If you are a regular church goer in our parishes, you may possibly have noticed that I haven’t been around in church – or anywhere else for that matter – since early October, having been limping badly for many months before that. I had a hip replacement several years ago, which had failed quite dramatically (hence the penguin like gait!) and so I’ve needed what is called a hip revision. It’s a lengthy and complicated operation and I can’t express enough my gratitude for the skill and care that I’ve received from my consultant and the staff at the Elective Orthopaedic Centre at Colchester, as well as the staff in the physiotherapy department at Ipswich hospital. Like many people in similar situations, I imagined that I would be fully recovered in a matter of weeks and so the pain, immobility and frustration at what I saw as a lack of progress over recent months have been extremely difficult. I’ve only been out a few times, other than to the hospital, but am finally – as of last week - down to one crutch with permission to walk without when I feel strong enough. It’ll be a good few months before I’m walking easily and without discomfort, but onwards and upwards. One of the main things that has kept me going and lifted my spirts in the intervening months has been the love and support I’ve received from friends, From the first texts “are you up for a visit yet?” shortly after I came out of hospital, to the cards, the folk who’ve visited, the friends who had a rota to help me with food and climbing the stairs when Paul had to go to London and to collect me from the hospital when he wasn’t available, to the videos of parts of the carol services forwarded to me before Christmas. And most importantly, the way that Paul, my husband has cared for me over recent months, taking the “in sickness and in health” in our marriage vows all those years ago to new levels! Though I can’t mention everything and everyone, it has all meant so much. I have been blessed. Whilst my experience is obviously personal, it’s made me reflect on how care and compassion are some of the foundations that hold our society together. Indeed Margaret Mead, anthropologist, is said to have commented that civilization began with a healed femur, explaining that the broken thigh bone had healed and the person whose bone it was had survived the injury. That, to her, showed that someone had cared for the injured individual (providing food, protection) when they couldn't help themselves, a hallmark of compassion and cooperation over pure survival-of-the-fittest. In other words, helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts. Of course, care and compassion for others are basic tenets of our Christian faith, too. Jesus said that what denoted his true followers, was the way they treated their fellows: true Christians were and are those who serve the needs of the vulnerable and needy. I know that there is already so much concern and care for others throughout our villages, but it’s always worth thinking again about anyone we know of who may need a visit, or help with shopping, or a lift somewhere; and you might think of telling someone in the village church now, as they can then help too. So, from the comfort of my chair, and writing, as I am, in mid January, may I wish everyone every good wish for 2026, and may showing love, care and compassion for others be one of our New Year resolutions.Rev'd Helen Norris Assistant Priest