seeds, and
always the right time to nurture those that have been sown.

Whilst fruitful numeric growth may seem like wishful thinking at the
moment, it is not always the season and time for obvious outward
growth. It is always the time for upward growth towards God and
depth – downward growth in sense of deeper roots in developing
the Character of Christ.

The Sower concerns themselves with sowing the seed, not with the
soil conditions that lead to fruitfulness or not. Our job is to sow and
to nurture the growing seedlings – every day.

You may be aware of how much nurturing care goes on quietly in
our fellowship. There are many members that keep in touch with
other members and friends who we may not see so often at
services. This is the kind of loving care with which God is
delighted. So, let’s celebrate this strength.

Let’s also commit to sowing seeds each and every day. The seed
of a kind word. The seed of a smile. The seed of encourage-
ment. The seed of an act of kindness. An outgoing friend asks
people cheerfully, “Has anybody told you that Jesus loves you,
today?” That’s probably bolder than I’d be on a daily basis, but I
am convinced that each and every one of us can show someone
else how much Jesus loves them through sowing the seeds
mentioned above. Let’s increase our seeds sown, and let the
Creator watch over the time for fruit to come forth.

Lex McKee, Mission Enabler

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