Rural churches with farming communities traditionally host a Plough Service on the first Sunday after Epiphany, before the work starts in the fields on Plough Monday.
Across the diocese, in the rural heartlands of Leicestershire, farmers have long come together with their church communities to give thanks and pray for God’s blessing on those who work the land, and their families.
It’s a moment to pause, look at the land beneath our feet, and ask for a bit of help with the work ahead.
Barkby and St Mary's Church continue to observe the seasons and festivals of the agricultural calendar, and marked the new year with a Plough Sunday service.
Generations of local families - including the Mounts, Kirks, and Wintertons - have ploughed the fields in the village making them ready to sow the crops to feed both animals and humans.
On Sunday 11 January, farmers, villagers and the church community, gathered around the plough during a service of dedication to bless the plough, the seeds and soil, and to give thanks to God for his creation.
Simple refreshments were served and enjoyed by all following the service.
Over at St James the Greater Church, in Oaks and Charnwood, the farming community joined together to pray ‘God speed the plough’.
Bringing the efforts of the farmers and their families before God, they blessed the plough in church and the tractors in the snowy car park, before enjoying hot soup and rolls together.
Read more about the tradition of Plough Sunday.