CHRISTIAN COMMENT: A fond farewell to a town full of promise

IT DOESN’T seem long since I arrived in Littlehampton to be involved in the Littlehampton United Church and in the town.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Aug 2014, 10:12 BST
Rev Andy Lowe who is leaving Littlehampton this monthRev Andy Lowe who is leaving Littlehampton this month
Rev Andy Lowe who is leaving Littlehampton this month

Yet three years have passed in what seems like the blink of an eye. But as I prepare to move, let me say just a couple of things.

It’s been a joy and a privilege to be part of Littlehampton Churches Together and involved in thinking how best we may be part of, and serve in, the community.

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There has been the inevitable need for change and some of those changes have brought pain. The closure of HOMElink was a very painful process for all involved in the invaluable work the charity did.

I am glad that over the last few months much of the work they were doing has been taken on by others – namely Worthing Churches Homeless Trust, Stonepillow and the Littlehampton Food Bank, working with the support of the town’s churches.

And though some areas of work have not been continued, there are new opportunities being made.

So I hope that through all of this, all residents of Littlehampton may know that when times are hard, there is someone they can turn to, whether that be via church or government.

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We all have a duty – regardless of whether we are Christian, people of faith, or people who would say they have no faith – to care for the vulnerable in our society.

So what will I take from my time here? Well, firstly, I have felt a big, warm welcome. From all the churches I have visited or been to meetings in. There has been nothing other than welcome. And that welcome is there for anyone and everyone. Don’t just take my word for it – go and see and experience it for yourself.

Secondly, I have felt the passion of many in the churches to serve this town and make it a better place for all people. Since October, 2012 Arun Angels volunteers have walked some of the town’s streets to help make the area feel safer

Various other projects run by churches individually and together all contribute to the well-being of the town. Many Christians also serve in different organisations and at different levels of government to create and build a better and more caring society.

So thank you, all of you. And may God bless you, that you may be a blessing to others.