A Very Messy Christmas

November 24th, 2023

Dear church family,

When I emailed on Monday morning with the specific list of bits which were still needed for hampers, it was mega overwhelming to have you all respond so quickly and generously. Thank you so so much!!!

Monday was a day full of the presence of God, of joy, of working together as a team, of being willing and ready to serve and love people we may never get to meet and of making new friends in some instances! It was a beautiful example of church family working at its best - a huge thank you to every single person who contributed to our hampers this year, showed up to wrap and brought the best of themselves!

I often wonder what Jesus would do if he came to our church... I imagine him serving people in The Well - loving each and every person who comes in as part of His family - giving excellently barista'd coffee to people who maybe won't have a hot drink at home and helping people to food from the community fridge so that their families don't go hungry. I imagine him on His knees in prophetic worship, dancing in lively worship, praying fervently for the lost souls and for salvation across Ashford... I imagine him hosting on a Sunday morning and having a good dance before the service to the countdown music - and I imagine Him sitting down to knit or crochet blankets for people who need comfort.

What I have just described isn't actually part of my imagination - Jesus is doing all of the above and so much more through each member of our church family who chooses to be used by Him to love our community - both church family and wider - He lives in you - and me - in all of us.

He has called us to love and serve our community - together. What a joy and privilege it is to be part of a church family with a huge heart for mission and the community! We get to partner with God in what He wants to do for eternity...

To each and every one of you reading this message - thank you for being part of our family. Thank you for being willing for God to use you. Thank you for the gifts you bring and the impact you make, both inside and outside the church. You are seen, known and loved - and we really do love you so very much.

Every blessing and much love as always.

Izzy xxxx

SUNDAY GATHERING - 10:30AM Join us this Sunday as we continue our series on Church Family. For those who are unable to attend in person please join us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y6iTyC5_nyc