Love Rural Conference
21 October 2026
Sarah Hulme, Methodist Rural Mission & Ministry Officer, shares her blog after attending this week's Love Rural Conference.
How do I sum up a two-day gathering of 140 rural practitioners from all four corners of the UK? Buzzing.
Energy, enthusiasm and hope was shared across the conference, whilst acknowledging the many challenges that our rural contexts can present.
Plenty of wisdom and ‘golden nuggets’ to take back into our local contexts were shared through table conversations, workshops, keynotes and all the many informal networking spaces.
Methodists from eight rural districts came along to the event in small teams, with plenty of snippets of rural hope shared into the wider ecumenical space: from the joy of seaside baptisms to community partnerships providing mental health support.
From supporting new babies via local health service provision, to establishing worship in community allotment spaces. From engaging with local festivals and events, to offering hospitality and welcome to those new to the village.
From working alongside local housing associations, to having a waiting list to join the village discipleship group!
If you wish to join the rural hope network and connect with the wider rural support on offer, please do get in touch, I’d love to hear your stories of hope from your local context. hulmes@methodistchurch.org.uk
Sarah Hulme, Methodist Rural Mission & Ministry Officer