Holding on to Hope in the Countryside

11 January 2026

The dark, cold days of January can bring a sense of gloom and lifelessness in the countryside. It’s a mood echoed in the lives of many in our farming community. There’s a sense that the potential of our fertile agricultural land to feed our people and protect our environment for future generations is being irrevocably damaged by forces beyond their control. It is a challenging environment in which to operate. The risk of losing hope has desperate consequences in an industry with one of the highest suicide rates.

This is one of the reasons that we invite our farming community to the diocesan Plough Sunday service. Here we offer the assurance that God’s love and blessing is with us even in the darkest times. And for those deeply connected to the land, it draws us to mirror the activity of the countryside.

Whilst the natural world appears lifeless in the harsh winter weather, the activity of nourishing roots to strengthen future growth is happening in the invisible depths of the soil.

Plough Sunday offers the invitation to nourish our invisible inner selves, to strengthen and protect us for the future. It’s my prayer that when much is beyond our control, resolve may be found when “faith, hope and love abide” (1 Corinthians 13.13) in our hearts.

The power of hope can be sensed around us when our eyes are open to it. Recently, I have been appointed as Chaplain to the Worshipful Company of Farmers. It is an honour to support Essex farmer, Jeremy Finnis, in his role as Master to the Company, beginning with his installation and blessing at The Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great in London. It has opened my eyes to hope for our farmers in unexpected places. Not only does the livery promote British farming at the heart of the City of London, but it’s also deeply committed to developing strong and innovative rural and agricultural leaders for the future. Their high-level courses provide top opportunities for younger farmers to resource and develop their leadership skills.

Please extend a warm invitation to anyone who works with the land to the Plough Sunday service at Thaxted Parish Church CM6 2PE, Sunday 11 January, 11.00am, and contact me on jnicholls@chelmsford.anglican.org for any connections to care and hope for our farming community.