I hope that work and studies have resumed smoothly and that the holiday season gave you time for rest and maybe some peaceful reflection at the turn of another year.

For myself, I have been thinking back over my first year as Lead Chaplain at Loughborough and all the good things I can remember – such as the Interfaith work we’ve supported through the Chaplaincy and all that I’ve learned from students as I’ve watched them find ways to share their own faith with students of other faiths and none. If only we could all learn to explore and live alongside differences in the way these students demonstrate is possible!

With a staff focus, I think of the times when I have been welcomed to events led by our Staff Networks, where I have begun to get to know colleagues from across the University and gain a greater sense of the diversity that makes Loughborough such a vibrant and dynamic community. I have a lot more meeting people to do this year!

There are many things about 2024 that I will choose to remember. Of course, in the Chaplaincy, we’re also aware that life can bring joy and challenge in equal measure.

We will most likely spend the next few days wishing each other well as we reconnect at the beginning of the new year, but perhaps for you these wishes ring a bit hollow as you continue to notice the loss of someone special, or something unexpected happened during the holiday which has left you searching for some familiar and safe ground.

If this holiday was the first time you marked Christmas and New Year without someone significant, or you are struggling to hold the reality of your time away alongside all the stories you’re hearing of others’ holiday experiences, don’t be alone in this: if you would like to talk to someone, please get in touch with us in the Chaplaincy and we’ll be happy to listen.

With so many things going on in the world that adversely affect our wellbeing, it’s good to take time to notice the positive stories that can help lift our spirits. The University’s news page regularly reports and celebrates the impact of new research and the phenomenal, personal achievements of members of our staff and student body. Alongside keeping up with what’s happening across the University community, I also try to keep pace with other significant stories in the world, particularly looking for other good news, like the story I heard before Christmas of Mama Nour, a steely character, determinedly bringing love and hope to orphan children and frightened mothers amidst the war in Sudan.

Closer to home, a cup of coffee with Rachel Burden, proprietor of Café Hope is always good for the soul. I hadn’t realised until just before Christmas that EHB café offers its own blend of Café Hope style generosity through its ‘pay-it-forward’ board where you can buy a drink/some food for someone as a gift. Maybe that’s the way we all need to begin the year by paying forward a gift to someone else. It might not be a cup of coffee, perhaps there’s something else that’s needed. Perhaps you too can be a listener and offer the gift of presence.

Gifts have been on my mind again this week, as Christians return to the story of Christmas: either as a conclusion to the story they re-told and celebrated on 24/25 December, remembering how the Magi travellers from Eastern lands journeyed and eventually found and worshipped the infant Christ; or alternatively, for Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar, as they celebrate the birth of Christ: this year on Tuesday 7 January.

Those recalling the visit of the Magi are marking a festival known as Epiphany which falls today, 6 January, and remembers the occasion when Christ is made known to all peoples: the Magi travellers themselves representing those who had not previously heard of his arrival and the meaning of his birth. Listening to this story yesterday, I reflected on how it might resonate with the University community at the beginning of this new year. What words of encouragement and hope might the Magi be whispering today?

I thought of the commitment and determination shown by the Magi and reflected on how the same enduring spirit would also be seen in students and staff as they push on through physical, intellectual, and spiritual challenges in the coming year. I wondered how the ancient travellers might inspire us to listen for wisdom and to persevere.

I listened as the Magi’s search for truth and answers led them to a place where they were known and welcomed as members of a worldwide community. I thought of the Loughborough community, and the need for us to offer an openhearted welcome to one another as together we seek knowledge and look for ways to apply this in the service of others.

I thought of how, on their long journey, the Magi overcame obstacles and moved on from their mistakes, and I reflected on how this will be mirrored in the individual and collective resources that will be used to break new ground across the University in the coming days and months, despite the setbacks that will come. A reminder for us to help each other to look up and look onwards with hope.

Finally, I wondered at the still unrealised possibilities for collaboration and creativity across our community that will lead to even greater discoveries and more good news this year.

‘When they saw… they were overwhelmed with joy.’ Matthew 2:10

So, as we begin 2025:

May we not be disappointed in our hope.
May we journey well together – both encouraging the weary and celebrating all that is good.
And as we find our way, may we also know times of overwhelming joy.

Pax et bonum - Peace and all good

Elizabeth York
Lead Chaplain

Email: e.j.york@lboro.ac.uk