For the last five years we have adopted a Motto Verse to help focus our thinking and activities across the year. Later, we were interested to find that (as if we don't know it already - the writer of Ecclesiastes had something to say about is - that there is nothing new under the sun! Eccl 1.9) the Motto Verse has a proud tradition at St Matthew's , as it does in many churches. In 1912 the Motto Verse was from Galatians 2. 20 The Son of God . . . loved me and gave himself for me. More recently we have adopted these: 2019 Psalm 127.1 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. 2020 based on Nehemiah 5.15 Out of reverence for the Lord, I acted differently. 2021 John 10.10 I have come that you life in all its fullness 2022 Romans 12.12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer 2023 2 Tim 1-7 For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid: Instead the Spirit fills us with power, love and self-control. 2024 1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And we have been very grateful to Wendy Dobing of Dobing Designs who has given us some memorable artwork to accompany them: