A service of prayer and thanksgiving took place earlier in the month for the rural churches in our diocese. It was led by the Hope for Rural Churches team, as part of the work of Flourishing Churches, exploring the theme of growth and how to hope in that space of growth.
A key verse for the service was taken from Matthew’s Gospel:
Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20b
The Revd Jenna Dearden, Rector of Arlesey with Astwick & Gravenhurst, Shillington and Stondon, spoke at the service, drawing on the wisdom of regenerative farming, which is a practice that fosters a deeper, more respectful relationship between farmers and the land. She reflected on how this nurturing, sustainable approach mirrors the life of faith: one that is courageous, collaborative and grounded in trust and hope.
Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed served as a central image. Though tiny, the seed holds immense potential, as do our smallest acts of faith. When these are nurtured in relationship with God and others, they can yield transformative growth. Jenna encouraged those present to embrace this vision: to offer their gifts, time, and commitment, trusting that God multiplies them for His Kingdom.
There were five interactive prayer stations where participants were invited to move around the space during the service. The idea of each station was to connect with different aspects of creation – these included stone, soil, wood, crops and water. The stations provided opportunities to hold, touch and engage with creation whilst reflecting upon how we sense God and meet with God in creation.
Jenna reflected after the service:
“It was great to feel the soil in our hands, get our fingers dirty and engage with physical elements in new ways through smell or hearing what they sound like!”
The music throughout the service was acapella, with a nod to the fact that not all settings have recorded music or musicians readily available and linked into the simplicity at the heart of ministry in rural settings. Bishop Jane concluded the service with words of blessing.
Jenna shared:
“My sense was that the service provided a creative, prayerful, reflective and welcoming space. I hope it enabled individual space and reflection in a gathered space with God at the centre. There was a real sense of shared participation and the gentle movement of God’s Holy Spirit as we were reminded and reawakened to God all around us and the hope this gives us.”
The Revd Kate Lomax, who helped organise the service, commented:
The service provided an opportunity for those in rural churches across our diocese to gather together for worship and prayer. We hope to offer more opportunities like this in the future.
Further opportunities to pray and engage
Prayer Gatherings
If you want to pray with others for the mission and ministry of the rural church, then do join our online prayer gatherings, the next one is on Wednesday 28 November at 8.30am. Click here to register your details and receive the online link.
Summer Conference
Please save the date for our Hope for Rural Churches Conference on Saturday 6 June 6 2025. More details to follow and a booking link, but the location will be Putteridge Bury, LU2 8LE.
More Information
If you would like more information on future Hope for Rural churches events or have any questions or feedback, please contact the Flourishing Churches team.