In this week's video, Bishop Richard encourages those of us working hard in our local parishes to receive some words of encouragement.

'From the reading for Advent Sunday last week, we read of the apostle Paul’s affection for the Thessalonian church. "How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?" (1 Thessalonians 3:9).'

Bishop Richard suggests that perhaps 'the word we all need to hear amid the preparations for Christmas and general busy-ness of the season are those from Paul to the Thessalonians again ... – to hear those words from the Lord as spoken to us.'

Bishop Richard's weekly video #224

There is a transcript of this week's video on the diocesan website.