The Lightwave Community started a Rural and Agricultural Chaplaincy to strengthen the work of the diocese in reaching out with God's love to those working on the land and in rural industries. Originally working as a Lightwave ministry alongside the amazing Canon Sally Fogden, this Ministry is nolonger led by Lightwave but continues under the Diocesan Department of Ministry and Mission. Lightwave now just cheer from the sidelines!
The Agricultural Chaplaincy Team includes Graham Miles, Linda Preston and Sue Coles. Together they build relationships and support the farming community. Graham and Linda are licensed lay ministers, available on the phone or for pastoral visits, especially for members of the rural community suffering with depression, anxiety or just to give a little encouragement.
With Sue, they also help at agricultural shows and events and help local churches and others to understand and connect with rural issues. They continues a 24-hour help line, supporting agricultural shows, helping benefices to organise farming community breakfasts and promoting the celebration of agricultural festivals.
Contact me if you are in the farming or agricultural community and would like support, prayer or a safe space to talk. I'm reaching out to the farming and rural communities across Suffolk.
Contact me for Agricultural Chaplaincy support.
Contact me to find out more about Rural Chaplaincy in Suffolk and connect with our chaplains.
"My role as Rural & Agricultural Chaplain for Suffolk has grown. I have been reaching out to farming and rural countryside communities across Suffolk and beyond. People can call me at any time when dealing with depression, loneliness, anxiety or suicidal thoughts. For some farmers it is a challenge to attend church on a Sunday because of farming commitments like feeding livestock, calving, lambing season and the the arable farms with drilling and harvesting. When I contact them either by phone or a farm visit l am taking God's Love to them. I am being church and remembering church is not just a building, it’s a family.
Remember God’s light shines even in the darkest of places."
Graham Miles, Diocesan Agricultural Chaplain
As the work of the Agricultural Chaplaincy is transitioning to the wider Diocesan Ministry and Mission, it is currently still possible to give to the work of the diocesan Rural and Agricultural Chaplaincy through the Lightwave Community. click below
Give Now
Thanks so much for your support. Every penny will go directly to support the chaplaincy team and their work around the county
The Lightwave Rural Chaplaincy works with St Edmundsbury to promote the celebration of agricultural festivals throughout the county. Below, you can find resources for celebrating agricultural festivals in local churches together with a video of Harvest festival 2022. You can find more details of our county-wide events such as Plough Sunday, Rogation, Pentecost, Lammas and Harvest here
The Cchaplaincy is pleased to be associated with the Royal Countryside Fund.
Find out more about how the Royal Countryside Fund are helping rural communities here.
