I hope that Roxton Congregational Chapel won’t mind me using the photo I took at the weekend, as they celebrated their Harvest Festival. It reminded me of how it used to be in all churches and chapels across the country, especially in the rural communities, when just about everyone attended a service of thanksgiving for the harvest. Of course, we were much more reliant on our farmers then and not so much on the imports that we now get, bringing fruit and vegetables from across the world, giving us many things throughout the whole year rather than seasonally. I can certainly remember waiting for the strawberry season, when from the garden, we would pick strawberries but only for a short season, and likewise for a lot of fruit and vegetables.
We are all fortunate to have the pick of all the fruits of the earth, many from far off places, and the skills that mean they can stay fresh during their journey from the four corners of the world. All of these gifts, talents and attributes of knowledge are to be celebrated as we come together and give thanks to God. At the same time, we must give thanks for those in the far-off places whose hard work in growing, nurturing and reaping their harvest brings all these wonderful things to our shops and supermarkets.
We will soon be holding the Harvest Festivals in our Benefice churches, as listed below, and you would be most welcome to come and join us in the celebration of Harvest, as we give thanks to God for his creation that sustains us throughout the seasons of the year.
May I wish you God’s love and peace
Revd Graham
Our Harvest Festivals:
Blunham 27th September @ 11am
Tempsford 27th September @ 6pm
Roxton 4th October @ 11am
Great Barford 4th October @ 6pm
