As the Bishop of Hereford, Bishop Richard Jackson, has said - far from being the church's forgotten edge, the countryside is an important place of creative ministry, as well as faithful continuity. It has been a privilege to spend time with Bishop Richard and congregations in this very rural diocese, and all those parishes working in and with our rural communities. Our clergy, lay leaders and agricultural chaplains are on the frontline of the pastoral response to challenges facing farming communities, from loneliness and isolation to the effects of climate change and increasing costs. Having spent time this weekend with farmers from across the diocese, I see there is much to celebrate in what God provides for our planet, and what He is doing in our villages and market towns.