Love is at the heart of the Bishop of Norwich’s Christmas message to his diocese.
It was filmed in the church of St Michael and All Angels, Aylsham, alongside volunteers packing gifts for new mums and babies in need of some extra help.
Bishop Graham talks of the people across his diocese who carry the love of Jesus to those who are ill, grieving, heavy-burdened or distressed.
He was joined by volunteers from Bure Valley Bump Start, which was launched this year in the benefice of Aylsham, to support expectant mums finding it difficult to afford all the supplies and equipment needed to care for a new arrival.
They fill Moses baskets with practical gifts for new mums and babies, working with health professionals to get them to the families most in need.
The Bump Start team showed Bishop Graham some of the beautiful blankets and baby clothes, created by local volunteers, as well as gifts of new toiletries, towels, bedding and nappies.
If you know a family who could use some help from Bure Valley Bump Start please email the Revd Sally McCubbin, team vicar to the Bure Valley Churches, at mcsalVicar@outlook.com.
In his Christmas message Bishop Graham also mentions a similar scheme, based in St Nicholas Church, Dersingham, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
The volunteers from West Norfolk Baby Basics make up bespoke starter-packs tailored to the exact needs of each new mum and baby. Referrals come from healthcare professionals and charities and the gifts are sent to families facing challenges including poverty, homelessness, domestic violence and human trafficking.
In 2020 Catherine, Princess of Wales, paid a visit to the volunteers.
To find out more about West Norfolk Baby Basics visit baby-basics.org.uk/centre/west-norfolk
The Bishop of Norwich’s 2025Christmas message was filmed by Luke Bryant of Tile Media and also features Aylsham team rector the Revd Canon Julie Boyd, local mother and baby Alicia and Bobbie, who are part of the Aylsham benefice church family, and angel decorations made by members of the church toddler group.
