I have been interested in mission to the rural community since the last Foot and Mouth crisis. Travelling from home to Slough I passed fields of cows, which one day were no longer there. Knowing virtually nothing about the diseases or farming in general I contacted Glyn Evans, the diocesan rural officer, and as they say the rest is history.

I have become more and more aware of our need to cherish our countryside in a realistic way and to support those who grow our food. We should also understand that the effects on rural communities of the dream of living in the countryside that many town dwellers have should be carefully thought through. Within the deanery of Burnham and Slough, there are large areas of countryside, but most people think only of the town itself. And of course the diocese may well have some large conurbations, but large swathes of countryside dotted with farms and villages are the norm.

We have hosted a farm shop in a town centre church; local fresh and handmade produce ranging from goose eggs to flavoured rape seed oil, buffalo meat to chutneys, potatoes to savoury pies brought by local people were on sale. Good quality food, fresh from farms and small producers are better for us and for the environment, and we hope that it brought local produce to the notice of Slough residents. 

As a rural officer working in a town centre I hope I bring a contrasting spirituality and view of ministry to the team. The difference between urban and rural ministry is marked, and needs to be fully understood. The spiritual, social and material needs of those living and working in the countryside, need to be addressed in a way which is appropriate to the rural context. It is very different to ministry in Slough, Milton Keynes or Oxford. The Church of England is very often the only expression of church for many miles; its clergy, lay ministers and congregations are the only people showing the love of Jesus to individuals and communities unable to reach churches in larger towns and cities, where denominations and congregations may be large, and where every expression of churchmanship is available.

Our rural missioners need to be all things to all men as St Paul might have said. They are school governors, chaplains to farmers and rural shows, chair village hall committees and care for the spiritual needs of many individuals and far-flung communities. They need the help of 4x4s and tractors in the winter and constantly have their wellingtons in the car. The church calendar reflects the changing seasons and the farming year, as well as the religious feast days – all opportunities for mission and celebration. Thank God for the Church of England that still maintains a Christian presence across our land. There may never be mega churches in the countryside, but however small a congregation we must thank God that they continue to prayerfully support their local communities, and above all join together in worship of the God who created our beautiful world.