It was wonderful to see so many of you yesterday at Hove Methodist Church for our Harvest Festival, especially those of you attending your first ever St Christopher’s event. My piece for today is drawn from my words yesterday, so that those who were not with us can hear my Harvest message to our community.
Sharing with others is both a duty and a joy. In my address to the school yesterday, being a keen gardener, I used the metaphor of my allotment. Some years I have an absolute overflow of produce, far more than I can use. I could let it all go on the compost heap, or I could share with anyone I choose; family, friends, or even total strangers.
There is a saying I really like that says, “When you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence”. It is a reminder that we should share what we have. All of the major religions around the world agree on this. Sharing what we have with others, and those who have less, is important and the right thing to do.
Beyond a metaphor of too many courgettes, there is a reality that our older children should be very aware of. Pupils at St Christopher’s live far more comfortable lives than many in our city, and it is our duty to give back to our community. At Harvest time we give thanks for what we have, take the time to share with others, and perhaps think about the things we take for granted that others cannot – a bed to sleep in and clean, dry clothes, for example.
Giving back is not just a matter of raising funds; Years 4 and 7 gave the gift of their time on Tuesday to help with a rewilding project at the Knepp Estate near Horsham.
If you haven’t yet donated to our Harvest Appeal on behalf of The Clock Tower Sanctuary, you can do so here St Christopher’s Prep – The Clock Tower Sanctuary.
Finally, I would like to wish a Happy New Year to all those in our community who celebrated Rosh Hashanah this week.
Ms Elizabeth Lyle, Head