28 June 2024
From the beginning of time, we were made to be in relationship. This is where we find meaning, purpose and hope.
When God says in Genesis 1:26 that ‘we’ should make man in ‘our’ image, it is made clear to us that we were created out of the loving relational community that is the Holy Trinity: God the Father, Jesus the Son and The Holy Spirit to be in a loving community with God and our fellow humans. This is why Jesus summarises the commandments to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39).
Hence, it is no surprise when the Bible says that whilst it is difficult for the individual to stand against the difficulties of the world, when three are gathered it is much easier (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Also, in the New Testament after Jesus has walked the earth, Paul encourages his disciples to not neglect meeting together but rather encourage one another because in community there is strength (Hebrews 10:25).
I like the way the African proverb then extends this truth about purpose and power in community to the raising of our kids reminding us that community is essential for this most difficult of tasks.
Hence, as an educational institution knowing our community; our partnership with our parents and families, is foundational to our success in educating young minds. It is only by working together, complimenting the truths taught at home, with those at school, that we can instil a deep understanding of identity and purpose in Christ so they have enduring hope.
We are so thankful for the way our parents partner with us for the success of our students. I have had many conversations and experiences this week that have reminded me that partnering together is one of our key reasons for our success at RCC.
So this week I would like to encourage you by pointing you to the bigger community that exists as a CEN school.
In reflecting on our desire to bring enduring hope I want to draw your attention to the Nurture magazine we send home each quarter. This month’s magazine has great articles that focus on how we bring hope to our community, eternal hope to our own life, hope for mental health, hope for parenting in an AI world, and how to build foundations of hope in our Creator.
So, your homework () for this week, or rather your encouragement, if you haven’t already, is to join in with the broader CEN community and pick up the magazine (which may still be in their bag!) and have a read – even if it is just one article.
It takes a village, and I am so appreciative of our village and the children we are raising together.
Blessings,
Jonno
